Items Tagged ‘warehouse’
Old Wisconsin Tobacco Warehouses See New Purpose
Synopsis:
With the decline of the tobacco industry in southern Wisconsin, Edgerton is remaking itself and its numerous tobacco warehouses – at least those that still exist. Of the original 55 warehouses in the city, only about 20 remain. Rather than allow these structures fall to blight or disaster, Edgerton is working with private entities and nonprofit organizations to find new uses for these buildings. The large interiors and strong exterior construction has made adapting these buildings easy for the most part. The article looks at a number of success stories, going into the different possibilities these warehouses can achieve.
LIVESTRONG Headquarters
Synopsis:
History
The Gold Coast Paper warehouse was built in the 1950s and served the Austin, Texas, area for a number of years.[1]
(Re)Developer
The Lance Armstrong Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and creating a “relevant, vibrant cancer movement based on evidence and strategic investment.” The Foundation helps to provide one-on-one support as well as cancer awareness and research funding advocacy.
Lake|Flato Architects was commissioned to develop and realize the adaptive reuse of the old warehouse. The firm focuses their work on six principles: land, light, craft, community, spaces between, sustainability.
The Bommarito Group was selected to provide programming direction, design and local knowledge of the city processes. The firm also acted as the project manager for the consultants hired for the adaptive reuse.
Outcome
After leasing corporate office space for over a decade, The Lance Armstrong Foundation now has a permanent home for the LIVESTRONG offices in East Austin, Texas. The headquarters is part of a larger revitalization effort within the underserved neighborhood of Austin. The adaptive reuse of this warehouse has provided new life and a commitment to the local community.
The renovated space provides a number of private office and meeting spaces as well as large open areas to host meetings for other local non-profits. The work has resulted in LEED Gold certification, codifying the Foundation’s concern for the environment. Additionally, the LIVESTRONG Patient Navigation Center (PNC). The PNC, opening in summer 2010, “will service people with cancer or at risk for cancer, with an emphasis on underserved populations in the Austin area. The PNC will work to improve access to all available support systems ranging from information and education to financial assistance and family support.”[2]
The Candy Factory Lofts
Synopsis:
History
Dating back to the 1930s, this warehouse is located west of downtown Toronto in the West Queen Street neighborhood. It previously had been used as a Ce De Candy Company factory, the makers of Smarties.[1]
(Re)Developer
Quandrangle Architects undertook the conversion of the warehouse. The firm focuses on the rehabilitation and conversion of existing buildings, as well as historical restorations and renovations.
Outcome
Creating new loft residences out of the factory, the building now provides a great housing option in a neighborhood of restaurants, art galleries, and bars. The six-story post and beam loft building now houses 121 loft units. Some of the amenities enjoyed by the residents include 24-hour concierge service, a party room, a guest suite, fitness room, roof terraces and wide hallways.[2]
Sand Studios and Residence
Synopsis:
History
Built in 1943 as part of the redevelopment of South Park into a light industrial area, the warehouse was utilized for a number of decades.[1] South Park had originally been created 1852 as an exclusive residential district in San Francisco. The area began to “decline” after the construction of Second Street opened the area to a wider demographic. This resulted in the wealthy residents moving to Nob Hill in the late 19th century. Much of the neighborhood was destroyed during the earthquake of 1906. This vacant land then found a new purpose as a light industrial district.[2]
(Re)Developer
Larissa and Jeff Sand purchased the warehouse in 2003 to relocate their family and business Sand Studios. Larissa is a designer who studied architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, while her husband, Jeff, is an industrial designer.[3] Their firm, Sand Studios, combines minimalist design with material expression, refined details and atmospheric lighting.
Outcome
The warehouse was saved from demolition when a development company planning to replace the building with new condominiums had lost its financing. Larissa saw the opportunity to reuse the structure and provide a new home for her family and business after a fire forced them out of their previous location. The 8,500-square-foot masonry-and-timber post-and-beam structure is located on a 3,730-square-foot corner lot just one block from the neighborhood’s oval park. The three story structure was divided into the family’s residence on the top floor, the studio office on the second floor, and the studio’s machine shop on the ground floor. The ground floor also now includes a 2,500-square-feet gallery space that may be used to rent out for retail uses in the future.
Ample skylights and windows provide plenty of daylight and natural ventilation. Larissa focused on reusing as many of the original building materials in the renovation. Any elements that needed to be replaced were accomplished through natural and/or recycled materials. A central two-story atrium was added to bring light into the 7-foot-10-inch-high office and allows workers to observe the shop below.
