Reviving a Hidden Gem: The Rebuild Behind Mad River Detailing
Before the Polish: Our First Steps
While looking for a building to house our future detailing shop, we stumbled upon a hidden gem tucked away in Winsted—a long-forgotten structure that had been abandoned since 1989. The roof was tired, the walls showed decades of wear, and nature had started to reclaim its territory. But beneath the decay, we saw something remarkable: character, history, and potential.
The Day we went to look at the building for the first time.
Once inside, it became clear how long the space had gone untouched. Dust coated every surface, warped wood lined the ceilings, and what remained of the electrical was a tangle of outdated breaker boxes and exposed wires.
An eerie time capsule of another era. A mix of decay, dim light, and cobwebs.
The real transformation began when we stripped the structure down to its bones.
The floor was demolished. The beams needed reinforcement. Spray foam insulation was installed, new posts were anchored, and the layout was opened up to become a functional, high-end detailing facility.
From the outside, things started to take shape.
The old roof was replaced. Gutters were put on. New siding was installed. Utility trucks lined the street as new electrical service and infrastructure were brought in to support a modern shop
From bare beams to custom craftsmanship, we wanted every detail of the interior to reflect our attention to detail. A custom woodwork centerpiece was built upstairs, blending modern functionality with rustic charm.
As we near the final stages, the floors were poured, bays painted black for a clean, modern aesthetic.
We’re almost there. The lights are on, the bays are built, and our team is ready. Want to be the first to know when we officially open our doors?
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Thank you for following our story. This is only the beginning.
Mad River Detailing
Winsted, CT
Precision. Passion. Preservation.