(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]

(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]

(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]

(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]