SEPTEMBER 2019 GLOBEST. REAL ESTATE FORUM 31 www.globest.com/realestateforum
Some things are just classic.
At Bellwether Enterprise, we pride ourselves in utilizing
data and technology, but more importantly, we believe
in doing business the old-fashioned way—human to
human, with long-standing relationships, hard work and
just plain smarts.
Bellwether Enterprise is a national, full-service commercial and multifamily mortgage banking company, connecting profit to purpose. As a subsidiary of
Enterprise Community Investment, Inc., we support its mission of advocating, creating and preserving affordable housing in thriving communities.
and prepare for the large-scale, gut renovation ahead.
Construction commenced in
September 2017, rebuilding
plumbing, electrical and
mechanical systems from the
ground up. The team reconfigured all floor levels in the
building, a key concern for
the project, while maintaining original framing and
reconfiguring retail space.
Unforeseen changes and
labor challenges were faced throughout
the project, as the team dealt with supply
chain issues, subcontractor availability
and restricted workflow. The project
demanded major construction to replace
much of the work from a more recent
1991 renovation, such as structural flaws
and incomplete framing. Lead time
issues also posed a problem, requiring
the design team to diligently search for
and secure many alternative
products.
Upon receiving City of Seattle
landmark status and ensuring
preservation from the Federal
Registry of Historic Places,
Lighthouse completed and
opened the Palihotel Seattle in
November 2018. Creating the historic project in a robust economy
certainly paid off, as locals and
guests alike enjoy the hotel and
retail offerings, sparking additional economic developments nearby. The
firm was able to turn the buildings undesirable elements into safe, bright qualities,
creating an award-winning hotel that was
included on Travel & Leisure’s It List 2019.
THE DEPARTMENT BUILDING
ATLANTA
Considered one of downtown Atlanta’s
most iconic, historic structures, The
Department Building was first occupied
by Regenstein’s Department Store, a
go-to, high-quality women’s fashion
emporium among locals in the 1920s.
Upon initially purchasing the building
in 1954, Marx Realty decided to lead a
$10.5 million adaptive reuse and reposi-
tioning effort, more than 60 years after
the original acquisition. In order to pre-
serve the nearly 100-year-old building’s art
deco architecture and transform it into an
office building, the real estate company
partnered with design firm ASD | SKY to
manage redesign efforts.
With a deep understanding for the
original art deco architectural significance, the team aimed to utilize period
details and highlight distinctive features
to embrace the structure’s history, before
