Tag Archives: adaptive reuse

Structure Reuse

Harvard’s HouseZero project wants to revolutionize green building – Curbed

The HouseZero project at Harvard retrofitted a pre-war home on campus, creating a model of energy efficiency. Michael Grimm

“We’re shattering the belief that you need to build new buildings to be efficient,” Ali Malkawi, a professor of architectural technology who leads the CGBC program, told Curbed. “We want to show how this can be replicated almost anywhere, and solve one of the world’s biggest energy problems, inefficient existing buildings.”

Source: Harvard’s HouseZero project wants to revolutionize green building – Curbed

Structure Reuse

Historic Tacoma Elks Lodge will reopen as a McMenamins complex in April – Curbed Seattle

Kathleen Nyberg/Courtesy of McMenamins

Opening in April as McMenamins Elks Temple, the historic building will become a 45-room hotel, a 700-capacity music venue, a game room, three restaurants, a brewery, and several small bars—including one hidden below the sidewalk. One cafe will have outdoor space along historic Tacoma plaza the Spanish Steps.

Source: Historic Tacoma Elks Lodge will reopen as a McMenamins complex in April – Curbed Seattle

Structure Reuse

Good bones are a good place to start for net zero carbon MacKimmie Complex in Calgary | TreeHugger

MacKimmie Block cladding

© DIALOG

Souleles also notes that “the bones of the building are really, really good.” You don’t often hear this; there is always an excuse, such as the floor plate isn’t efficient or the ceilings are too low. However, as embodied carbon gets recognized as an issue, these excuses don’t stand up to scrutiny – because, as we keep saying, the greenest building is the one already standing.

Source: Good bones are a good place to start for net zero carbon MacKimmie Complex in Calgary | TreeHugger

Structure Reuse

A campaign aims to save the home of the Central Park architect

A campaign is running to save the abandoned home in Staten Island of the Central Park architect. Image: New York Landmark Conservancy

“We recognise the importance of restoring this landmark site so that it can eventually offer programs to New Yorkers and visitors alike,” says the Conservancy.

Source: A campaign aims to save the home of the Central Park architect

Structure Reuse

Inside Google’s Playa Vista Offices: Haunted Stairwells, Paper Airplane Pads | Hollywood Reporter

Courtesy of Google

As if that weren’t enough to draw your eyes upward, there are several dozen beautiful wooden “glu-lam” arches that climb the walls, which were built in 1943, when the hangar was originally created (the building was used by Howard Hughes to construct the H4 Hercules, known as the “Spruce Goose,” which famously flew only once for less than a minute).

Source: Inside Google’s Playa Vista Offices: Haunted Stairwells, Paper Airplane Pads | Hollywood Reporter

Reuse Design, Structure Reuse

Brooklyn’s Domino Park blends industrial chic with careful pacing – Archpaper.com

The fog bridge connects the entire park. When the mist lifts, visitors can see the East River below. (Daniel Levin)

According to Lisa Switkin, senior principal at JCFO, “Integrating the artifact walk with custom furniture made from reclaimed wood from the Raw Sugar Warehouse creates a unique experience where people come into contact with remnants of the original refinery and have an up-close relationship with those artifacts.”

Source: Brooklyn’s Domino Park blends industrial chic with careful pacing – Archpaper.com

Structure Reuse

Historic building at Brooklyn Navy Yard to be restored as modern manufacturing space | 6sqft

building 127, brooklyn navy yard, adaptive reuse

Located on Morris Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets, the three-story Building 127 was built to make boat parts for the Navy.

According to the corporation, the building’s ground and second floors, which has loading infrastructure, would be a good fit for a medium-to-large scale manufacturing company. With its super tall, vaulted ceiling, the third floor would be great for a design company looking for a showroom and space for prototyping.

