Restoration breathes new life into downtown building

(Above) The Knaack and Buss building, circa 1908.

by Michelle Watson

[caption id="attachment_16592" align="alignleft" width="270"] Removal of old plaster and lathe revealed beautiful brick walls, which add to the character of the building. New windows provide a spacious view of downtown Clear Lake. Pennies were found on the floor in this upstairs room, which faces west, suggesting it may have been used for some gaming. Pocket doors, including one with a peep hole, separate the upstairs into three spaces which can be rented for everything from small meetings to large gatherings. -Reporter photo.[/caption]

Clear Lake has a rich history and the community takes great pride in its past and its progress into the future.  Vicki Sukup is taking an old Clear Lake building and renovating it into a repurposed architectural gem to be used by generations to come.

“We can’t keep tearing down these old, beautiful buildings,” said Sukup.  “There is so much character in these buildings and so much architectural beauty to preserve.”

Sukup, who bought the building located at 8 N. 4th St. in December 2014, didn’t know the extent of the undertaking that was ahead of her.

The former Houck Drug Store, and later the 1 2 3 Dollar Store, needed a lot of work and many aspects of the building were not up to required codes for new use.

“We had to put in all new plumbing and electrical.  We had asbestos tiles to remove.  We had to put in new stairways and we needed to add an elevator to make the upstairs handicap accessible,” said Sukup.

As the building was stripped to its bare bones, deterioration was discovered; but hidden features and beautiful architectural finds not seen in years were found.  Sukup and her crew, led by contractor Dave Marreel and architects Bergland and Cram, unearthed tin ceilings, beautiful, maple hardwood floors, gorgeous pocket doors and an assortment of fixtures and other peculiar finds.

“In one corner of the upstairs we found a lot of pennies when we removed the flooring.  There was also a covered peek hole in one of the  pocket doors,” said Sukup.  “Possibly the upstairs could have been used for gaming.”

According to local historian H Duesenberg the main floor once housed a post office and COD Variety Store in 1908.  During war time, the Legion Club met in the upstairs.  A cap and gown business was another occupant of the building.

The history of the building is intriguing, but what the community wants to know now is, what is this grand, old building going to be when it re-opens later this year?

“Once the restoration project is complete, we’ll start looking more into the business side, but we do have a few ideas of what we would like to do with it,” said Sukup.

The building consists of three floors, which will house three separate businesses.  The main floor

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will be an emporium, where vendors can rent space and consign their wares. This level will likely be called KB Emporium, in honor of the original builders, Knaak and Buss, whose names are still imprinted on the front of the structure.

“Vendors will rent space by the square foot, depending on their display requirements,” said Sukup.  “Vendors have to submit a proposal of their products and we’ll decide if they are admitted.  I want more boutique-type businesses that will lend to the character  of the building itself.”

Although all vendors are independent, there will be one check-out area for all items purchased in the emporium.

Sukup is planning for some major cooking and baking to be done in the commercial kitchen she is building in the basement.  The Basement Bakery will have products for sale in the emporium.

The upstairs, which was once a ballroom, will feature three separate areas that can be rented for a variety of purposes, such as conferences, lectures, receptions, etc. Two new bathrooms and a small kitchen are also located on the floor.  A name for this area is still being considered.

The upstairs features beautiful woodwork and doors that were original to the building.  Sukup has also purchased light fixtures, furniture and a gorgeous, wood bar from Architectural Antiques in Minneapolis, Minn. The room will also feature built in booths, comfortable soft seating areas, a small stage wired for live entertainment, and some tables. In addition to a rental area for special occasions, Sukup said she would also like to see the room opened to the public for live entertainment and serving tapas or other light fare, beer and wine.  The large room will open to a roof top deck for open air seating.

Sukup hopes to employee 12 full time staff, including three managers; one for the emporium, one for the upstairs and one mechanical manager to take care of the facilities.  She is also planning to hire part-time seasonal help.

Sukup is not new to the renovation world. She also restored a two-story former bank building in Sheffield, Iowa. She opened Banker’s Corner, a coffee, tea and gift shop, in the refurbished building.

Sukup is reluctant to give an opening date, due to the fact they don’t know what they will uncover day-to-day, but she is hoping to make an announcement, on at least the opening of the upstairs by the end of the summer.

“It’s so fun to see something that has been neglected for so long brought back to life,” said Sukup.

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