Building Type:
CommercialBig Shop Dreams, Tough Zoning Laws—How Wick Made It Work
Building a shop isn’t always straightforward—especially when zoning laws add complications. Fortunately, thanks to the patience, problem-solving, and expert planning of the builder and the Wick engineering team, this couple now has a commercial shop for their growing business.
Watch this video on the project, then scroll down to learn more details.
What the owner wanted
“It was our first time we’ve ever done something like this,” explains owner Eric T. He and his wife, Darrah, initially wanted a hobby shop—but that idea evolved into a shop for a commercial garage.
Because of their inexperience with the building process, what they really wanted was a knowledgeable builder who could pinpoint their needs, patiently guide them through the building process, and do so without high-pressure sales tactics.
Turns out they got that and a lot more.
What was special about the project
Early in the process, it became apparent that county zoning restrictions posed a challenge. The county would allow a 30’ x 40’ detached structure, but Eric and Darrah wanted it to be much larger, 50’ x 72’ to be exact.
The solution? A creative breezeway design that seamlessly connects the new shop to their house.
“It was not something that was a traditional part of Wick Buildings,” explains Darrah. “But with the engineers, our representative, and the builder, they all worked together to engineer how we could make that work and satisfy the county.”
Initially the couple did have concerns. “We thought maybe it would be kind of a hideous-looking thing,” says Darrah.
But with the help of color samples, smart design ideas, and careful planning, the result far exceeded their expectations. “Now, I can’t imagine what it would look like without the breezeway. It just really turned out nice,” she says.
Who helped build it
Brian Steffes, owner of Brian Steffes Construction, is an authorized Wick builder with nearly 30 years of experience.
“The first time we met him, it was kind of like we didn’t even have to think about any of the other builders we had talked to,” recalls Darrah. “He just seemed like a down-home farm boy, easy to get along with, not pushy about anything, and willing to work with you on anything. We really, really hit it off well with Brian.”
In fact, throughout the process, Brian’s patience and communication stood out. Whether it was explaining complex aspects of the project, responding to emails, or answering calls and texts, Darrah says Brian was always quick to respond—and never made them feel like a burden.
Why a pole barn from Wick Buildings was the right choice
Darrah and Eric now have a great-looking, functional commercial shop for their growing business. But because they chose a Wick building, they’re also gaining advantages like these:
Superior lumber. To make our buildings stronger and last longer, we use only lumber that meets or exceeds machine-graded specs for all structural components, from trusses and columns to girts and purlins. In addition to the visual benefits of this cleaner lumber, it’s at least 15% stronger than regular lumber.
Durable steel. All Wick pole barns include full-hard exterior steel, with 80,000 PSI hardness or better, resulting in fewer dents. That steel is also G-90 galvanized for better corrosion protection.
High-performance paint. Our paint coating is warrantied not to chip or crack for 40 years and comes in a spectrum of colors. Color details for Darrah and Eric’s shop include beige for the exterior steel walls and gable, and burnished slate for the roof and wainscotting.
Exceptional quality. Wick buildings are low maintenance and therefore incredibly reliable. That also means Darrah and Eric can focus on running a successful business, not tending to building problems.
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