Antiques and More

It took a vision and a lot of work, but Sharon Gaugler and Conner Lindsey turned the former Swift Meat Packing Plant in Taylor, Texas, into an antique store, workshop and home. Built in 1930, it operated as a meat packing plant for 50 years until a manufacturer of countertops for science labs bought it.

Some rooms used as meat coolers still have cork on the ceilings and tile on the walls. The building needed a lot of work and the renovation is an ongoing process. There was no heat or air conditioning, and electrical and plumbing service was limited. Installing plumbing required drilling through seven inches of concrete. Instead of adding walls, Gaugler and Lindsey set off rooms using antique furniture pieces.