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Description: 
This adaptive reuse housing an outpatient clinic, administrative
offices and child’s play area for Meta House helps women with substance
addiction reclaim their lives. Adjacent to its residential treatment
facility in a former rectory and convent on a historic block, the
three-story, 34,000 SF facility converts a grammar school leased from
St. Casimir Church into functional space serving nearly 150 women and
their children annually on a campus-like setting in Milwaukee’s
Riverwest neighborhood.
Outgrowing their existing outpatient and administrative space one-half
mile away, Meta House approached GLOthink through a Board connection to
consider expansion options. GLOthink conducted a space analysis of their
existing facility while looking at potential new properties, eventually
focusing on the school building.
GLOthink worked within the historic character of the block. Limited
exterior remodeling and modifications complement existing architectural
elements, in accordance with Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission
(HPC) guidelines.
Addressing the more extensive interior remodeling, GLOthink reinforced
the existing floor structure to meet new tenant loads, and limited
demolition to avoid asbestos contamination.
The team organized the program along the first and second floors and
part of the basement, with the third floor left as a gymnasium/assembly
hall. The plan subdivides classrooms into offices, consulting spaces,
two group rooms, waiting area, and children’s play area on the first
floor, and additional offices, conference rooms and break room on the
second floor. The basement accommodates overflow and dining. Interior
details include durable finishes, new lighting and color coding along
corridors to reinforce wayfinding.
The team additionally replaced one stairwell with a limited-access
elevator, provided accessible exits and entrances throughout, improved
sound insulation, upgraded fire-safety sprinkler systems, and designed
resource-efficient mechanical and plumbing systems to meet sustainable
standards.
The project was recognized with the 2009 C.G. Schmidt Ovation Award for
Corporate Support.
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