top of page

SCHMID INNOVATION CENTER | CARADCO LOFTS

Location: Dubuque, IA

Square Foot: 186,000 SF

Sector: Multi-Family Housing, Commercial, Historic Rehabilitation, Build To Suit

Services Rendered: Owner, Developer, Project Manager, Construction Manager, Contractor

The first project in the Dubuque Millwork District was the CARADCO Building, now known as the Schmid Innovation Center/CARADCO Lofts. The Carr, Adams, & Collier Company (CARADCO) Main Plant Building is a former millwork factory in what was, at one time, the nation’s largest window and door manufacturing district.

 

The CARADCO Building, restored and managed by Gronen, fills an entire city block and was built between 1880 and 1906. It’s adjacent to Dubuque’s downtown, walkable, working class neighborhoods. By establishing a vibrant mix of residential, commercial/retail, and non-profit tenants, the CARADCO Building creates the “Sense of Place” that exhibits the qualities of true urbanism—density, diversity, energy, and sociability.

 

The CARADCO Building has three floors above grade plus a lower level. The first floor is comprised of commercial, retail, and office space. The lower level houses the Millwork Collective, a multi-tenant organization supporting non-profits and community initiatives. Co- location and shared services allow these groups to operate more efficiently, generate increased impact, and focus on mission. The second and third levels are home to 72 one and two bedroom Workforce Housing and Market Rate apartments.

Sustainable Features

  • Diverted 90% of construction waste from landfills

  • Company and design philosophy looks not only at first costs but life cycle costs

    • Example: concrete floors vs. gyp-crete/carpeted floors

      • Concrete houses heating system and provides a healthier surface

      • Gyp-crete/carpet not as durable and requires continued replacement

  • Fresh air ventilation system

  • Radon mitigation system

  • Low VOC paints/materials throughout construction n Green building standards and housekeeping

  • Occupancy/motion sensors throughout building

  • Energy Star appliances

  • Multi-stage high efficiency boiler system utilizing in-floor hea

  • Efficient chiller system for A/C

  • Low-flow water fixtures

  • Reduced A/C load by approximately 30% by installing a reflective roof

  • R50 insulation on roof

  • LED lighting in all common areas

  • Gas conservation equipment, which reduces gas usage up to 30%

  • 2013: Added a 72 panel solar array on the roof. The electrical energy generated will provide approximately 26,000 kilowatt-hours of energy annually and will offset a significant amount of the building’s common area energy requirements

  • Interior/exterior drain tiles to protect lower level

  • Backed up existing pumps with diesel generator in event of storms

  • Capture courtyard water through the permeable paver system

  • Recycling receptacles in each apartment and separate trash/recycling chutes on each floor n All egress lighting on back-up generator system

Awards

Dubuque 365 Impact Awards

Historic Preservation—2012

Dubuque Main Street Award

Best Total Building Rehabilitation—2013

 

Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance—Preservation At Its Best Award

Best Commercial—2013

Ken Kringle Historic Preservation Award

Excellence in Historic Preservation—2012

Main Street Iowa Award for Exceptional Revitalization

Best Total Building Rehabilitation—2013

Preservation Iowa

Preservation at Its Best Award , Large Projects—2013

 

Tony Goldman Award established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and NTCIC

Winner—2015

bottom of page