Two downtown renovation projects have been recognized by the Logan Downtown Alliance for their innovative design work and beautification efforts. “Renovation of the Year” awards, for the successful renovation of Logan historic buildings, for 2018 will be awarded to Bluebird Chocolate and the 22 East building.

Twenty-two East, formerly home to Rocky Mountain Bell Telephone Company, was purchased and repurposed by Andrea McCulloch and Milieu Design; and, The Bluebird Candy Company was redesigned by Justin Hamilton and Center Street Architects .

“We discuss projects during the year and these two really stood out to the board,” said Gary Saxton, director of the Downtown Alliance. “The two will be recognized at the Cache Valley Awards Gala on February 1, at the Riverwoods Conference Center, 615 Riverwood Pkwy.”

McCulloch, principal designer and owner of Milieu Design, along with her Temple Fork Holdings partner Paul Gibbons, purchased this historic property on 22 East Center that was calling out, begging to reclaim its former glory. The building was cleaned out and the basement walls were sand-blasted, leaving raw cement, gravel and rock.

The main floor houses Plum Floral and Kulor Salon, both spaces with a contemporary design. The building also has three residential suites. Walking upstairs to the second floor, one can find two luxury suites, both unique in their design. Another magnificently arranged suite is below the two shops.

“The crowning touch for our guests is the ultimate sleep experience provided by Malouf,” said McCulloch. “Our partnership serves hospitality in the most memorable way as quality design and finishes come together.”

McCulloch hopes to rent one of the suites to a college professor or businessman needing a long term place to stay.

She said the suites have been used for commercial photo shoots and families coming from out of town needing a place to stay.

The Downtown Alliance also recognized Justin Hamilton’s efforts in renovating the historic Bluebird Candy Company located at 75 West Center on what remains of the old Palace Hotel.

Hamilton demonstrated a substantial effort to reinvest in downtown by having Christian Wilson of Center Street Architects design the space and give the candy company a more inviting atmosphere.

“My hope for the Bluebird is to take it back to its original grandeur,” Hamilton said. “At the turn of the century, in the early 1900s, every town had its little hand-dipped chocolate shops…not a lot of them survived, so it is very unique to still find old hand-dipped chocolate companies.”

In 1914, the Bluebird Candy Shoppe got its start at 12 West Center before moving to 19 North Main in the early 1920s. The factory was finally moved to its current location in 1967 and remains a cultural and heritage asset of the Center Street Historic District.

The improvements include an enlarged retail space with beautiful glass displays and exposed historic brick walls. As restoration continues, it will include improvements to the art-deco exterior on the front of the building and an open public space in the alley.

Maya Simmons, who worked at the shop before the remodeling project began, said the remodel started in September 2017 and opened back up July 2018.

“They opened up the space, added windows so people can watch the dippers make the chocolates,” she said. “It’s paying off, we’re getting a lot more traffic after the remodel.”

The Downtown Alliance will celebrate some of the great entities and individuals in Cache Valley that helped drive business growth and made great contributions that help Cache Valley remain such a great place to work and live.

To register for the Gala go to chambermaster.com