Northern Design Works provides a full range of services to owners of Historic Buildings. Projects can involve renovations, restorations, and adaptive re-use of old buildings. We have provided designs from small entrance additions to complete building restorations.

We can provide property condition assessments to describe the condition of buildings and plan for needed repairs and renovations. We can also provide assistance in obtaining listing on the National Register of Historic Places for buildings that qualify. This was recently done with the City of Negaunee's 1910 fire station.

An important step in many projects is the master planning of renovations. This allows a budget to be created and work to be prioritized and phased as finances allow. Once an overall plan is established, Northern Design Works can provide the detailed design, bidding services, and construction administration to see the work through. We are currently working with the Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council on their restoration of the Vista Theater. A master plan was prepared to address their needs and phase the work according to the owner's priorities. Phase I of the restoration is currently underway including roof replacement and window and door restoration.

One of our ongoing projects is the restoration of Northern Design Works new home, a historic railroad station. The building was built as a freight and passenger depot in 1880 to replace an older station that burned. The Duluth, South Shore, and Atlantic railroad built an adjacent brick passenger station around 1910 and the wood station was then used for freight only. The building had previously been used as an art gallery and offices.