HONORING: Mark Willson and Blake Ragghianti (owners); Margittai Architects; MM Marra Construction; Iams Consulting, LLC
Built in 1907, the 10,000-square-foot structure at 2613 Smallman St. was originally built as a horse stable on land leased from the estate of Mary Schenley. Later uses included the E.M. Hill Lumber Company and the Acme Pattern Company. When Mark Willson and his business partner, Blake Ragghianti, bought the property in 2016, it housed the Artistry Furniture showroom.
Although the historic architecture was difficult to fully appreciate since the structure was packed to the rafters with furniture and a large assortment of home decorations, they knew the building was something special. The “urban barn” was in need of some love, but it had good bones – even if some of the floors were made of dirt.
Over the next two years, the owners worked with a dedicated team, including local craftsmen, to restore the old horse stable to its former glory. During construction, workers unearthed vintage equestrian gear in addition to cobblestones that once paved a narrow alley, which was apparently incorporated into the building as part of an early expansion.