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Jones & Magnus Attorneys at Law |
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Brunton Architects was retained to provide architectural design services for the total “make over” of the old Kato Tool Building located at 212 Madison Ave. in Mankato, Minnesota. The transformation of the retail building into a law firm office building had many challenges. The before and after photographs help illustrate just how extensive the face lift and interior remodeling projects were. After discovery of the City of Mankato plans to reconstruct the boulevard systems on Madison Avenue and add a much needed stop light on Second Avenue, we carefully designed the parking lot layout, new entrance system, and the entire exterior face lift to orient towards the major intersection at Madison and 2nd Avenue. New punched window openings admit light deep within the existing building and transform the once dark retail spaces into office spaces with great views and natural light. Large metal canopies cover the windows from extensive heat gain in the summer, yet allow ample natural light to penetrate into the spaces in the winter, spring, and fall months. High performance glass was used on this project to help minimize the heating and cooling costs of the building. Both high performance tinted and reflective glass systems, metal accent bands, and standing seam metal all helped to give this building its unique “cutting edge” architectural character.
Some amenities provided in the design of the building include; a large lobby and waiting area, various work rooms, open office spaces, break room, conference rooms, private executive offices, and additional tenant space located on the second level of the building for lease. The existing parking lots were redesigned, retaining wall systems installed, and new sidewalks placed to accommodate the new uses of the building.
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