Advantages
Retail Home Furnishing Business
When the owners of Oak Creations of Millersport, Ohio needed to expand to a new location, they chose post-frame construction after an evaluation of all options. In the end, the transition was huge success. “Every day we have so many compliments on the exterior appearance of this post-frame building and its design,” says co-owner, Rosann Franks.
Not only does the structure meet the company’s exacting needs, the construction of a new building and appearance of a new business near the village of Millersport has been an added bonus. Oak Creations brought along a strong clientele base when the move took place. The increased traffic generated for other local businesses has had a positive economic impact on the community.
The modern design of the building is relatively simple, yet highly effective for use as a retail home furnishings business. Three main areas accommodate the business plan. The building spans 80’x90’ and also includes a 10’x80’ front porch area. The main retail showroom is 60x80’ with 2-12’ extension walls. An office/employee lounge is 20’x40’ and includes a full kitchen, private bath and shower, and a utility room. The three areas are easily accessible by overhead four-panel poplar doors.
Block and metal-frame construction were considered. However, the owners ultimately selected post frame, citing the following reasons:
- The post-frame structure was more quickly erected than the alternatives.
- Strong curb appeal.
- Economy in terms of construction cost and operation.
- Low ongoing building maintenance cost.
“Our research concluded that post-frame structures are strong and extremely durable and can be as visually appealing as any other building type," Roseann explained. “We chose WC Buildings of Newark, OH. Tom Wolford and his entire team were wonderful to work with. We appreciated the detail-oriented manner of Tom’s approach.”
Tom Wolford notes, “Post-frame technology offers numerous advantages over other ‘conventional’ types of construction.” Long used in the construction of machine storage, workshops and garages, post-frame is now recognized as an excellent building choice for commercial and industrial use. Adaptable to virtually any architectural style, post-frame is unique in that pressure treated wood posts function as support for the sidewalls and roof system. This system eliminates the need for a continuous concrete foundation.
The absence of a conventional foundation is perhaps the most significant departure from what might be considered usual construction practice. In post-frame, columns can be implanted in the ground, eliminating the considerable cost and delay associated with poured foundations. Site preparation, time and costs are cut to a minimum.
The latest innovations combine the benefits of using wood posts as the primary structural member with innovative approaches that ensure durability. In the case of Oak Creations for example, columns were fitted with one-piece molded protective sleeves, totally eliminating any threat of decay caused by ground contact.
The new location of Oak Creations was a surprise to everyone traveling around the western edge of Buckeye Lake. The one and one-half acre tract of land had been vacant for many years and having become a collection of trash and debris, was a village eyesore. Now, this site is home to a thriving business in a beautiful new facility. The entire project took less than four months to complete. Rosann reports that during the construction the topic of conversation in every local restaurant was “What are they building so quickly!”
Curb appeal has definitely been accomplished,” states Roseann, “and we couldn’t be more pleased with our decision to utilize post-frame construction for this building project.”