Source: Historic building at Brooklyn Navy Yard to be restored as modern manufacturing space | 6sqft

Structure Reuse, Women in Deconstruction

Valuing older buildings: Architecture professor’s book argues for reuse rather than wrecking ball | UW News

“I was trained as both an architect and architectural historian,” Merlino says, “and have always been drawn to older buildings and the layered narrative of history they embody.” Her book, “Building Reuse: Sustainability, Preservation, and the Value of Design” was published this year by UW Press.

Source: Valuing older buildings: Architecture professor’s book argues for reuse rather than wrecking ball | UW News

Structure Reuse

Adaptive reuse project turns warehouse into an industrial-chic home | Inhabitat

kitchen with long black island, a small lounge sofa, a wood dining table and a large opening to an outdoor deck on the end wall

All of the renovated buildings retain parts of the original construction. In 102 The Mill, these deliberately exposed frameworks are complemented by industrial-inspired lighting fixtures and minimalist, streamlined furnishings. Timber floors and warm fabrics help imbue the former factory with a sense of cozy warmth.

Source: Adaptive reuse project turns warehouse into an industrial-chic home | Inhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building

Structure Reuse

ENR California Best Projects 2018 Renovation/Restoration: Alcatraz Photo Studio | 2018-10-02 | Engineering News-Record

Alcatraz Photography Studio

The Alcatraz Photography Studio in Berkeley, Calif., transformed a century-old box of a building used as a Halloween costume store into an artistic space. PHOTO Billy Hustace Photography

The project team was encouraged by the client and designers to reuse and expose original building materials. The team preserved the wooden floor covered with colorful paint drips, giving the space a unique character. This sustainable approach was noticed by the judges, who appreciated the “simplicity, beauty and attention to detail” of the small project, noting that such renovation and adaptive reuse “could be considered a lost art.”

Source: ENR California Best Projects 2018 Renovation/Restoration: Alcatraz Photo Studio | 2018-10-02 | Engineering News-Record

Structure Reuse

How Adaptive Reuse is Helping Create the Senior Housing of Tomorrow – Senior Housing News

St. Charles Hospital in Aurora, Illinois, was a skilled nursing facility when it shut down in 2010, the same year the Art Deco building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

With the senior population and demand for senior housing guaranteed to grow over the next 20 years, yesterday’s offices, hotels, schools and commercial buildings can be repurposed into the senior housing of tomorrow.

Source: How Adaptive Reuse is Helping Create the Senior Housing of Tomorrow – Senior Housing News

Structure Reuse

Book Review: RE-USA 20 american stories of adaptive reuse – UrbDeZine NYC

Re-USA 20 stories book cover

RE–USA: 20 American Stories of Adaptive Reuse A Toolkit for Post-Industrial Cities by Matteo Robiglio, JOVIS Verlag GmbH, 2017

Robiglio analyzed his observations and turned them into an “adaptive reuse toolkit” that can be used by cities but is really addressed to concerned citizens intent on reviving their neighborhoods. Consisting of eight steps and addressed to “you and your family,” the processes outlined are intended to chart a path of redevelopment and acknowledge and build upon the industrial legacy by emphasizing adaptive reuse.

Source: Book Review: RE-USA 20 american stories of adaptive reuse – UrbDeZine NYC

Structure Reuse

Charlotte is converting an old Model T and missile factory into workspaces – Archpaper.com

Camp North End Charlotte

Experiential passageways for cars and pedestrians will connect to the different buildings on site. (Courtesy S9 Architecture)

ATCO brought on S9 to collaborate on the adaptive reuse of the complex’s 12 main buildings and connect them through experiential passageways. In between each structure, the team will lay out gathering spaces for people to eat, hang out, or put on events.

Source: Charlotte is converting an old Model T and missile factory into workspaces – Archpaper.com

Structure Reuse

Grain Silos: From Empty Relics to Cultural Landmarks and Luxury Hotels – WSJ

Elevator Alley is a complex of hundreds of grain silos—now filled with breweries, event spaces and more—along the Buffalo River.

