Looking for Layout Suggestions

[lukediesel]

1870's italianette work shop build out - Cincinnati, OH

Running shop/build progress thread is what this is.

Building out my shop in my building. This is an old Italianette "Ice House" (looks like an old firehouse). This means it is tall and skinny. It's also built in 1870. So I have all brick walls (soft brick mind you).

It was originally located on the Miami-Erie Canal. The deed still places it there. Now the canal bed is an unused subway tunnel.



Ceilings are 13'
48' long by 23' wide

I have added R30 insulation and a metal galvanized ceiling (had it left over from another part of the rehab)

I have added lighting and ceiling fans

Would love some input into how to make this space more functional. I am a hobbyist mechanic working doing general maintenance on my own cars, working on my motorcycles or dirtbikes, and other general things. Have plans to store a fun car and get into some engine swaps in the next year or two.

Here is a general floor plan I drew up. As well as some photos. Love the builds on here!!

 

[CunningStunt]

What an awesome building! Where is it located?

I would consider a mezzanine but thats about all the input i can give.

 

[lukediesel]

@cunningstunt Located in Cincinnati OH

 

[lukediesel]

I think I will turn this thread into a running progress document. Plan to do some organizing and moto work this weekend.

 

[pbon]

Cool building! You could do a 4 post on casters so you could move it. If a 2 post, you have to think of the best location, one that would not get blocked in it block out access. You can always drive a car under a car on a lift. Maybe put the lift close to the garage door but enough forward that the door when raised would not hit the back of a car raised up on the lift.

 

[lukediesel]

Good idea.

I have been looking for inspiration in older urban workshops (Europe or NYC/Boston) because it seems to fit the age and layout of the space.

Have not been able to find much on the internet.

When I lived in Brooklyn auto shops always had two lifts angled deep into these narrow spaces.

 

[lukediesel]

Well I made some progress.

 

[welder57]

Share, we would love to see what you have done so far. Awesome building!!!!

 

[jeepxj]

how cool

 

[lukediesel]

Did the images not show up?

 

[lukediesel]

Maybe now the photos will show up!

 

[jeepxj]

well the only suggestion I have is put the air compressor up on the wall somewhere with a bracket/stand

 

[Clemson13]

Well I made some progress.

Is there a house renovation/build going on up above? Would you mind sharing that with us as well? Such a cool buidling. I kept trying to find a firehouse to buy before I got my current property.

 

[shopnut]

Looks like a cool place with some awesome history. And bikes to boot!

 

[captain14]

Here’s another Cincinnati firehouse a GJ member documented about 10 years ago. He sold it about 5 years ago. Lots of pictures were lost though.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=75379

His was CFD Station 51.

 

[jjwithers]

Maybe now the photos will show up!

That Blue Guzzi... is that a LeMans? I have a blue Monza like that.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Great looking space.



Not sure what the plant harvest is on the floor though ?

 

[lukediesel]

I bought this place in 2015.

It was built in 1870 as an Ice House that would deliver Ice transported from Lake Erie to the local breweries (LOT of breweries in Cincinnati at the turn of the century).

The Miami-Erie canal was located on one side. Now it is the Cincinnati Subway (never used).

It's now a two family with a side yard.

 

[loganb]

Re: 1870's italianette work shop build out - Cincinnati, OH

Please tell us more! That 3rd floor living space reno looks like it turned out awesome! Is that your space or do you have it rented?

Sent from The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[qdvuu]

From the pix it looks like you have a couple of floor-ceiling posts on the LHS. Can you show these in the plan view to give us a better idea of obstructions?

 

[lukediesel]

Re: 1870's italianette work shop build out - Cincinnati, OH

@loganB I live in the third floor space.

I rent out the middle floor as an apartment. 1 bedroom.

At one time the Middle floor was some kind of warehouse / garage. They put down concrete (hence the I - beams in the lower garage) and did a drop ceiling as well. This created a completely different feel.

 

[LutzTD]

I love that area and all of the old buildings. I remember that exact building! I am really happy to see from afar that you and a lot of people are fixing those up. I always thought I would try to find something around that area when I was going to UC. will be watching to see more of the building and your shop and projects I'm a Lutz transplant originally from Mt Healthy

 

[lukediesel]

Thought I would update this thread showing my progress on my off street parking.

 

[Riley]

So a swing gate with an acces panel? Great project by the way!