Feed Store Beer Company

The Feed Store Beer Company’s commercial renovation is situated along Main Street (State Road 54) in Bloomfield, Indiana. The building, with a footprint of 4,100 square feet, originally served as a grain feed store for the local community in the early 1900s. Its structure features a three-wythe brick perimeter wall and a wood-framed roof—both common architectural choices for that time period.

In the spring of 2019, a comprehensive survey was conducted to meticulously measure and document both the existing structure and the surrounding site. This thorough process resulted in precise as-built drawings that captured every detail of the conditions at that time.

Engaging in field surveys of existing buildings adds a dynamic and hands-on dimension to the drafting profession. Unlike routine work confined to an office environment, being on-site allows drafters and architects to directly observe the intricacies of construction, offering invaluable experience in recognizing a wide array of building techniques and materials.

This practical exposure not only enhances technical accuracy in documentation but also deepens one’s understanding of how different systems and components interact in real-world settings. Such fieldwork forms an essential bridge between design concepts and their tangible execution, enriching professional expertise and appreciation for the built environment.

Capturing a building’s existing conditions requires thorough photographic documentation from multiple vantage points. Unlike the days of 35mm film, when every shot counted, digital photography enables an extensive visual record. For this project, around eighty photographs were taken to ensure comprehensive coverage of the structure. The featured image showcases the exterior brick veneer, drawing attention to details such as the running bond pattern and the central row lock course near the downspout. These visual details are invaluable for drafting accurate exterior elevation drawings.

It took approximately three months to create all the various sheets included in a commercial set of construction drawings, illustrating various aspects of code compliance. During this period, there was a continuous exchange of feedback with the client regarding the project. Commercial construction drawing sets differ significantly from residential home plans, necessitating additional clarification and adherence to multiple codes.

This set of drawings served as a personal challenge to assess whether my knowledge of commercial building codes and drafting abilities was sufficient to obtain state approval independently, without any review from architects. Rest assured; I will get schooled below.

The commercial code-compliant construction drawings we submitted for state approval in the summer of 2019. In the field of architecture and design, when commercial project plans are sent for review at the state level, they typically return with cryptic explanations for non-compliance. State plan reviewers often obscure the corrections needed, making understanding the adjustments difficult.

For instance, if there is an error in the dimensioning of an accessible toilet seat, the state may respond that it does not comply with IBC Chapter 11 Accessibility. It would streamline the process for all parties involved if they explicitly specified the correct subsection, such as ‘1110.2.2.3 Height,’ instead of requiring a thorough search through the entire section. End of rant! I would like to thank architect Doug Bruce for reviewing the state officials RFI and marking up some of the fire-stopping notes and egress path issues on the drawings so the client could be on their merry way!

During the sweltering summer of 2019, construction crews launched the Feed Store Beer Company project. They set up the interior framework, placed the exterior walk-in cooler atop the newly poured concrete slab, and awaited the brewing tanks’ delivery.

The Feed Store Beer Company project was open for occupancy in the summer of 2021. The wicked custom metal pendant lights in the interior of the facility were designed and fabricated by Poindexter Metal Design located in Bloomfield, Indiana.

Feed Store Beer Co.
750 West Main Street
Bloomfield, IN 47424
(812) 227-8116

https://www.feedstorebeer.com/