Historic south elevation of the Grainger Building in Lincoln’s Haymarket District before renovation Scroll Down arrow icon

Grainger Limited Partnership

Grainger Building Mixed-Use Development

Revitalizing a Historic Haymarket Landmark

Constructed in 1912 as a wholesale fruit warehouse, the Grainger Building occupies a prominent corner at 8th and O Streets in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District. As one of the early industrial structures that supported the district’s warehouse economy, the building played a role in shaping the character of the area that today serves as one of Lincoln’s most vibrant urban neighborhoods.

Sinclair Hille Architects provided design services to rehabilitate the historic structure into a mixed-use residential and commercial development while preserving the building’s architectural identity. Because the building is located within the Haymarket historic district, the project required careful coordination with historic preservation standards and review processes.

The project highlights Sinclair Hille’s expertise in historic renovation and mixed-use development in Lincoln, Nebraska, integrating residential, retail, and commercial uses within a preserved urban context.

Architectural detail of historic Grainger Building façade in Lincoln, Nebraska
Historic photograph of J. Grainger & Company warehouse in Lincoln, Nebraska from Nebraska State Historical Society Corner view of Grainger Building in Lincoln, Nebraska with J. Grainger & Co. signage, canopy, and Haymarket streetlamp

Adapting the Warehouse for Modern Living

The renovation introduced a total of 26 low- and moderate-income living units are located on four floors, including 21 two-bedroom units and five one-bedroom units—an example of the firm’s work in multifamily housing. The project was designed to meet the requirements of both the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring accessibility and adaptability for a wide range of residents.

A new residential entry and passenger elevator were introduced at the street level to improve accessibility while maintaining the historic character of the building. Four units were designed as fully accessible, with eight additional units adaptable for residents with mobility needs.

Historic J. Grainger & Company sign on Grainger Building in Lincoln’s Haymarket District
Restored Grainger Building in Lincoln, Nebraska with updated railings, awnings, and surrounding Haymarket streetscape

Preserving Historic Character Along O Street

The street level of the building incorporates 5,100 square feet of commercial and retail space, supporting the active pedestrian environment that defines the Haymarket district. The building’s historic façade was carefully cleaned and restored, and all windows were replaced to improve building performance while maintaining the architectural rhythm of the original structure.

The project utilized multiple public and private funding sources and required compliance with the review standards of both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

This integration of residential and street-level retail reflects a broader approach to mixed-use commercial development that supports active, walkable urban environments.

Full exterior view of Grainger Building in Lincoln’s Haymarket District showing five-story historic warehouse structure
Historic south elevation of the Grainger Building in Lincoln’s Haymarket District before renovation

A Continuing Legacy in the Haymarket

The Grainger Building renovation reflects the broader revitalization of Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District, where early warehouse structures have been thoughtfully adapted for new residential and commercial uses. Sinclair Hille Architects has played an active role in that transformation for decades—including a period when the firm’s own office was located within the Grainger Building itself.

Today the restored structure continues its long history as a cornerstone of activity in the district, supporting housing, retail, and urban life in one of Lincoln’s most distinctive historic neighborhoods.

The project demonstrates how adaptive reuse of historic structures can contribute to long-term economic vitality while preserving the architectural identity of Lincoln’s urban core.

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