Kiku Obata & Company

AltonWorks is a social impact redevelopment firm leading the revitalization of historic downtown Alton, Illinois. Guided by principles of livability, sustainability, and inclusivity, AltonWorks is transforming this area into a vibrant, walkable community. At the heart of this effort is the Wedge Innovation Center. Kiku Obata & Company is nearing completion of a transformative 55,000 sq ft renovation of this historic building, merging modern coworking and office spaces with retail and restaurants, all within a historic footprint.

The Wedge occupies a set of interconnected historic buildings, each with unique structural and code-related challenges. Comprising a 1904 bank, an 1868 commercial building, and various mid-century additions, the project required careful design to balance modernization with preservation. Kiku Obata & Company collaborated closely with the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service to meet federal and state tax credit requirements, preserving historically significant features such as masonry, heavy timber, and period-specific architectural details.

Kiku Obata & Company’s architectural design introduces shared amenities, glass-walled conference rooms, new kitchens, and advanced mechanical systems. A central three-story light court with a monumental stair enhances interior connectivity, while rooftop terraces and modernized elevators add contemporary appeal. Externally, historic facades are being meticulously restored, including the bank’s 1904 exterior and the commercial building’s 1949 vitrolite façade.

With an emphasis on fostering regional innovation, this state-of-the-art coworking and research facility provides an inspiring space for entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals. Anchored by a vibrant ground floor of retail and dining, the building’s active street frontage enhances connectivity to the neighborhood, while the upper floors reveal light-filled coworking zones, private offices, and a rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of downtown Alton and the Mississippi River.

Set to open in 2025, The Wedge will be a high-tech coworking space and business incubator, providing digital resources, job training, and event spaces. This project preserves Alton’s architectural heritage, restores two historic buildings, and creates economic opportunities, positioning The Wedge as a catalyst for regional growth and community impact.