Gessert’s Ice Cream & Confectionery, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
OVERVIEW
When Ryan and Michelle Moeller purchased Gessert’s Ice Cream & Confectionery, they knew they wanted to maintain the integrity of both the 90-year old business and the building. The original structure predates the 1900s and was first refurbished in 1926 by the Gessert family.
Many updates were done over the decades–both inside and out, but the interior charm remained intact. The Moellers wanted to preserve that feel and spent many hours pouring over the Gessert’s personal photos; they strove to adhere to the look the shoppe had in the ’20s. Ryan and Michelle hired Abacus Architects to help with the overall design, making it clear that they required an atmosphere that was reminiscent of a bygone era.
Remodeling is often more challenging than building a new space, and this project was no exception. Today’s codes and technology do not always correspond with the smaller spaces of an old building. Abacus was able to thoughtfully streamline the old with the new, bringing the Moeller’s vision to fruition. Along with the help of skilled craftsmen, the woodwork within the space matches the original booths.
Today you can order an ice cream soda or pick out homemade fudge displayed in an old-fashioned wooden case, fooling you into thinking you’re in a different time. Now, if only the prices remained the same.
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