Kregel Windmill Factory
Scope of Work
Renovation
Berggren Architects renovated the Kregel Windmill Factory.
Location
Nebraska City, NE
History
The Kregel Family first occupied the structure in 1902 when they started their windmill factory.
Completion
This project was completed in 2012.
The Challenge
The Kregel Windmill Factory is one of our most unique and challenging preservation projects. Berggren Architects was instructed not to alter or touch any of the factory’s remaining machinery, tools, or artifacts during preservation and renovation. The interior remained dark and cluttered and the smell of oil-soaked wood permeated the air, as if the factory had been operational up until the current day. Iron filings and cakes of spilled grease sat under the lath and other equipment. Tools and essential parts, waiting to be utilized and assembled, laid everywhere. These were all essential elements illustrating the factory’s history and needed to be preserved for the museum’s method of storytelling.
There were multiple issues with building and fire code compliance. The electrical wiring was make-shift and the building featured original and still-functioning “knife” switches. Original knob-and-tube wiring was integrated with Romex wiring. There was no insulation and no apparent place where it could be added since every nook and cranny was being fully utilized. The existing stone foundation did not extend below the frost line which allowed the building to move as the soil expanded and contracted through the seasons.
Our focus was to preserve as much as possible while meeting current code requirements and creating a memorable visitor experience.
Notes:
Museum board members agreed with the proposal from the consultants that the Kregel Windmill Factory, which existed for six decades, be interpreted as it appeared in the year 1939. This specific year was chosen as it epitomizes the peak period of windmill manufacturing. Due to the war effort, raw materials for manufacturing became increasingly difficult to acquire. The company would then shift most of its focus to well service and windmill pump repair. very few windmills were manufactured after World War II as the company relied almost exclusively on maintenance and repairs.
An interpretive date of 1939 permits the museum board to retain an exceptionally large proportion of the contents of the factory in place.
The Strategy
In order to comply with fire code requirements, a meeting a site with the State Fire Marshall's Plan Examiner, the Deputy Fire Marshall who serves this area, and the City's Building Inspector convened to negotiate an appropriate solution. The consensus was to limit the maximum occupancy within the factory to 42. The code requirements are much less stringent for occupancy under 50.
There was insufficient space to run duct-work and other essential utilities under the building due to limited crawl space. The solution was to construct an attic over the original roof so fire sprinkler pipes, alarm systems, electrical wiring and HVAC duct-work could exist above the original roof. Four columns were set in place within the factory to support two large trusses positioned over the columns. The attic space between trusses allowed us to route mechanical system throughout the structure.
Notes:
The existing lean-to was reconstructed to house the HVAC, fire sprinklers, and pump equipment. The reconstruction matches the original footprint and is sided with the original metal. This portion of the factory is fully insulated.
The non-compliant electrical system was made compliant by reducing the voltage to 32 volts. Virtually all of the wiring which existed in 1939 could be left in place. A modern electrical system was added to provide a few convenience outlets, modern security, and task lighting.
The corrugated metal off the side of the building was salvaged. A new structural wall was constructed against the existing side wall of the factory. The wall supports the new roof as well as a cavity for code–required insulation. The original metal siding was reinstalled on the new wall to maintain the authenticity of the factory exterior.
On the interior of the building, we created new but simple wood boxes between the original roof joists to provide a location for lights, diffusers, and sprinkler heads.
A natural path between machines—virtually an assembly line—already existed. The original floor of the path had been irregular and posed a trip hazard. We directed the path to be covered with plywood and industrial carpet surface for safety. We also ensured that new railings were installed along both sides of the path to prevent accidental visitor contact with the machines and artifacts. The railing was constructed from the same material which was used to construct metal windmill towers.
To meet exit requirements the original in-swinging front doors were fixed in the open position. Replica doors, swinging in the required direction of egress were installed in place.
The Results
The historical front facade is restored and is open to the public. The building has new fire sprinklers, an electrical system, and an HVAC system which properly conditions the space, protecting the historic artifacts for future
The goals for the project were to (1) Make public visitation safe & meaningful, (2) Create a year-round museum capable of daily operations, and (3) Provide an interactive experience utilizing multi-media presentations.
More about the
Arts & Cultural Centers
Category
Since the 1980s, we’ve worked with some of the nation’s leading conservators to assess museum facilities across the Midwest. With decades of experience, we have the sensitivity necessary to preserve and protect the priceless collections held in museums across the country.
Our team has experience detailing the optimal environments for all types of collections which hold all forms of artwork, artifacts, documents of antiquity, and objects of natural history. We have provided post-assessment services for many museums, including grant-funded reassessments and corrective construction projects.
Our Process
We listen to you
We are preservation architects, let’s get together and talk about your project. Once we know your ideas, we can start your project in the right directions.
We involve you in the planning
We make it happen
What We Offer
Restoration
We offer restoration and preservation of your historic structures. Using extraordinary materials and craftsmanship, our historic structures are a lasting tribute to the people for whom they were built.
Consulting
We offer consulting services to both general clients and professional clients in sharing our knowledge and expertise in the area of historic preservation. Our master planning and preservation planning prepares our clients to be better able to plan for the life of their historic structures and districts.
New Construction
We know the meaning of sustainability because of our in-depth work with structures which have stood the test of time. We offer sustainable and green new construction which is historically sympathetic, including in the form of additions.
Our Team
Jerry L. Berggren, AIA
Garry Martin
Farheen Sirajuddin
Janet Jeffries
Alexi Caines
Kameron Dadgostar
Leroy Svatora, AIA
Maegan Ludena-Llanos
Grace Shepherd
Sharon Guchu
