Mix of Old and New
Once through the planning and approvals stages, Dodi and Saenger enlisted the help of Cushing Terrell, an integrated architecture and engineering firm, to bring the mill to life. The result: a safe gathering space for residents and a unique destination for those who live in surrounding areas.
The footprint of the mill was left largely unchanged, and many of the original structures were preserved. When parts, pieces or structures couldn’t be saved, materials, like wood trusses, floor joists and shiplap, were salvaged for tenant build-outs, examples of which can be seen in Buda Bike Co., a current tenant of the mill.
The largest of the site’s buildings is a 6,000-square-foot, steel-framed equipment barn, nicknamed Big’un. It measures roughly 120-feet long by 60-feet wide. Taking advantage of the simple, modular elegance of its structural system, the walls of the first bay were removed to create a Texas-sized covered porch that faces Main Street. A glass wall delicately defines the back of the first bay to fully enclose the remainder of the building, which is slated for a future retail space, restaurant and/ or brewery. The thinly detailed glass wall was made possible using insulated steel mullions. Supporting the mullions behind the glass wall, surplus steel columns removed during Big’un’s renovation were repurposed to provide structural support. The original metal roof, historic silos and overhead augur were integrated into the final design as a nod to the site’s former use. The auger became the armature for the new Buda Mill & Grain Co. sign, designed by Cushing Terrell, and the silos, though currently empty, are thought to be slated for use soon.
The historic, 3,000-square-foot, brick cotton gin building was kept largely intact with work limited to stabilizing the structure and adding a modest addition to the rear. Exposed steel and concrete additions complement the existing brick while making clear the distinction between what’s historic and what’s modern. Trees and coated glass in the windows with a 0.23 solar-heat-gain coefficient block the hot, Texas sun. These features provide comfort while preserving views of the historic building, resulting in an inviting space where patrons can meet and linger. Bricks removed during the renovation were salvaged and repurposed to fix holes and damaged brick elsewhere. Board-formed concrete site walls provide space for signage, and concrete pathways guide visitors through the complex.
The main challenge according to Alex Bingham, Cushing Terrell’s architecture project lead and designer, was balancing the new with the old. “We kept the rusty metal bits and framed them with black steel and glass,” Bingham says. “The new work enhances what is already there without being bashful that it is new. I hope that the mill keeps this spirit moving forward so that generations in the future will still have the memories of the past.”
Community Hub
Awarded the Texas Downtown Association 2018 Best Economic Game Changer project, which recognizes projects or programs that had a measurable impact on a downtown or commercial district, the development has attracted local businesses and patrons alike. The leasing of the spaces has happened gradually and organically even as the renovations were underway. Local entrepreneurs would stop by the mill office to pitch their visions for occupying the space until nearly every location was occupied. The Ellises wanted to attract a mix of tenants, who would collectively support one another. Current tenants include a bakery, salon, yoga studio, mercantile, coffee and cocktail café, art gallery, boutique and bike shop, as well as one franchise.
With only Big’un and the silos awaiting occupancy, the development has significantly increased leasable space in the downtown sector. In fact, tentative plans to build a multi-story office building on the south end of the 8-acre property, as well as renovate a house on the north end, are currently in discussion. This very central revitalization effort opened the doors for local, small businesses to be a part of the downtown transformation. In addition, Buda Mill & Grain now hosts several community events, including the Buda Farmer’s Market, held every Sunday year-round, and South Main Music Nights, a recurring summer concert series.
Just like when Buda Mill & Grain Co. operated for the local agricultural community, its new chapter provides opportunity and experiences that keep locals engaged and coming back. The venue has become a place for Buda locals and other Texans to meet friends and build community.
Retrofit Team
ARCHITECT, MECHANICAL ENGINEER, ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, FIRE PROTECTION, SIGNAGE DESIGN: Cushing Terrell; Sheri Blattel, project manager/ principal in charge; Alex Bingham, architecture project lead and designer; Brad Thigpen, architect of record; Joshua McCalip, mechanical and plumbing engineer; Buckley Parks, electrical engineer
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Buda Mill & Grain Co.
CIVIL ENGINEER: Southwest Engineers Inc.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Hollingsworth Pack
SIGNAGE FABRICATOR: Sign Crafters Inc.
Materials
STEEL DOORS AND WINDOWS: Presidio Steel Doors & Windows
EXTERIOR CORRUGATED METAL PANELS, BIG’UN: Berridge
SHEATHING: Zip System from Huber Engineered Woods
GLAZING: SunGuard SNX 51/23 insulated glass from Guardian
GARAGE DOOR: Overhead Door
PHOTOS: PETER MOLICK
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