Renovation of the Historic Winchester Building

Little Rock, AR

In 2019, Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects completed the restoration and renovation of the Historic Winchester Auto Store building into their new Little Rock office. Originally constructed in 1947 by Dennis and Maude Winchester as the Winchester Auto Store, the building displays the characteristic features of the Art Moderne style. Recognized as a rare example of this architectural style in downtown Little Rock, it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. PSW transformed the historic building into an open studio office to enhance the firm’s collaboration and creativity. Inside the building is a large open space with a mezzanine and garage area, the latter of which was transformed into a meeting and social event area that was dubbed “The Garage.” Much of the original building elements were preserved, in part because the building’s placement on the national register, but also because the elements work well for the firm’s work. Rehabilitating the building as its new primary headquarters provides new ways for the firm’s employees to interact while at the same time investing in the heart of the state’s capital city.