Built in 1916, the W.T. Read Building occupies a prominent corner in downtown Coffeyville, Kansas. Once a vibrant hub, this historic structure had fallen into disrepair after years of abandonment, with its second floor sitting unused for nearly three decades. The deteriorating roof had allowed water damage and pests to infiltrate, while many of the windows remained boarded up. Originally built by W.T. Read as a clothing store adjacent to his brother’s department store, the building transitioned through several uses over the years, serving primarily as a drugstore until the mid-2000s. 

 New ownership brought a renewed vision: to breathe life back into the W.T. Read Building and help revitalize the downtown core of Coffeyville—boyhood home to one of the developers. 

 In collaboration with William Poole of Poolehaus Residential Design, we developed a restoration plan to honor the building’s history while creating modern opportunities for use. The proposed design includes:  

• A modest main floor retail space, accessed from the historic corner entry, ideal for a small cocktail bar or coffee shop. 

• A live-work unit at the rear street-level entry, featuring a lofted sleeping area for flexibility and function. 

• Three compact apartments—either studio or one-bedroom units—on the second floor, offering charming living spaces with modern amenities. 

 To facilitate the project, we collaborated closely with the developers to prepare a Preliminary Architect Report, detailing the building’s current condition and proposed uses, as well as an Architect Expected Projection of Cost. These documents were key components for multiple grant applications to secure funding. 

 Currently, the project is under grant review, with construction anticipated to begin upon approval. This thoughtful renovation will not only restore the W.T. Read Building to its former glory but will also serve as a catalyst for downtown Coffeyville’s continued revitalization.