Elevator Alley is a complex of hundreds of grain silos—now filled with breweries, event spaces and more—along the Buffalo River. PHOTO: JIM SCHWABEL/ALAMY

In recent years, cultural institutions, visitor bureaus and artists have turned the elevator complexes into money-making attractions, from museums and luxury hotels to shopping venues and art installations.

Source: Grain Silos: From Empty Relics to Cultural Landmarks and Luxury Hotels – WSJ

Structure Reuse

Sawyer Yards’ 115K SF Adaptive Reuse Expansion Will Create One Of The Country’s Largest Arts Communities

Sawyer Yards' 115K SF Adaptive Reuse Expansion Will Create One Of The Country's Largest Arts Communities

Courtesy of Lovett Commercial Rendering of 1818 Washington St. in Sawyer Yards

Repurposing old buildings continues to be popular in the Inner Loop. The latest sizable one combines two things millennials love — art and breweries.

Source: Sawyer Yards’ 115K SF Adaptive Reuse Expansion Will Create One Of The Country’s Largest Arts Communities

Markets, Structure Reuse

Inside Ironside: How a Former Newark Warehouse is Being Brought Back to Life | Jersey Digs

Ironside Newark Construction Progress Exterior

Ironside Newark exterior. Photo by Jared Kofsky/Jersey Digs.

“Given the historic nature of the building and the prior uses in the building, we quickly recognized that the bones were irreplaceable and therefore repurposing it for its intended use as loft-style office with street-level retail would be a great second life if you will for the building,” Sommer explained, adding that “we’re seeing a tremendous amount of velocity on both fronts.”

Source: Inside Ironside: How a Former Newark Warehouse is Being Brought Back to Life | Jersey Digs

Markets, Structure Reuse

Demand Rising For Offices In Historic Buildings, But Supply Limited

Demand Rising For Offices In Historic Buildings, But Supply Limited

Bisnow/Julie Littman Bisnow’s Bay Area Construction and Development event held in The Fairmont in San Francisco

“Everyone wants brick and timber, but there is only so much of that and a lot of it’s been taken,” Build Inc. President and partner Lou Vasquez said during Bisnow’s Bay Area Construction and Development event. While the temptation might be to tear down an old building, especially if it costs too much to restore it, there is inherent value in restoration, Vasquez said. “You can’t buy that character. You can’t build that character,” he said.

Source: Demand Rising For Offices In Historic Buildings, But Supply Limited

Structure Reuse

Adaptive Reuse: Turning Blight into Bright | CCIM Institute

Combating blight and replacing the tax base: Unutilized structures are creating blight in markets across the U.S. And local governments are losing revenue from both declining sales and property taxes as retail stores close and prior growth industries such as financial services contract. How can cities replace lost sales and property tax revenue from closed stores and branch banks? Ironically, the solution is what local communities least understand and most resist: reusing a structure or property. It is a fe

Source: Adaptive Reuse: Turning Blight into Bright | CCIM Institute

Structure Reuse

The Old Main Post Office: Before and After | Chicago magazine | Real Estate & Neighborhoods July 2018

Describing the structure as a “Sleeping Beauty,” Schulze says that the redevelopment of the Old Main Post Office is not only significant for representing a major adaptive reuse and revitalization of one of Chicago’s great buildings, but it’s one that is expected to help breathe new life into the sleepy stretch of the South Loop and West Loop Gate.

Source: The Old Main Post Office: Before and After | Chicago magazine | Real Estate & Neighborhoods July 2018

Structure Reuse

Entire Sydney office fitted out with recycled materials and furniture wins sustainability award

The entrance to the office. Photo: Supplied

The entrance to the office. Photo: Supplied

The premises, a previously unused diesel generator room, have indeed become a spectacular showcase for the virtues of salvaging both cast-off plant room space that might otherwise languish, and materials that would have ended up in landfill.

