Unearthing the past, building the future
At Dragon Renovation, we believe in the enduring power of history. Explore our passion for bringing historic structures back to life, blending their original charm with modern functionality.
The heart of history
What truly excites us about restoring old buildings is the tangible sense of history within their walls. Every detail, from the scent of aged wood to the texture of period-correct materials, tells a unique story of its time and the lives lived there. We prioritize authenticity, choosing real wood and brick over vinyl, to ensure each renovation honors the building's original character.
Projects that tell a story
We are incredibly proud of our work on the Novelty Iron Works warehouse, a $47 million, 260,000 square foot project that transformed an entire city block into 76 rental units, a taproom, event center, restaurant, and comedy club. This brick structure, built in five sections between 1870 and 1924, underwent a meticulous restoration. Over 400 windows were replaced with period-appropriate reproductions, and original interior brick and wood ceilings were cleaned and repointed. A raised flooring system was installed to protect the damaged original wood, earning us preservation awards.
Our portfolio also includes the restoration of a six-room square-cut log cabin from the 1832 Black Hawk War, a 9,000 sq-ft 1867 Italianate home, a 3,500 sq-ft c.1850 Federal Style duplex, a 3,300 sq-ft c.1880 funeral home, a 1,600 sq-ft 1959 mid-century modern residence, a 3,100 sq-ft 1977 contemporary passive solar and a 12,000 sq-ft c.1850 coaching inn among others.
Preserving with integrity
Ensuring historic preservation projects are executed correctly and respect the original character of the building is paramount to us. This begins with in-depth research and the thoughtful reuse of materials whenever practicable. Context is critical; we avoid adding details without historical evidence. When integrating modern features, we do so mindfully, ensuring they complement the historical elements rather than detracting from them.
Who we work with
Dragon Renovation partners with a diverse range of clients who share our passion for historic preservation. For mixed-use buildings and commercial developments, we collaborate closely with businesses to bring their vision to life while honoring the building's past. Our experience in adaptive reuse condo developments means we also work directly with homeowners, helping them restore and modernize their historic residences.
Furthermore, in our capacity as a FEMA contractor and historic preservation specialist, we work with government agencies, performing Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) tasks. This includes writing SHPO/Tribal Stafford Act Section 106 consultation letters, conducting site inspection reports, and advancing EHP reviews to ensure projects move forward responsibly in compliance with state and federal requirements.