For years, Winter had toyed with the idea of bringing an associate on at Downtown Dental Group. CEREC was helping the practice grow more profitable and the possibility of expansion took a leap forward in 2009, when Winter started working with Mercer Advisors to assist with the direction of his practice. In early 2012, with Mercer's assistance, Winter decided he needed to add an associate and remodel the physical space.

"I was not interested in a new building," Winter said. "I liked this building and the history of this building, so I wanted to stay here. There's a courtyard in the middle and that's a great feature that really adds to the charm. It just never really crossed my mind to leave this building."

Winter was utilizing all of the 1,500 square feet in his practice but he had room on his lot, so he had two options for expansion: build out, or build up. The building, originally constructed in 1940 in the art deco style, and its brick exterior added to its character. Winter wanted to preserve that. "I wanted it to look new, but I didn't want it to look added-on," he said. "The architect did a wonderful job of matching the brick. I really wanted it to flow. The challenge was on the exterior, from an architectural standpoint, to have the addition be seamless and make it look like it all belongs."

Wanting to embrace the art deco history of the building, Winter enlisted the help of his interior designer for creative suggestions. The "rule of three" common to the style is found throughout the space, from the custom-built front door to the lamps above the reception desk. The attention to detail came not just because of Winter's dedication, but because of the personal connection that many of the contractors had to the project. "I wanted to support the people that support me," Winter said. "All of the contractors and designers were patients, from the architect, general contractor and plumber to the electrician and interior designer. It gave us all a lot of pride to be working together and to achieve this amazing final product."