Falconhurst Apartments

Architect:
Landmark Design Associates

Owner:
Falconhurst Restoration, LP

Categories:

Contract Amount: $8.1m
Size: 52,000 s.f.
Type: Substantial Renovation

Sustainability and preservation have always gone hand-in-hand, and the renovation and restoration of the Falconhurst Apartments was no exception. With the support of Historic Tax Credits and LIHTC funding, construction was planned and executed with meticulous resolve in every detail. As a true testament of a team effort realizing its goals, five sites peppered throughout the Hamnett Historic District in Wilkinsburg were revitalized to their former beauty despite the enormous obstacles in the existing states of the buildings.

At the commencement of construction, only the facade remained standing on the Falconhurst building, and other parts and buildings had seen the total collapse of the roof or other structural failures. Nature had consumed much of the structures as had general graffiti and destruction. In spite of all of this, each building was carefully restored to honor the historic fabric of the community, all while creating 33 affordable housing units with a total of 52,000 s.f. of livable space. The complex front porches and the handmade stairwell railing systems, each a combination of salvaged materials and expert mimicry, showcase that attention to detail daily to the residents and visitors. In some buildings, intricate handset tile entry floors were rejuvenated through expert craftsmanship. Meanwhile, enhanced thermal envelopes and performance-based mechanical design, along with an Energy Star label, offer modern benefits in an historic setting. The end results are highly-efficient units nestled in extremely livable buildings that are elegant in every aspect.

This project won a 2016 Award of Merit from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Western PA.