Adaptive Reuse: Transforming Old Buildings into New Bathhouses
At Sauna House, we love transformation. Our journey began in 2018 with our first location in Asheville, where we took older established building that was once an auto repair shop and turned it into a sanctuary of relaxation and wellness. Now, as we expand across the United States, we continue this mission by transforming existing historical buildings into beautiful bathhouses. This process, known as adaptive reuse, not only allows us to create unique and inviting spaces but also aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability.
What is Adaptive Reuse?
Adaptive reuse is the process of repurposing old buildings for new uses while retaining their historic features and charm [1]. This approach involves taking structures that may have outlived their original purpose and giving them a new lease on life (literally). Instead of demolishing these buildings, adaptive reuse breathes new life into them, preserving their historical and cultural significance.
Some great examples of adaptive reuse include the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Durham which used to be the historic Hill Building of the Durham Bank & Trust Company. At 21c, you can now enjoy a cocktail in the former bank vault. The American Tobacco Campus which once served as a tobacco manufacturing facility from the late 1800s to the 1980s has been transformed into a thriving destination that includes restaurants, shops, retail, commercial spaces, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and Performing Arts Center.
Environmental Benefits of Adaptive Reuse
Reduction of Construction Waste: Demolishing old buildings generates a significant amount of waste, much of which ends up in landfills. By repurposing existing structures, we can significantly reduce such waste, contributing to a more sustainable construction process.
Conservation of Resources: Constructing a new building from scratch requires a substantial number of raw materials. Adaptive reuse minimizes the need for new materials, which can help to better conserve natural resources -- reducing the environmental impact associated with the extraction of such materials.
Energy Efficiency: Older buildings often have unique designs that can be adapted for energy-efficient systems. By updating these structures with modern insulation, HVAC systems, and energy-efficient windows, we can significantly reduce their energy consumption.
Giving New Life to Old Buildings
At Sauna House, we see the potential in older buildings. The selection process, however, can be very time-consuming. Our team carefully selects structures that embody character and history, while also meeting the necessary requirements for effective retrofitting to handle the plumbing and electrical needs of a large bathhouse.
Asheville: Our first location set the standard for our adaptive reuse efforts. We transformed a charming two-story building into our flagship bathhouse location, preserving its historical elements while introducing modern amenities.
Bathers who enter the public bathhouse space will notice the wide-open Bowstring truss ceiling – a design element that is an important architectural feature that became prominent in American architecture from the 1900s to the 1950s [2]. Bowstring trusses allowed for large wide-open interior spaces without having supporting columns. This adaptive design feature made them ideal for industrial buildings, warehouses, autobody shops and more. By repurposing this industrial space, our Sauna House Asheville location blends rugged charm with a sense of ambiance making it ideal for relaxation and recovery.
Durham: Our Sauna House Durham location at 326 W Geer Street was built in 1949. The building first appeared in the 1950-1951city directory as the Paschall Bros Plumbing Company [3]. It was home to the Paschall Bros Plumbing Company until the 1970s. Like our Asheville Bathhouse, our Durham location, spanning 6,993 square feet, features a Bowstring truss ceiling. Located in the heart of the Foster and West Geer Streets Historic District, which is a national historic district, this area features buildings primarily dating between 1927 and 1963 [4].
Charlotte: Our Charlotte location is an exciting project where we are revitalizing a mid-century building at 1500 West Morehead St, tucked right along the southern end of Wesley Heights. This beautiful building was once the Wesley Heights neighborhood Pharmacy, serving the community from approximately 1934 to 1948 [ 5]. The building’s original owner, James ‘Jimmy’ Campbell, was an early member of the Charlotte Optimist Club. With hard work and some good fortune, we hope to make the same kind of civic impact as the building’s original owner.
The Wesley Heights Historic District where our Charlotte bathhouse is located is also a national historic district [6]. The neighborhood originated in the 1920s, developed on the land that was once a 19th-century farm owned by John Wadsworth, a Charlotte livery stable proprietor. The area is celebrated for its eclectic architectural designs, featuring Bungalow, American Craftsman, and Colonial Revival homes.
The Broader Impact
Adaptive reuse offers more than just environmental advantages; it plays a significant role in the cultural and economic revitalization of communities. By preserving historical structures, we maintain the architectural heritage and unique identity of neighborhoods. Such projects invigorate local economies by drawing visitors and generating employment opportunities, fostering a sense of pride and continuity in the community. Additionally, adaptive reuse can enhance property values and attract investment, further stimulating economic growth and sustainability in the areas we redevelop.
At Sauna House, we are proud to be part of this movement. Our adaptive reuse projects not only create beautiful bathhouses but also foster a sense of community and sustainability. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to transforming old buildings into spaces that promote wellness, relaxation, and environmental stewardship.
Join us on this journey and experience the beauty of adaptive reuse at Sauna House. If you are interested in building and owning your own Sauna House in your community, let us know by filling out our Franchise form.
Citing our sources:
1) BigRentz (February 22, 2024). “What is Adaptive Reuse? 5 Project Examples in 2024”- BigRentz
2) Isaac Gaetz (January 18, 2024) “Historical Building Systems’ Series: Bowstring Trusses” in Vertex
3) Open Durham From Preservation Durham - “Foster and West Geer”
4) National Register of Historic Places – NC State Historic Preservation Office “Foster and West Geer Street.”
5) Charlotte Observer (published as The Charlotte Observer) - May 15, 1936 - page 26 - May 15, 1936 | Charlotte Observer (published as The Charlotte Observer) | Charlotte, North Carolina | Volume 68 | Page 26.
6) Mary Beth Gatza (August 1995). "Wesley Heights Historic District" (PDF). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
