LEED Gold | 2017 | 31,570sq ft | Waterloo, Iowa

Originally built in 1927, the building has undergone four significant remodels or additions in its lifetime. The most recent, and most extensive, was the renovation done to prepare for SingleSpeed Brewing’s takeover in 2017. They envisioned a fluid layout that included area to brew and spaces to drink, dine, and shop. The renovation aimed to repurpose the landmark Wonder Bread Company bakery by preserving historical elements and providing a fresh, family-friendly environment for all to enjoy.

The owners of SingleSpeed have a love for cycling, and that becomes clear upon entering the door! The old conical rollers used in the building’s breadmaking days were repurposed as bike racks. A specific garage door entryway is designated for bike entry and exit, encouraging riders to travel with a clean mode of transportation, and while parking their rides, visitors can view beermaking in real time through the glass exhibit window that showcases the brewing tanks. The site also features an impressive outdoor bike parking area that was incorporated into the outdoor seating railing, totaling 60 bicycle parking spots within the site.

The building has served the community for decades, and maintaining the character and structure were of top importance to the project team. Reuse design strategies also help to cut the environmental impact associated with new materials and reduce a project’s embodied carbon. In total, an astounding 75% of the original building was maintained, including the iconic brick exterior. The project also repurposed some equipment remnants of the bread factory in unique ways to give the building flair, such as old wood flooring as backdrop for the bar, oven doors for restroom stall doors, and conveyor belt tracking for shelves.

• 60 bicycle parking spaces

2019 Iowa Merit Award

2019 ALA Commercial/Industrial Silver

2019 ALA Presidential Award

2018 AIA Central States Merit Awarad

2018 Master Buildings of Iowa

2017 Preservation at its Best

2017 Best Development Award

• 75% of existing building reused

Architect: Invision
MEP Engineer: Modus Engineering
Contractor: Peters Construction

Civil: AECOM

Commissioning: SystemWorks

Structural: Select Structural

LEED Consultant: C-Wise Design & Consulting

• Old equipment used for style flair

• Historic reuse

• Water-efficient landscaping

• 24% reduction in energy use

• Neighborhood density

• Access to public transit

• Brewhouse, dining, and retail