| Year(s) Listed: • 2023 |
| City/Town: • Lawrence |
| Location Class: • Commercial |
| Built: 1912 | Year Saved: |
| Awards: • Merit Award |
| Contributor: Kansas Preservation Alliance |
The historic character of the Newmark Building was not only retained, and preserved but improved. Hernly Associates, Inc performed Architectural services associated with the project.
The building currently houses retail on the first level and residential apartments on the second level. Prior to an electrical fire in October 2019, an axe-throwing business was in this location, with minimal access to the basement or second floor. It now has basement storage, an independent bookstore on the first floor (Publisher’s Weekly 2022 Bookstore of the Year) and two apartments on the second floor.
A primary focus of the renovation was to restore the original second floor area to its original function of residential occupancy. Structural, code and safety improvements were made to the entire building, false framed ceilings were removed. Tin ceilings were salvaged and re-installed; brick and mortar repairs were also made.
The storefront level has a recessed centered entry flanked by large display windows with masonry bulkheads. The second story has a large central window panel with a band of five fixed sash windows. Above the windows is a stone plaque carved with “1865 NEWMARK’s 1912”. Additionally, significant framing issues were repaired by sistering with existing wood framing, and windows were restored to their original configuration which inturn allows for roof access and egress for the residential units.