State and federal historic tax credits were a key financial tool for converting an underutilized warehouse to in-demand housing.

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CHALLENGE

The Michaud Brothers Manufacturing Building in Lowertown Saint Paul had been underutilized for manufacturing, artist studios, and storage for decades. The concrete building has extensive original steel windows, exposed concrete structure, and a unique birdcage elevator. The growing demand for housing in Saint Paul presented an opportunity to revitalize the building to meet the growing housing needs of the neighborhood.

SUCCESS

New History worked with the development and design team to complete a comprehensive reuse and redevelopment of the building. New History led the Minnesota state and federal historic tax credit certification process. Retaining and repairing key features, like the steel windows and birdcage elevator, were critical design and construction components of the successful project. The recent history of artists’ studios is honored in the building’s feature mural by Ta-coumba Aiken.