Story by: Ferrara Editor
August 4, 2025
There’s something deeply satisfying about new construction—a fresh start, a clean slate, a blank canvas. But there’s a different kind of magic that happens when you breathe life into something already standing. Adaptive reuse projects aren’t just about preserving old structures—they’re about honoring history while building something that meets today’s needs.
At Ferrara Buist, we’ve always believed that good building means solving problems creatively, and there’s no better example of that than our recent work on Fontana Di Vino.
Before it served pasta and pinot, the building that houses Fontana Di Vino was once an Ice House. And not just in name—it had a functioning overhead crane and a sub-floor vault originally used for ice storage. That kind of history presents both charm and challenge. Retaining character while meeting modern code required a fine balance between reverence and reinvention.
Inside the new restaurant, guests will dine beneath original open wood trusses, while masonry walls in the restrooms retain their historic texture, refreshed with a clean whitewash. These features provide visual continuity with the building’s past, creating a timeless and fresh ambiance.
But preserving character didn’t mean avoiding hard work. One of the biggest hurdles we faced was installing under-slab plumbing in a space with multiple slab pours over the years. Every layer we uncovered told a story and required a solution.
Across the country, adaptive reuse is gaining momentum—not just in trendy urban cores but in growing Southeast markets like ours. From ice houses to textile mills to vacant malls, older buildings are getting a second life as restaurants, offices, multifamily housing and more.
The shift is both economic and cultural. Repurposing an existing structure can reduce material costs and shorten construction timelines. Communities also crave spaces with soul—places that reflect their history while evolving to meet new needs. When done right, adaptive reuse delivers on both fronts.
The numbers tell the story: According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, reuse projects can save 50–75% of a building’s embodied carbon compared to demolition and new construction. Add in reduced landfill waste and the revitalization of neglected neighborhoods, and it’s clear these projects have a real impact.
Adaptive reuse isn’t for the faint of heart. Every project is its own puzzle with hidden conditions, mismatched floor elevations, code compliance hurdles and unforeseen surprises behind every wall. That’s where our Design-Assist-Build model shines.
Rather than waiting for problems to appear during construction, our team is involved early, collaborating with architects, engineers and owners from day one. That early coordination helps us proactively identify risks, solve issues and keep timelines realistic.
With Fontana Di Vino, for example, our early involvement allowed us to plan for complex underground work before the first demo hammer hit. We worked closely with the design team to align finishes with code requirements, repurposed existing systems where appropriate and brought budget-conscious solutions that didn’t sacrifice quality or character.
That upfront, cross-functional approach makes a world of difference, especially in adaptive reuse, where no two jobs are identical.
Fontana Di Vino represents more than just another restaurant. It’s proof that cities can evolve without erasing their past, and that developers, architects and builders can work together to create spaces that respect what came before while embracing what’s next.
In a region with no shortage of new construction, this project shows what’s possible when we get creative with what we already have. It sets a precedent for similar buildings across the Southeast and offers a scalable model for sustainable, community-oriented design.
Adaptive reuse projects like this aren’t easy, but they’re worth it. They require coordination, creativity and a team that sees possibility where others might see problems. At Ferrara Buist, we don’t shy away from complexity—we lean into it.
Whether we’re working on medical facilities, modern animal hospitals or historic renovations, one thing remains consistent: we get involved early, communicate honestly and execute with precision.
If you’re sitting on a structure with good bones and a great story, let’s talk. Sometimes, the best way forward is to build on what’s already standing.
👉 Reach out today to learn more about our adaptive reuse capabilities and how our Design-Assist-Build approach can help bring your vision to life—on time, on budget and with purpose: Contact Us
Ready to discuss your next project? Contact Ferrara Buist to learn how our Design-Assist-Build approach and pre-construction services can help bring your vision to life, on time and budget.
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