Source: Entire Sydney office fitted out with recycled materials and furniture wins sustainability award

Structure Reuse

Inside Mercy Housing’s restoration of Building 9 at Magnuson Park – Curbed Seattle

A window bank unearthed during the restoration process.

The building lived many lives before being decommissioned—barracks, courthouse, offices—and like archaeologists, building crews were able to uncover some original building components that had been long covered up. Vinyl flooring had been placed over terrazzo tile in the original mess hall. A utilitarian wall turned out to be hiding a whole bank of historic windows.

Source: Inside Mercy Housing’s restoration of Building 9 at Magnuson Park – Curbed Seattle

Structure Reuse

Plain English contemporary dream kitchen in a converted London schoolhouse

The main work space is flanked by two satellites: a cloakroom and elevator to the right of the stair, and, on the opposite side, an open panty.

Above: The main work space is flanked by two satellites: a cloakroom and elevator to the right of the stair, and, on the opposite side, an open panty.

The wide-plank flooring is original, newly lightened with a soap and lye finish. The black metal long-armed sconces were designed by the architects.

Source: Plain English contemporary dream kitchen in a converted London schoolhouse

Structure Reuse

Dreyfuss + Blackford’s historic power station conversion breaks ground in Sacramento – Archpaper.com

(Courtesy Dreyfuss + Blackford)

The adaptive reuse project covers 53,100 square-feet, including 22,800 square-feet of new space, to convert the structure into a Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) center. There will also be a two-story addition that protrudes from the east side of the power station, containing main circulation, classrooms, offices, a café, and a 120-seat planetarium that rises above the building.

Source: Dreyfuss + Blackford’s historic power station conversion breaks ground in Sacramento – Archpaper.com

Structure Reuse

Brooklyn’s new Domino Park features relics from the old sugar factory | Inhabitat 

Domino Park – Designed by James Corner Field Operations, Domino Park will open June 10.

Set to open to the public on June 10, the park — which was installed with reclaimed relics from the former Domino Sugar Refinery — has been converted into a quarter-mile long stretch of open green space running along the Williamsburg waterfront.

Source: Brooklyn’s new Domino Park features relics from the old sugar factory | Inhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building

Structure Reuse

Planning Board denies yet another proposal to reuse West Side firehouse | WBFO

MIKE DESMOND / WBFO NEWS

“I’m not a developer. I don’t understand the machinery, the political machinery, to become a developer and make something else out of it,” said Blochoe. “Five previous owners have failed in doing something to this place, if my count is not mistaken, and I have no other plans.”

Source: Planning Board denies yet another proposal to reuse West Side firehouse | WBFO

Structure Reuse

City industries paved the way for art – SHINE

A Baowu Steel facility in northern Shanghai will be regenerated into an art and education hub, named Shanghai International Art City. Ti Gong

“Keeping the authenticity of the buildings has become a kind of art itself,” said Yongwoo Lee, artistic director of the Shanghai International Art City Research Institute. “Industrial heritage goes far beyond existing architectural recognition with unique standing and image.”

Source: City industries paved the way for art – SHINE

Structure Reuse

New architecture school brings lessons to life – REMI Network

architecture school

The addition of the L-shaped, two-wing building offers students a study in contrasts between these two modern construction methods, as well as between 19th-century-style timber construction and 21st-century CLT construction. Levitt said CLT was a natural choice considering the importance of timber and wood resources to northern Ontario, although there was little precedent for its institutional application in Canada at the time, much less on this scale.

