Central Oil

The project is the historic rehabilitation of the Central Oil Works building for multi-purpose re-use. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource to the East Des Moines Industrial Historic District. The building comprises three sections: the 1874, 3-story brick factory; a 1916, 1-story brick and concrete rear addition; and an alleyway on the south that was enclosed in 1920 (also considered an addition to the 1874 building). The period of significance is 1874-1959. The entire building is visually characterized by its historic industrial function with exposed post-and-beam structural system in the 1874 and 1916 sections; steel post-and-beam structure in the 1920 section; wood plank floors in the 1874 section; concrete floors in the 1916 and 1920 sections; and brick interior walls throughout.

This mixed-use project serves as a brewery on the first floor, offices on the 2nd floor of the 1874 factory, and 4 residential units on the 3rd floor of the 1874 factory. The 1920 section houses a new staircase and serves as a covered egress court. In all spaces, retention of the industrial character was a driving factor in the selection of all treatments, with care taken in the placement of necessary functional spaces (e.g., restrooms); vertical circulation (elevators/stairs); treatment of historic finishes; replacement of windows; and mechanical/fire/safety systems. Completed date: 2020, Project Owner: Tim Rypma, Contractor: Hildreth Construction, Photographer: Cameron Campbell