Items Tagged ‘condos’
Craig And Wilson Building Conversion Speeds Up Downtown
Synopsis:
Construction is underway at the historic Craig & Wilson Building in Gastonia, North Carolina. Originally built as a livestock feed and carriage house, the building is being completely remodeled as 16 condominium units. Most recently used for a department store, the building is seeing new light as nearly 100 windows are being installed (replacing the current five windows). The four story building is planned to open by the end of the year and will also include retail on the first floor. The project is a partnership between the developer, McAllister Development, and the City of Gastonia. Due to its location downtown, the city had applied for and was awarded a $2.6 million grant through the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program to bring the structure back to life. This grant means that the price of the condo units must be based on median income standards in the Charlotte region. This type of pricing will help to encourage new life in downtown Gastonia while at the same time new services through the retail storefronts.
Deal Reached to Save Landmark L.A. Hotel
Publication Date:
February 11, 2010Written By:
Jacob AdelmanSource:
Engineering News-RecordRead more...
Synopsis:
Next Century Associates purchased the historic Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles in 2008 with plans to replace it with new towers containing condos and shops. Since that announcement, the community has come out in full force to save this key building. The Century Plaza Hotel was built at the core of Century City – a district of high-rises on the former site of a 20th Century Fox movie lot – and opened in 1966. It was designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, whose later work included New York City’s World Trade Center towers. It is the heart of Century City and a true landmark as it had welcomed home the crew of Apollo 11 as well as hosted President-elect Ronald Reagan’s victory celebration and Bob Hope’s celebrity-studded Century Ball. Next Century has revised its construction plans. The hotel will now be converted to include 400 guest rooms and 45 condominium units. Additional tower/buildings have been approved to be constructing on the sides or back of the hotel, but not to obstruct the building’s presence on the street.
The PowerHouse
Synopsis:
History
The Long Island power station was built in 1906 to further enhance New York City’s transportation network. It served to power and expand the Long Island and Pennsylvania Railroads. Georgia O’Keefe used the building as a centerpiece to her painting “Across the East River” in the 1920s. The building was vacant for a decade and used as a plumbing warehouse.[1]
(Re)Developer
The vacant structure was purchased in 2004 by CGS Developers. The year prior, they had passed up buyer the site but changed course when the city rezoned the area for residential development. Along with the steam plant, the group also bought the neighboring Schwartz Chemical Plant to be included in the redevelopment.[2]
Outcome
CGS has successfully converted the old plant into upscale residential condominiums. The adaptive reuse of the old plant is just the first step in the project’s three phases. This first phase provides 177 living units. The four steam stacks were removed due to structural issues, but glass towers were put in their place and provide additional living space. CGS’s intent to reuse the building however sees to have conflicting reports. Initially, the firm had planned to demolish the entire building and put four separate buildings in its place. One report claims reuse of the building was necessary due to the high costs of demolition, while another report states demolition would have saved money but that the public outcry against destruction made CGS change their mind. In the end however the building was converted and added onto. The desire is that this redevelopment and repurposing will help to spur additional investment in the community.[3]
Meridian Arch
Synopsis:
History
Meridian Arch first started as the Meridian Street Methodist Episcopal Church in Indianapolis. The church was completed in 1906 using Indiana limestone in the style of French Gothic architecture. At that time, the front of the church had two large spires on either front corner. The congregation eventually left the building after growth required a larger facility. Indiana Business College then took over the site in 1947 and added offices and classrooms. The college then required additional space and moved out in 2003.[1]
(Re)Developer
The site was (re)adapted by Hearthview Residential. Although their initial plans called for demolishing the church, community activists and the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission quickly had the building placed on Historic Individual Property status. Hearthview quickly and without argument altered their plans to adapt the existing building instead.[2]
Outcome
The new Meridian Arch offers the community a new lease on life. Respecting the building’s place and effect within the area’s social fabric, the new residences easily mix within the neighborhood. It is surrounded by the Veterans Memorial Plaza and new Central Library. The building now offers 27 condos for this community. “Although the alterations have made the church ineligible for the National Register, they made it eligible to remain a living, contributing building to the city. That was a good trade off.”[3]
