A Main Street Revival: Reimagining Two Businesses in Warsaw, NY
By: Alexis B.
When you close your eyes and picture small-town Main Street, what do you see? Odds are, you see timeless charm, from warm storefronts to classic signage and a sense of community that feels like home.
For one Warsaw, New York property owner, two historic buildings in the town’s corridor had lost that magic. Faded siding, outdated storefronts, and worn architectural details hid the classic beauty simmering underneath.
To give these buildings a second chance at life, she reached out to us – and we were able to make it happen. Here’s how.
Reimagining Main Street America
When Cherise purchased her new property, it included two neighboring businesses: Carmichael & Reed Monument Company and Bud’s Delicatessen. Both of these businesses had deep roots in Warsaw’s historic downtown, but years of wear and dated design choices had them looking tired.
“We had recently purchased a monument business in Warsaw, NY, and the purchase included two historical buildings in the historical corridor,” Cherise explained. “I wanted to completely reimagine the exterior. My musts were dark siding with white trim and an old-fashioned Main Street America feel that honored the history of the area, but also highlighted modern amenities.”
With two Airbnb rentals planned above the businesses, she knew the properties had incredible potential, not only to serve customers, but to give the community a refreshed and respectful design.
Before: A Faded Facade
From a distance, the two connected buildings told a familiar story. The weathered gray siding and old signage were giving more “tired” than “timeless.”
But still, the bones were solid. The structures had the height and symmetry classic of small-town architecture, waiting eagerly to shine again. Cherise didn’t want to erase its history, but rather to celebrate it with a mix of old and new.
“The entire feel of the place needed to be updated, but I wanted to stay true to the bones of the space.” She said.
Finding a Design Partner
When Cherise started looking for exterior design guidance, she turned to online design communities for advice. One interior designer recommended brick&batten.
The referral turned out to be a perfect fit. From our first consultation, our team understood the challenge: to create a design that feels modern, yet rooted in history. The end result was a design plan that turned two simple gray businesses into a showstopper.
The Final Design: Old Fashioned Yet Modern
Our virtual renderings captured everything Cherise wanted and more.
The new Carmichael & Reed Monument Company showcases elegant dark slate siding with crisp white trim, with detailed cornices that pay homage to the 19th-century craftsmanship. Our team added refined black exterior lighting and updated windows to give the full storefront a sophisticated finish.
Next door, Bud’s Delicatessen shines with a welcoming two-story design complete with balcony seating, modern signage, and fresh trim details that tie the two businesses together seamlessly.
The overall design feels cohesive yet character-driven, exactly what you’d expect from a revitalized Main Street icon.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Once the virtual design was finished by brick&batten, Cherise used the renderings during every step of construction.
“I used these materials when talking to contractors, applying for building permits, and working with the sign company,” she said. “The renderings were a perfect reference to keep everyone on task for the finished product.”
From the siding installer to the mason and signage team, each contractor had a clear picture of the end goal thanks to the visuals brick&batten provided. In total, the transformation took about three months once the materials arrived. The longest wait was the custom windows, which Cherise says was worth every minute of patience.
Thoughtful Adjustments Along the Way
Like with any historic renovation, the project came with a few surprises. At brick&batten, we like to call those “opportunities.”
“We needed to change the window trim a little in order to safely avoid water damage, yet still obtain those beefy architectural trim elements.” Cherise explained.
They also had a delightful discovery during the renovations. Originally, our design featured large exterior lights above the monument company. But when contractors removed an old vinyl cornice, they uncovered a gorgeous, original wooden gingerbread cornice hiding underneath.
“It just needed light repair, sanding, and painting to bring back its original glory.” Cherise said.
This discovery was so monumental that the local historical society featured it on their website for a month, celebrating the preservation of craftsmanship that had been covered for decades.
The Full After: The Crown Jewel of Warsaw
Today, the renovated buildings are nothing short of stunning. The once-muted exteriors now command attention with rich color contrast and thoughtful design elements. All in all, the buildings look right at home in the heart of downtown Warsaw.
“We are the talk of the town,” gushes Cherise. “Every day someone new stops in my shop to tell me we are the crown jewel of the town.”
Locals and visitors alike are drawn to its modern-yet-classic aesthetic. Whether they’re stopping by Bud’s for lunch or staying in one of the upstairs Airbnbs, guests get to enjoy a space that feels fresh yet full of history.
Final Thoughts: Main Street Magic Made Possible
The story of Carmichael & Reed Monument Company and Bud’s Delicatessen is a powerful reminder that good design is more than just beauty; it’s revitalizing. What once started as two tired buildings has now become a centerpiece of local pride, bringing new life to this charming town. And it all started with a clear vision and a trusted partner who could bring it to life.
“brick&batten made my vision more beautiful than I ever expected,” Cherise added.
Stories like this are the reason our team does the work we do. Every design tells a story, and we’re honored to help our clients bring those stories to life one exterior at a time. Thank you for sharing yours, Cherise!
If you’re ready to revitalize your own exterior, get started today and our design experts can show you how your own “before” can become an unforgettable “after.”
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