Fairview Building
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Fairview Building is among the outstanding office buildings located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The building was initially constructed way back in 1961, but recently underwent heavy renovation on the interior to give it a touch of modernity. It features a mix of ceramic tiles at the first story and cream brick veneer with cream-colored brick at upper floors, offering it a very classic and sophisticated look. Renovations included installing stainless steel woven wire mesh panels that not only provided an aesthetic value but also practical purposes, such as air ventilation. This mixture of old and new places the Fairview Building in a rather unique and fascinating position to consider among Milwaukee. Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling had previously worked with Banker Wire and knew that when the design called for wire mesh, Banker was their go-to.
The main goal of the project was to not only provide a modern look to the lobby, but to obscure the large vent registers on the walls while still allowing air to pass through. To meet these goals, the SZ-4 woven wire mesh pattern in stainless steel, framed by the Versatile Spine, was chosen. Five panels were created, one of which has a cut out to provide access to the elevator buttons. The panels utilize stainless steel standoff mounting hardware with decorative caps to maintain room for air to flow from the vent registers while allowing the warmth of the wood paneling to show through. The natural light filtering through the doors, along with the warm down lighting, glint off the stainless steel making the lobby feel warm and inviting.
The renovation of the Fairview Building provides the most striking showcase for the successful marriage of its original architecture with modern design elements. Positioning the stainless steel woven wire mesh panels as a key feature in the renovation did two things: It enhanced the aesthetic appeal by giving the building a more modern appearance, and it also provided the functional benefits associated with better air ventilation and natural light diffusion and reflection. The idea proves to be thoughtfully considerate in underscoring commitment to the creation of contemporary and efficient working space, along with the upkeep of historical charm from the building. It combines old and new in a manner that makes it a worthy example of architectural renovation in Milwaukee—that is, the Fairview Building.
