AWH Architects

Contact: Alex Haecker (Principal - mobile: 612.558.5383)

Specialties: Architects, Historic, Historic Preservation Consultants, Historic Tax Credits Consultant

Training/Experience: AWH Architects is dedicated to the principles of adaptive reuse and historic preservation, actively contributing to the conservation and rehabilitation of Minnesota's architectural heritage. Our commitment aligns seamlessly with the mission and strategic priorities of the Minnesota Historical Society's Heritage Preservation Department. Core Values and Approach: Founded on the belief that preserving and repurposing existing structures is vital to maintaining cultural heritage and sustainability, AWH Architects approaches each project with a deep respect for the historical significance of buildings. We specialize in uncovering and preserving the layers of history embedded within these structures while seamlessly integrating contemporary functionalities to meet modern needs. Client-Centered Process: Our design philosophy revolves around a client-centered approach, where we thoroughly understand and incorporate the unique requirements of our clients. By combining these needs with the intrinsic potential of historic buildings, we create designs that not only meet but exceed expectations. This approach ensures that each project not only respects the historical context but also enhances the functionality and aesthetic appeal for contemporary use. Experience and Expertise: AWH Architects has a proven track record of successfully completing historic preservation projects in Minnesota within the past three years, meeting the essential criteria for inclusion in the directory. Our extensive experience includes projects undertaken for Legacy Funded projects, Section 106 reviews, Certified Local Government grants, and Historic Tax Credit projects administered through SHPO and NPS. Our in-house historic consulting services streamline the process of obtaining tax credits, grants, and incentives, ensuring that our designs are both historically informed and economically viable. Licensing and Compliance: We are fully licensed to operate in Minnesota, meeting all necessary bonding and insurance requirements. Our expertise extends to navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance, ensuring that our projects adhere to both conservation standards and contemporary building codes. Leadership and Community Involvement: AWH Architects is led by Alex Haecker AIA, NCARB, a former commissioner on the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission Board. He also participated in the fall of 2023 NPS Advanced User Training for Frequent Program Users of the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program Workshop and has frequent dialogue and reviews with MNHS, SHPO, and NPS about the Standards of Rehabilitation, Restoration, and Preservation Briefs. This leadership brings a multifaceted perspective to our projects, ensuring that they are reviewed and executed with a comprehensive understanding of preservation standards and community needs. Our team’s involvement in local heritage preservation initiatives underscores our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and informed society through the thoughtful rehabilitation of historic structures. Alignment with MNHS Values: Our mission to serve our clients and our curiosity-driven approach aligns with the Minnesota Historical Society's values of curiosity, inclusion, integrity, and stewardship. We continuously pursue a deeper understanding of the past, elevate underrepresented voices, adhere to professional research standards, and ethically preserve resources for future generations. Conclusion: Including AWH Architects in the Preservation Specialists Directory will enhance the directory's offerings by adding a firm that is experienced, qualified, and deeply committed to preserving Minnesota’s cultural and architectural heritage. Our holistic approach, combining historic preservation with modern design solutions, makes us a valuable asset to any preservation project. Thank you for considering our application. We look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the preservation and celebration of Minnesota's rich historical legacy.

Notes: AFFILIATIONS Commissioner - Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission 2010-2015 HISTORIC PRESERVATION HONORS AND AWARDS 2018 - MAYTAG BUILDING: Preservation Alliance of Minnesota Merit Award 2018 - HEWING HOTEL: Contract Design Interiors Award for Historic Preservation 2017 - HEWING HOTEL: Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Award for Historic Restoration, Rehabilitation, or Adaptive Reuse Project 2017 - HEWING HOTEL: Preservation Alliance of Minnesota Honor Award 2006-2007 - URBAN OUTFITTERS CORPORATE CAMPUS, Philadelphia, PA: AIA Honor Award for Architecture AIA Minnesota Honor Award Business Week/Architectural Record Good Design is Good Business Award National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Award Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia Achievement Award Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence SPECIFIC PROJECTS EXPERIENCE HISTORIC ST. CLOUD POST OFFICE, St. Cloud, MN - Current ZENITH DCHS, Duluth, MN 2021 418 NORTH 3RD AVE, Minneapolis, MN 2020 ISLAMIC CENTER OF WINONA (ICW), Winona, MN 2020 LAKE HARRIET SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY, Minneapolis MN 2020 PATTERSON HOTEL, Bismarck, ND 2020 ST MANE THEATER, Lanesboro, MN 2020 HILLMAN & PORTER, Minneapolis, MN 2019 GUARDIAN BUILDING, St. Paul, MN 2018-2019 MAYTAG BUILDING, Minneapolis, MN 2016-2017 PRINTERS EXCHANGE, Minneapolis, MN 2016 HEWING HOTEL, Minneapolis, MN 2016 LANESBORO HISTORIC DISTRICT EXPANSION, Lanesboro, MN 2014 URBAN OUTFITTERS CORPORATE CAMPUS, Philadelphia, PA 2006-2007

Projects