Source: New architecture school brings lessons to life – REMI Network

Structure Reuse

Steel Tariffs Just Another Reason Houston Developers Are Looking To Adaptive Reuse Projects

Steel Tariffs Just Another Reason Houston Developers Are Looking To Adaptive Reuse Projects

Pexels

“Adaptive use involves less waste of materials and less need for new building materials like drywall, plaster and concrete, which are highly energy and carbon intensive, even with the most sustainable production methodologies,” Green Generation Solutions CEO Brad Dockser said to ULI. “The ability to reuse windows, walls and ornamentation is critical. And it’s possible to be highly creative. I’ve seen people put an office or a conference room in what used to be a vault. Instead of spending enormous amounts of money”

Source: Steel Tariffs Just Another Reason Houston Developers Are Looking To Adaptive Reuse Projects

Reuse Design, Structure Reuse

TRA on Union Renovates with Recycled Building Materials – SouthSoundTalk

“We found it would be more economical for us to reuse some of these materials instead of throwing them away and buying new ones,” Coates explained. “I think we have a responsibility to be good stewards of our environment.”“We had done studies to figure out what would happen if we tore down the existing site,” said Doug McNutt, Principal with Salus Architecture. “We realized that, yes, we could do that. But if we kept the original, we’d not only save money, we’d create something quite amazing.”

Source: TRA on Union Renovates with Recycled Building Materials – SouthSoundTalk

Maritime Deconstruction, Urban Blight to Farms

Brooklyn Grange announces a new location — in a former WWII shipyard | Inhabitat 

Brooklyn Grange is developing green spaces at Kearny Point in New Jersey

Kearny Point in New Jersey

“We know what these industrial spaces can become and how they can be reinvented. We’ve seen the evolution of the Navy Yard. When we talked to the people at Hugo Neu about their vision about Kearny Point, we really got it. It resonated with us.”

Source: Brooklyn Grange announces a new location — in a former WWII shipyard | Inhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building

Structure Reuse

Here are N.J.’s 10 most endangered historic sites for 2018 | NJ.com

The Captain William Tyson House is owned by the Township of Rochelle Park which wants to either sell or raze the structure, officials say.

Photo Provided | Preservation New Jersey

“Several challenges face properties on this year’s endangered sites list, including neglect and deferred maintenance, threats incurred by redevelopment and new construction, difficulties raising adequate historic preservation funding, the need for creative adaptive reuse proposals, inadequate recognition and protection by government agencies, and political influences,” said Courtenay D. Mercer, president of PNJ.

Source: Here are N.J.’s 10 most endangered historic sites for 2018 | NJ.com

Structure Reuse

Vacant Sears stores present unique redevelopment opportunities – Curbed Chicago

Tucker/Seritage

Despite Sears’ recent struggles, developers are eyeing the company’s former properties as major opportunities. Last year, Springbank Real Estate Group acquired the vacant Sears at 1900 W. Lawrence Avenue in the Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood and plans to transform the 1920’s era structure into 59 apartments, 91 parking spaces, and 30,000 square feet of commercial space.

Source: Vacant Sears stores present unique redevelopment opportunities – Curbed Chicago

Structure Reuse

A Modern Solar-Powered Home Built Within the Ruins of an 18th-Century Farmhouse | Colossal

Photo Credit: Architects Nathanael Dorent and Lily Jencks

Although there are some updated elements, the structure still sits within the original stones of the farmhouse, and is topped by a pitched roof similar to the one that would have sheltered the old Scottish house.

Source: A Modern Solar-Powered Home Built Within the Ruins of an 18th-Century Farmhouse | Colossal

Structure Reuse

Fogarty Finger creates home in New Jersey propeller factory

Paulus Hook Residence by Fogarty Finger

“The architectural design aimed to convert the historic propeller-pattern factory into a modern home, while also restoring the classic details,” said a statement from Fogarty Finger.

 “The architects preserved the original wood joists, wood columns, concrete floors and machinery from the building’s industrial past and incorporated them into the main living space,” said the statement.

Source: Fogarty Finger creates home in New Jersey propeller factory

Structure Reuse

‘Our Towns’: James and Deborah Fallows on how small cities aren’t just surviving, but thriving – Curbed

Greenville, South Carolina, one of the roughly two dozen communities highlighted in Our Towns. Shutterstock

Many cities are taking advantage of their 19th-century building stock, investing in historic preservation and adaptive reuse. They’re also adding art and music spaces, showcasing how small-town urbanism is alive and well.

