![[New Photography] Nantucket Culinary Center](https://hornermillwork.com/wp-content/uploads/nantucketculinary-2-750x500.jpg)
- By Melissa Tavares
- In Horner Blog
- Tags Cooper Stairworks, Historic Renovation, Horner Commercial, Stairs
[New Photography] Nantucket Culinary Center
22 Federal Street before renovation. Photo by Nicole Harnishfeger. Source: The Inquirer and Mirror
The story of the gorgeous historic building that sits at 22 Federal Street in downtown Nantucket began over 140 years ago when it was built as a private residence. Over its long history it had changed hands and occupants several times and then by the early 21st century it had fallen into disrepair and was abandoned. In 2014 the building was sold at auction to ReMain Ventures, a Nantucket-base organization who’s mission is to “envision and empower a prosperous future for the heart of Nantucket”, and it was completely rehabilitated and revitalized. Today the building, with its grand facade featuring a charming white porch and classic green shutters, has been given a new life and is now the home of Nantucket Culinary a year-round culinary destination and a gathering place for the island community.
Today 22 Federal Street has been completely restored to its original grandeur.
Horner Millwork was honored to be chosen to build and install the majestic Cooper Stairworks preassembled wood and glass staircase that connects the first and second floors. “We wanted to use glass to open up the building and keep it light,” said Mary Beth Ferro, part of the Looms’ design team that was responsible for designing the interior space of 22 Federal Street. The exterior of the historic building could not be changed, so designing this staircase was especially challenging because the stairwell had to be worked in and around the location of the windows.
The cooking area that surrounds the staircase features lots of stainless steel cooking appliances and fixtures. The goal was to complement that design aesthetic with stainless steel fittings and newel posts on the stair. The glass balustrade looks modern and almost invisible, but also provides safety. The treads, stringers, and handrail are reclaimed oak with a gray-wash finish and match seamlessly with the surfaces that surround the staircase. Additionally Horner Millwork had to meet many commercial building codes when designing this staircase. The handrail design meets ADA standards and glass risers give the appearance of open risers but still meet code requirements.
Thank you to Dellbrook | JKS, Beacon Architectural Associates, Nantucket Looms Interiors, Nantucket Housefitters, Inc., ReMain Nantucket, and Nantucket Culinary for choosing Horner Millwork to be a part of this extraordinary renovation and for allowing us to photograph your beautiful building.
