The Mill Agent Building

Location: 100 block of Gay Street

Developer: David and Tracy Dewhirst

Architect: Buzz Goss, Goss Piercy Goss Architecture

Contractor: Southeast Construction

The first of two winners in this category is the Mill Agent building, whose name is derived from the longtime fabric and notions store which occupied this space until a few years ago. David Dewhirst teamed with Goss Piercy Goss Architects to renovate this commercial slot building into residential and office uses. The upper floor contains three apartments while offices were constructed at street level. The original Gay Street level, which was covered by the viaduct in 1917, is also being renovated. A three-tier deck which spans the back of the building provides light and fresh air to each floor. The façade restoration is particularly impressive. Craftsman-style windows highlight the apartments and contemporary entrances blend well with the early 20th-century storefronts.