Packard Building

Client: GLMV Architecture
Investment: $3.3 million

When two established Wichita firms- Gossen Livingston Architects and McCluggage Van Sickle Architects- merged in 2010, the new entity, GLMV Architecture, was in the market for a new home.  They purchased the J. Arch Butt’s Packard Building at 1525 E. Douglas in Wichita.  The architects designed their new offices themselves and partnered with Conco Construction, Inc.  The building underwent a $3 million rehabilitation converting the old auto dealership to the new home of GLMV Architecture. 

The project included repairs to the glazed terracotta facade, restoration of the original industrial steel windows, and recreation of the corner marquee sign.  The original auto showroom was converted to the firm’s reception area, conference rooms, and front offices.  The rear garage became home to additional offices, conference rooms, and a large break room that doubles as a training facility.  The old ramp to the second floor was overlaid with steps with research lounges established along the ramp.  The second floor originally comprised of a center display window, washing bay, and service areas, was converted to an open office housing work stations for more than 100 architects and designers.  The historic steel windows presented significant challenges for the new office use and efficiency goals of the firm.

Spencer Preservation worked with the architects to achieve a successful rehabilitation project that utilized federal and Kansas historic tax credits.  The project achieved basic LEED certification and was recognized locally with Wichita’s 2012 Keeper of the Plains award, recognition by the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce for an architectural project that contributes to the beauty of the Wichita community.