Converting Commercial Warehouses to Residences

[John Franczyk]

We're beginning to do research on buying up small historical warehouses (4,000 - 10,000 sq.ft.) in southeast Wisconsin, and dividing the space into living and/or working quarters. There's a growing arts community here that is looking for spaces like that. I'm looking for guidance in what is needed (e.g. ingress/egress requirements, fire suppression, etc.) to create living or working spaces in old structures.  Any references would be appreciated.  Thanks!