New stairs, elevators, and MEP systems provide modern conveniences. Vibrant retail shops activate sidewalks near the entrance, while upper levels provide unique office space for creative firms. The penthouse addition with a rooftop terrace created an enviable tenant amenity.
Preservation efforts included carefully placed braced frames and concrete shear walls that do not interfere with the exposed brick and strengthened the building. A full seismic retrofit completed reinforcement.
Retained the original 1893 hardwood floors by placing plywood underneath to reinforce the existing floor system.
Without the benefit of as-built documentation, there were several surprises during construction – but collaborative team decisions kept the project moving forward. Discovery of the rare brick masonry foundation lead to a decision to strengthen soil columns by adding short rigid inclusions beneath the braced frame and shear wall foundations. These eliminated the need to dig deeper and prevented the undermining of adjacent structures.
