Hey guys!! Ok, I feel like I’ve done a pretty great job outlining all of the reasons why we shouldn’t buy the Merc, I guess I want to reassure everyone that might think we’re nuts, that while we are nuts, we are going into this with our eyes wide open. We know the issues, the hurdles, and all of the reasons we could easily walk away. So with the con’s list SO LONG why did we decided to jump in?
The day I got home from the very first visit to the Merc, I walked into our house and I saw it differently. It was like everything that I loved about it and was trying to achieve was a new polished up version of what I really wanted. Everything from bricking the walls in our living room, to the wood accents in our entryway.
I knew what I wanted and I did what I could to make a beige house from 2006 into a cool loft space (though I will say it was quite the transformation.)
I’m sure my Southern Utah friends will chime in below to confirm, but buildings like the Merc just dont exist here. We have no cool factories, there is a small section of old buildings that were saved and converted to cool shops in St. George (Main St & St. George Blvd.) but the Merc is one in a million. I honestly never thought converting an old building (especially turning it into a house) would ever ever happen living in Southern Utah.
The amount of work that needs to be done is absolutely thrilling! If you’ve read VR for any length of time you know that I love projects, being neck deep in a problem and coming up with a creative solution is my ultimate happy place. Though Court took a minute to decide if he was really onboard with this, he’s always up for an adventure, and I can’t think of a better adventure for our family than this!
I don’t care about having a perfect situation from the word go. We’re in this thing for the long game and I am just itching to get started!!
Tomorrow we’re finally going to dive into the design plans so stay tuned!!
xo
You go girl! Thanks for being so open and sharing all the nitty-gritty with us — it was so interesting to read! Can’t wait to see the awesomeness that I know you will achieve with your new adventure!! I think it is many people’s dream to fix up and live in a historic building — and you are making it happen. Way to go!!
I totally get the love of the work! We bought a fixer upper in January and one of the selling features for me was it’s a blank slate. Everything needed updating and I get to do it. Let’s me be creative in my home.
You are definitely my favourite DIY blogger, you come up with the most creatively beautiful projects.
I’m so excited to see everything you do with the Merc.
It’s an adventure and you’re taking us with you!
When I first read about you buying the Merc I thought you were insane. Then a few days later we went to dinner at Cured in San Antonio at the old Pearl Brewery. It’s inside of an old bank building. The Pearl in San Antonio is an old brewery and surrounding buildings that have been turned into cool restaraunts and shops. Hotel Emma is the shining star of the whole complex. It is incredible. Google it and click on images. You will love it! I highly recommend you and Court come for a visit. Like I think you will totally flip out, and totally be inspired. The photos don’t even do Hotel Emma justice. It is simply amazing in person.
I have been following your blog for years & have never added to the comments. Today that changes! I am so jazzed to see where the plans go with your new home. Personally, I like to throw myself into a projects that are a bit out of control & overwhelming for numerous reasons. It’s so cool to see someone who shares these feelings embark on a massive renovation! It makes all the forgotten houses & buildings I see even more magical! Thanks for sharing.
You do you! Love that you’re jumping into this and can’t wait to see what you do with the space. I honestly never thought of this being a rare building because I feel like I see places like this on every other street corner where I live… so that makes it a little more exciting now
When you first wrote that you were building a new home from scratch, it felt weird. Though the Merc will definitely challenge you (and your family) and you’ll probably regret taking it on at least once during the renovations, it just seems so much more YOU 🙂 Plus, you’re required to have a built-in shop? Dreamy.
Fearless DIY, girl!! I cannot WAIT to see how you transform this amazing old building.
Missy B you’re so right the photos are so amazing Thanks for sharing.
How exciting!