Source: ‘Our Towns’: James and Deborah Fallows on how small cities aren’t just surviving, but thriving – Curbed

Structure Reuse

East Nashville church building eyed for hotel | Nashville Post

The two-parcel property has addresses of 819 and 901 Russell St. and spans a collective roughly 0.56 acres on either side of South Ninth Street in Historic Edgefield.

“The building is a great candidate for adaptive reuse,” Walker said. “And in many cities, inner-city churches have been successfully converted into residential units, hotels and theaters.”

Source: East Nashville church building eyed for hotel | Nashville Post

Reuse Design, Structure Reuse

16 Art Installations and Exhibits Not to Miss in NYC in April 2018 | Untapped Cities

Phyllida Barlow for the High Line. Image via High Line Art

A prime example of adaptive reuse, The High Line provides the perfect context for Barlow, known for her use of throwaway materials, and the presentation of her work.

Source: 16 Art Installations and Exhibits Not to Miss in NYC in April 2018 | Untapped Cities

Structure Reuse

Massimo Bottura and JR launch an haute-cuisine soup kitchen in a Paris crypt

Photography: JR

‘To feed the planet is not to produce more, it is to fight the waste,’ says Bottura. ‘How to fight it, with the beauty of the imagination of the chefs, the artists … With beauty, we will rebuild the dignity of those who come eat here.’

Source: Massimo Bottura and JR launch an haute-cuisine soup kitchen in a Paris crypt

Structure Reuse

The Battery Street Tunnel will become rubble storage, not public space – Curbed Seattle

The Battery Street Tunnel in 2009. Courtesy of WSDOT

Potential projects ranged from a mushroom farm to sustainable wastewater infrastructure. But after a City Council vote Monday afternoon, there’s only one thing that can happen to the tunnel: It will be filled with rubble and sealed off.

Source: The Battery Street Tunnel will become rubble storage, not public space – Curbed Seattle

Structure Reuse

PHOTOS: New restaurant brings farm-to-table dining to Charlotte’s uptown – Charlotte Business Journal

Haymaker, Farm to Table Restaurant

The restaurant’s design melds rustic, mid-centruy modern and industrial touches. The goal was to create an approachable space, where a night out on the town or a meal before or after a baseball game can happen, Dissen says. “You want to have that blend between the space and the food,” he says.

Source: PHOTOS: New restaurant brings farm-to-table dining to Charlotte’s uptown – Charlotte Business Journal

Policy/Regulations/Government, Structure Reuse

Sydney’s big corporate achievers making more money by turning green | ABC Radio Australia

Affectionately known as the Money Box, 5 Martin Place is one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings. (Credit: ABC licensed)

“If you look at the steel, we’ve avoided 5,000 tonnes in carbon emissions by not having to produce the steel that would have been needed to replace that building,” Mr Wall said.

Source: Sydney’s big corporate achievers making more money by turning green | ABC Radio Australia

Structure Reuse

24 vacant Detroit schools go up for sale – Curbed Detroit

Cooley High School Photo by Chuckjav/Wikimedia Commons

Each property is listed with a link to its Google Street View—giving an idea of what the property and the surrounding areas look like—plus square footage, acreage, and the year each property was built. No prices are listed; these properties will go to the best offer.

Source: 24 vacant Detroit schools go up for sale – Curbed Detroit

Structure Reuse

RMA Taps New Beer Trends to Combat Urban Blight – Press Release – Digital Journal

Breweries can improve slum and blight in a community by creating an adaptive reuse for derelict/vacant buildings such as old department stores, warehouses, churches, fire stations and train stations. Once the buildings are retrofitted as craft breweries, they have the potential to become a major catalyst for revitalization within a city, attracting additional visitors, job creation and investment.

Source: RMA Taps New Beer Trends to Combat Urban Blight – Press Release – Digital Journal