2007 Preservation Awards
Trainor’s Building
[photo: Jason Tish]
551 W. Main Street
John Koffell and Bruce Wunnicke, Delta Properties, owner
Judy Bennett, videographer
Andy Wunnicke, Bass Construction
Award: Commercial restoration
Built in 1888, the building was acquired in 1896 by grocer Daniel T. Trainor and was established as Trainor’s Store even though Trainor sold it in the early 1920s. For most of its history the building has been involved with food service. It housed the Universal Grocery Company, Kroger Grocery and Baking, the Troia family, Millins grocery, and Uncle Jim’s Pizza. Most recently, the building provided temporary storage for the Madison Children’s Museum.
Delta Properties, led by John Koffell and Bruce Wunnicke, along with the active participation of one of their prospective tenants, Midwest Environmental Advocates, decided to restore the property’s interior and exterior. The painted exterior was sandblasted to reveal buff-colored brick and bricked-over windows were uncovered. Additional improvements include steel supports, an updated electrical system and floors that were replaced with recycled materials and then refinished.
Restoration saved the building which today houses Midwest Environmental Advocates and The Onion. In the first floor foyer is an old photo of the building with Trainor’s delivery buggy parked in front. Descendants Lucy and Ann Trainor, who still live in the neighborhood, were happy to see the restoration of their grandfather’s grocery store.
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