User:Jfenleybsu/W. W. Shirk Building (Muncie, IN)

The W. W. Shirk building, also known as the Canopic Apartments, is located at 219 E. Jackson St. in Muncie, Indiana. The original building was designed for a combination of commercial and residential space. Today, after its 21st Century remodeling led by Flaherty and Collins, the building is solely residential.

History
The W. W. Shirk building, similar to how it is now, was constructed in 1906, with some portion's originally dating back to 1889. The apartment building was popular in the early 20th century, but fell into disrepair during the 1980's and 1990's when the building went almost completely vacant.

By 2005, the W. W. Shirk building had been tagged by city building inspectors as potentially needing demolition due to the deterioration over the years of little usage. However, the Indianapolis-based developers, Flaherty and Collins, began a heavy remodeling of the building in 2008 and brought the W. W. Shirk to its current status in 2009.

Architecture
The W. W. Shirk building is a three story apartment building of the Italian Renaissance Revival style. The brick and limestone construction of the building is similar to other flats and apartments built in Muncie, Indiana during the same time period.

Renovation
After being flagged for demolition in 2005, the W. W. Shirk building was destined to be demolished. However, in 2008 the developer Flaherty and Collins began renovating the building. The project was granted historic building tax credits which helped the developers begin the renovation with a more manageable budget. The first floor of the building, which was originally designed for commercial use, was turned into residential apartments, and the upper level apartments were completely renovated and restored. Flaherty and Collins' project also included the renovation of nine historic homes in downtown Muncie, Indiana. The cost of the W. W. Shirk renovation alone came in at $3.1 million. The project altogether, including the nine historic homes, cost Flaherty and Collins $6 million.

Current Status
Currently, the Canopic Apartments includes twenty-four living units ranging from one to four bedroom apartments, as well as efficiency units. The modern apartments in this 19th century building include all the modern living needs ranging from a high-tech security system to computer and internet access, as well as classic design features such as 10' ceilings and hardwood floors.