Stone Group Architects Wins Excellence in Construction Award for Benson Building Adaptive Reuse

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Shiloe Tramp
Marketing Director, Stone Group Architects
shiloet@stonegrouparch.com
605-740-3016
www.stonegrouparchitects.com

Stone Group Architects Wins Excellence in Construction Award for Benson Building Adaptive Reuse
Sioux City, IA – 4/28/25 – Stone Group Architects is honored to announce that its Benson Building Adaptive Reuse project has received the Excellence in Construction Award for Projects of $20 Million, a prestigious recognition that celebrates outstanding construction and design in large-scale developments.
As part of Historic Preservation Week in Sioux City, taking place May 5–10, the building will also receive the Treasure of Sioux City Award on May 9. These honors highlight the Benson Building’s transformation into a vibrant, mixed-use space that honors its historic character while creating new opportunities for living and commerce in downtown Sioux City.
Originally constructed in 1921 as a car assembly and dealership facility, the Warnock/Benson Building is a striking example of restrained Classic Revival architecture. Vacant since 2018, the structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2023. Stone Group Architects worked with the owner and project team to restore its historic features while reimagining the space for modern use—resulting in 83 thoughtfully designed apartments, first-floor commercial storefronts, rooftop tenant amenities, and underground parking.
The Benson Building rehabilitation required creative design solutions, including custom-built infrastructure to accommodate basement parking and sensitive reconfiguration of four original elevator shafts. A rooftop patio was engineered with an innovative paver system to preserve the roof membrane, while historic staircases were restored with custom guardrails that meet safety codes without compromising authenticity.
Throughout the project, special care was taken to preserve original materials, including teardrop and prism transom glass, marble, terra cotta ornamentation, and historic windows—balancing code compliance, modern comfort, and heritage integrity.

Across the country, adaptive reuse projects like the Benson Building are becoming more important than ever. Instead of demolishing historic structures, adaptive reuse preserves the cultural, architectural, and environmental value embedded in these buildings. It allows communities to retain their unique character while meeting modern needs.
As cities seek more sustainable and cost-effective development solutions, adaptive reuse offers a smart alternative—reducing construction waste, conserving resources, and revitalizing downtown areas. These projects breathe new life into underutilized spaces, offering modern amenities while celebrating the rich stories of the past.
At Stone Group Architects, we believe adaptive reuse is essential for building resilient, connected communities. Projects like the Benson Building not only honor our shared history but also ensure that future generations inherit vibrant, livable urban environments.
At Stone Group Architects, we are dedicated to creating buildings that are not only safe and functional but designed with the user experience in mind. We believe architecture should serve the people who use it every day while celebrating the story and identity of its place.
 
Interview Opportunity – Friday, May 2
Architect Tami Mullenix and Project Manager Jordan Metzger will be available for in-person or virtual interviews on the afternoon of Friday, May 2. Their insight into the design process, preservation techniques, and impact on the community offers a compelling story for local media.
To schedule an interview, contact Shiloe Tramp at shiloet@stonegrouparch.com or 605-740-3016.
 
A Local Legacy of Thoughtful Design
Stone Group Architects has proudly contributed to Siouxland’s architectural landscape through a variety of impactful local projects, including:

• The Siouxland Expo Center
• Hatch Montgomery Ward Building
• Motor Mart Commerce Building
• Floyd River Flats
• The new Jitters coffee shop

These projects reflect our continued commitment to make a positive impact on people and place through buildings that are accessible, functional, and designed for the people who use them every day.


About Stone Group Architects
Stone Group Architects is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Sioux Falls, serving clients nationwide through our 5 Midwest locations. Our team is known for its collaborative approach, technical excellence, and passion for purpose-driven architecture across sectors including historic preservation, civic and federal work, education, healthcare, commercial, and private clubs.
Historic preservation is not just a service—it’s a calling. Our team approaches every project with deep reverence for the stories that buildings tell, using meticulous research, careful craftsmanship, and modern strategies to honor the past while delivering for today’s users.


Project Summary

• Location: Sioux City, IA
• Completion: Summer 2024
• Size: 170,000 SF
• Scope: Adaptive reuse of a 1921 historic building into 83 apartments, first-floor commercial spaces, rooftop amenities, underground parking, and preserved historic elements.
   

Media Inquiries & Interview Requests:
Shiloe Tramp
shiloet@stonegrouparch.com
605-740-3016
www.stonegrouparchitects.com