Door County Granary - Sturgeon Bay, WI

Greenfire played a key role in the historic restoration and adaptive reuse of the 1901 Teweles and Brandeis Grain Elevator along the banks of the water in Sturgeon Bay, WI. As the construction manager, Greenfire’s construction efforts preserved and transformed one of the last remaining two grain elevators along the Great Lakes, which had been rescued from demolition by the Sturgeon Bay Historical Society (SBHS). The project is part of the city’s waterfront redevelopment, reimagining the Granary as a three-season public gathering space while maintaining its historic character.

Greenfire’s work was divided into two major phases. Phase I involved relocating the structure and pouring new footings and foundations into the Granary’s new location. Phase II focused on restoring the exterior and interior, constructing a catering kitchen and restrooms, and completing landscaping and site improvements. The project carefully incorporated historic elements, such as utilizing 100-year-old reclaimed patinaed siding and lumber, salvaged from a dismantled granary in Superior, WI, preserving the building’s authentic appearance.

Modern amenities were integrated to enhance functionality. A heating and air conditioning system was added to the new kitchen space, while the Granary itself remains an unconditioned space, featuring an innovative in-floor heating system to maintain its historic integrity. Greenfire also provided buyout savings, allowing for additional features such as an expanded patio to further the venue’s usability.

Now, with its ground-level event space activated, the Granary is positioned to become a central community hub in downtown Sturgeon Bay. Future plans aim to expand the public space upward into the heart of the structure, further revitalizing this historic landmark as a symbol of Sturgeon Bay’s agricultural heritage.

Read more about the Granary hosting an AIA discussion panel, or the soft opening of the event space.