In this episode of Dashboard Dialogues, we head to the heart of downtown Glasgow to explore the city's evolving architecture, focusing a building that us undergoing major improvements. Our guest for today's dialogue is Mike Darnell, a man who’s undertaken the task of rejuvenating one of Glasgow's most recognized buildings—the Morris Building.
In this episode, we dive into the history of the Morris Building, a structure that holds a rich narrative from the second half of the 19th century. Mike explains that the building, which is known by locals for its changing string of businesses, was founded originally by German immigrant, Emmanuel Morris. Emmanuel initially started a dry goods store which later evolved into the largest retail business in the county.
Despite weathering various challenges, not least including structural damage due to a fire and potential condemnation, the Morris Building stands strong today. As Mike notes, this can be attributed to the craftsmanship of brickmakers and constructors from over a century ago, whose handiwork gives the building its unique character.
Interestingly, elements of the Morris Building are being carefully preserved during the restoration process. This includes a metal cast iron front made by George Mesker, an architectural mastermind based in Evansville, Indiana. As Mike explains, these customizable storefronts were widely popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, adding aesthetic value and providing a signature look to buildings.
Mike and his family company, Zatt Properties, aspire to repurpose and conserve as much of the original structure as possible to maintain the building's historical integrity. Preserving this historical site not only ties us back to our roots, but it also serves as a quality of life enhancement and draws in both locals and tourists, creating an improved sense of community for Glasgow. Join us for this intriguing conversation, as we discover what it takes to breathe new life into old buildings, yet keep their narratives intact.
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