The rehabilitation of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows-Erickson building in Northwood won a “Preservation at Its Best Award” from Preservation Iowa. Worth Brewing Company’s year-long project was recognized with eight others from across Iowa on Sept. 15 at the Historic Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa.

According to Preservation Iowa, Northwood—a town with about 2,000 residents—had a problem that many small towns in rural Iowa face—a vacant building in the historic downtown. In this case, it was The Odd Fellows-Erickson building. This two-story brick structure in the Italianate style was designed by J.L. Rood of St. Paul, who had also designed the nearby Worth County Courthouse.

Worth Brewing Company moved from its original location across the street in February to an expanded brewery and tap room.

“When the rehabilitation project started, the building was vacant—one side having been empty for six years. The roof and non-historic storefront was replaced to prevent further water infiltration and damage. Many original elements were saved and restored, including the metal cornice. Those surfaces were scraped, cleaned and painted.

Worth Brewing Company converted the first floor of the Erickson Building into the brewery; the first floor of the Odd Fellows building into the brewery Tap Room, and the second level Odd Fellows hall into an event center space.

In the interior, asbestos was professionally abated to expose the original wood flooring. The 1980s infill partitions and drop ceilings were removed. The original wood bead board ceiling was uncovered and carefully restored.

Additionally, the building’s meeting hall’s tin ceiling and molding was restored. Other restored elements included two of the original entry doors, all of the original doors on the second level of the Odd Fellows and the 1940 windows and doors on the second level of the Erickson Building.

According to a press release, each year Preservation Iowa seeks to honor historic preservation successes. In doing so, the group hopes to inspire others to take action to preserve, protect, and promote Iowa’s historic resources.

These projects highlight the work being done around the state to preserve the historic infrastructure by repurposing them to allow reintegration into their local communities.

Many of the projects encourage community growth by stimulating the local economy through housing, food, industry, and bringing Iowans back into their historic districts which encourages the preservation of the Iowa’s rich heritage.