“The Sand Studios restoration project is a welcome addition to a neighborhood that has survived natural and economic catastrophes and struggles to overcome myriad new real estate developments. With its side doors rolled open, the building emits the lively sounds of buzzing machines and friendly banter. Activity animates the place day and night. The Sands have not only revived a spot that might have become another generic condo, they’ve infused it with a spirit of innovation, rehabilitation, and reuse that embodies San Francisco’s history of enterprise and recovery.”[4]
PNC Bank – Harbor East
Synopsis:
History
Dating back to the turn of the last century, this building was built as a furniture warehouse.[1] The warehouse is located in the Inner Harbor area of Baltimore which was marked by numerous warehouses from the same time period.[2]
(Re)Developer
PNC Financial Inc. was created in 1982 from the merger of Pittsburgh National Corporation and Provident National Corporation. Since 2000, PNC has been focused on being greener. From green banking to building LEED-certified new branches, the bank also focuses on construction with recycled materials and structures.[3]
The architectural firm that adapted the warehouse was Gensler. The Baltimore location has handled projects across the United States.
Outcome
The redevelopment of Harbor East started in 1983 when Baltimore city officials hired a planning team to envision the new Inner Harbor.[4] Gensler restored the warehouse while at the same time incorporated PNC hallmark traits. The 3,270-square-foot bank branch includes a retail banking area, offices, and a conference room. The height of the basement was lowered so as to allow the retail space to meet ground level. Numerous materials from the warehouse were reused in the renovation and will be coupled with the water- and energy-saving mechanical systems for the certification process to be awarded LEED Gold.[5]
Rock Bay Plan Passes Muster
Publication Date:
February 5, 2010Written By:
Bill CleverleySource:
The Victoria Times ColonistRead more...
Synopsis:
A proposal to convert a former warehouse in the Rock Bay district of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, is moving forward after planning and land-use committee recommended the proposal go to public hearing. The plan calls for a rezoning to turn the former warehouse last used as a kayak retail and rental outlet into a ground-floor commercial building with 25 one-bedroom and studio apartments on the top two floors. The apartments would be owned and managed by the Greater Victoria Housing Society and rented to low-income singles most likely working in low-wage or entry-level jobs. “The rezoning covers both 555 Pembroke, recently renovated for office use, and 575 Pembroke for the commercial/apartment development. Allowable ground-floor uses would include offices, bakeries, financial institutions, retail sales, call centres, drycleaners, restaurants, high tech and artisan trades. The same zoning would apply to 555 Pembroke but residential use will not be allowed.” The building at 555 Pembroke was built in 1914 as a B.C. Electrical Trolley office and repair shop while 575 Pembroke, built in 1939, has been used as a machine shop, warehouse, light manufacturing and retail space.
Selexyz Dominicanen
Synopsis:
History
This 800-year old building once served this Dutch community as a Dominican church. Built in 1294, the Dominicans gave up the structure in 1794 when Maastricht was invaded by Napoleon and the religious order was forced out. Since that time it has served as a parish, then a warehouse, then an archive, and most recently as a bicycle storage location.[1]
(Re)Developer
Selexyz, one of the larger chains of bookstores in the Netherlands, teamed up with Merkx + Girod to completely repurpose the old, significant building.
Outcome
The building is again flowing with life and activity. Located in one of the country’s oldest cities, the adaptation “retains the character and charm of the old church, while being fitted with a minimalist and modern interior design that overcomes any suggestion of fustiness.”[2] Thanks to its massive ceiling height, two additional floors were added by a three-story black steel book stack to provide additional retail space. A cafe has been incorporated into the former choir alongside a seating area where shoppers can relax at the back of the building. A cross-shaped reading table was even included in the cafe area as homage to its past.[3]
CITY MUSEUM
Synopsis:
History
The building was once home to the International Shoe Company. At 600,000 square feet, it included a shoe factory and warehouse.
(Re)Developer
Purchased in 1993, the site found a new purpose and life thanks to Bob and Gail Cassilly. Bob, a classically trained sculptor and serial entrepreneur, spent four years reworking the site for his new vision.[1]
Outcome
Opened in 1997, the museum is not only an example of adaptive reuse itself but its displays and elements are repurposed architectural and industrial objects. It includes such features as old chimneys, salvaged bridges, construction cranes, miles of tile, and two abandoned planes. “CITY MUSEUM makes you want to know,” says Cassilly. “The point is not to learn every fact, but to say, ‘Wow, that’s wonderful.’ And if it’s wonderful, it’s worth preserving.”[2]
Some of the exhibits include: shoelace museum, World Aquarium, Enchanted Caves and Shoe Shaft, Skateless Park, and MonstroCity. Thanks to the success and vibrancy of the museum, Cassily has used the City Museum as a neighborhood anchor to help develop several nearby commercial and residential buildings as well as include lofts within the shoe factory.[3]
Lee Corporate Center
Synopsis:
History
Built in 1971, the building originally was used as a warehouse for Kay-Bee Toys.[1]
(Re)Developer
The project was jointly developed by the Lee Community Development Corporation and Berkshire Housing Development Corporation (both non-profits). It is currently owned by Lee Industrial Realty Corporation.
Outcome
The partnership was successful in taking the vacant warehouse and repurposing it as a multi-use complex. The site is now the location of offices and light industry. It achieved its desired plan to help create new jobs in Lee.[2]
