If Vintage Revivals founder Mandi Gubler has said it once, she’s said it a million times: “One of our biggest frustrations with [our home] is the road it’s on — more specifically, the noise.” Gubler’s new home is one of the most historically significant buildings in her hometown of Santa Clara, Utah. Lovingly referred to as the “Merc,” the Santa Clara Mercantile Co. was built in 1928 as a supply and gas station, providing a much-needed pit stop for travelers on their way westward. For the next 88 years, the Merc served as a warehouse, grocery store and post office, and it was set to become an art gallery before the fearless DIYer made the purchase of her dreams. “When I first walked in, I could immediately see how it could become the perfect home for our family,” Gubler recalled.

Home renovations always come with their share of challenges but converting a nearly 100-year-old commercial space into a family home comes with extra quirks. “Zoning was the first thing I wondered about,” said Gubler. The Merc is zoned as Commercial Mix Use, meaning it can be a residence if part of the building is a commercial business. The next challenge: property lines. With three young kids, Gubler and her husband, Court, wanted to make sure they’d have a yard to enjoy. A long, narrow property line will make for unique green space, but it’s a hurdle they’re looking forward to jumping.