The Spink Corporation provided architecture and structural engineering for this expansion of an existing sheet metal shop in an historic district characterized by industrial and commercial buildings from the late 1880s. The design met the owner's goals for a project that blended with surrounding historic buildings, reflected the nature of his business as a sheet metal fabricator and contractor, was constructed within a modest budget, and provided a building that could be converted to other future uses, such as offices. The building uses a form typical of vernacular industrial buildings, with a brick exterior, arched window openings and metal roof. The west elevation is divided into a double gable that reduces the height of the building and maintains its scale in relation to adjacent structures.
Clerestory windows allow in maximum natural light without allowing direct views from the street.
To reduce construction cost, recycled brick was used that was stockpiled by the owner from previous demolitions in the area. The building also used a pre-engineered steel frame for further cost savings. A reduced roof height maintained the scale of the building for conversion to future office use and space was provided for additional windows to be placed below existing window openings. The project received a Jury Recognition Award from the American Institute of Architects in the 1996 Design Awards Program.