Architect:
Landmark Design Associates
Owner:
Crescent Apartments, LP
Categories:
They are always on a recommended contractor list.
— William Hashinger
LDA Architects
Contract Amount: $5.9m
Size: 40,000 s.f.
Type: Substantial Renovation
This incredible transformation was a complete historic renovation of two existing structures--the Crescent Apartments and the Wilson House--located in the Hamnett Historic District in Wilkinsburg. Despite the fact that the buildings were vacant and severely deteriorated with significant portions of both buildings being collapsed, the project was restored according to the Secretary of Interior Standards and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This 40,000 s.f. project consists of 27 units of affordable housing between the two buildings. It is still one of the largest restoration projects in Wilkinsburg to date, now complemented by the newly restored Falconhurst buildings right next door and on the surrounding streets.
Built to Energy Star standards, the Crescent/Wilson renovations included extensive and careful demolition due to the level of deterioration. Large portions of the roof had collapsed and brought down whole sections of floors inside, requiring strategic staging and careful safety monitoring to ensure no lost time accidents. Thousands of demolition hours were logged on this project involving some very challenging structural demolition work. Consequently, the building was deconstructed from the top down utilizing a small tower crane. Because of the historic designation of these buildings, the façades had to be restored to their original condition. First, they had to be shored in place while the building structure was removed and rebuilt behind them. This involved a lot of ornate cornice and trim work which was self-performed by Sota Construction trim carpenters, reviving the historic beauty and preserving the past.
Mechanical systems include high-efficiency air handling units and rooftop condensing units. Low-flow plumbing fixtures were installed, and all light fixtures were Energy Star rated. A combination of sprayfoam icynene and fiberglass insulation were used to improve the building’s thermal envelope as well as energy-efficient wood windows. Low VOC paints and sealers were used throughout along with Green Seal carpets and linoleum floor systems.
This project won a 2011 Award of Merit from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Western PA.