Kitchen & Bath Showroom Revitalizes Century-Old City Building

WATERLOO, IA —
The renovation and revitalization of the downtown area is well under way, and Classic Kitchen and Bath is settling into its new home there: a 115-year-old building with exposed brick walls and original tin ceilings that stand about 15 ft. high. While the interior setting is 19th century authentic, the outside setting is surprising. “You wouldn’t expect to walk into this space in Waterloo, IA,” comments Tina Fisher, designer for Classic Kitchen and Bath. “But, that’s where we are.”

So the firm – which specializes in making over kitchens and baths in the city and surrounding areas within a 60-mile radius – finds itself at the center of the renovation of the Haffa Building, one of the city’s historic buildings. The renovation is part of a restoration project that includes the adjacent Fowler Mercantile building, which is contributing to the rebirth of Waterloo’s downtown area.

Melissa McKean, owner of Classic Kitchen and Bath, made the investment in the space because she believes in the area’s renaissance. And, since first beginning the renovation in May 2005, her business has doubled, offering reassurance that the move was the right one.

“There are some new shops opening, and there are some great new restaurants and bars in the neighborhood,” she adds.

One of those restaurants, CU Restaurant, is partnering with Classic Kitchen and Bath to offer cooking classes for area residents to help spark interest in the showroom. In addition, Evan Kaiulani Fine Art and Framing, an upscale art gallery that also exhibits the work of local artists, has developed a synergy with the showroom, as well.

“We’re actually attached to the art gallery, sharing the same building,” notes Fisher. “There’s an open doorway in the middle of our showroom that goes into their place, so the spaces are really congruent.”

Three’s a Charm
At the showroom’s grand opening event earlier this year, a restaurant chef prepared appetizers in the front kitchen as party guests mingled among the displays.

“People could actually watch him preparing the food,” comments Fisher. Approximately 200 friends, family, clients, prospective clients and people in the community celebrated the opening.

The move to the Haffa Building has tripled the company’s store space to 7,000 sq. ft., which spans three levels. The main level features kitchen vignettes, acting as a showcase for the cabinets and countertops the showroom offers. Downstairs includes bath vignettes, as well as tile and hardwood flooring selections. The upper level comprises the company’s offices.

Sherri Kayser, senior designer for Classic Kitchen and Bath, spearheaded the design of the showroom, which was completed by the three full-time and several part-time designers on staff. Input was also received from Wood-Mode Cabinetry and Omega Cabinetry, the two cabinet lines that the showroom features.

Nine kitchen vignettes are showcased on the main level, along with hutches and other amenities. Each vignette highlights one or two different countertops, including DuPont Zodiaq and Corian and granite, the firm’s major offerings. “We have vignettes that feature cabinets in maple, cherry, pecan and oak – alone and with MDF,” offers Fisher.

The most popular woods sold are maple and cherry, in a variety of different styles, including Old World European, Arts and Crafts and Shaker.

“Most people are doing a five-piece, flat-panel door. That’s pretty much the trend around here,” she notes.

Still, the showroom includes a very contemporary display to attract the growing number of customers seeking out newer, less traditional ideas.

“The vignette features a bright red countertop and stainless steel cabinetry from Omega Cabinetry, along with some interesting pendant lighting,” Fisher remarks.

“There are a lot of loft projects and things going on downtown and, especially because we are located downtown, it’s kind of neat to have a display like that,” Fisher adds.