Transforming the Interior
The building’s glass block windows had also failed because of moisture and were replaced with clear glass block. The improvement enhanced views to the outside but maintained the historic integrity of the building skin. Quinn Evans Architects also raised the floors to heighten the windows for outward views while allowing for underfloor installation of a new HVAC system and network cables.
A full-height, skylit atrium was inserted into the building to brighten the interior and create efficient new floor plans for office configurations. The atrium also serves as a dynamic gathering space, hosting receptions and even a community film festival. The atrium glazing system reflects the scale and rhythm of the façade, while its railing is an interpretation of the historic railings elsewhere in the building.
Restaurants and stores are moving into the street-level space, and 23 one- and two-bedroom apartments, now mostly leased, are located on the fifth floor and penthouse level. The residences each have access to a private outdoor roof deck.
“This is a project where patience, perseverance and creativity clearly paid off,” Knibbe says. “It’s wonderful to see this Streamline Moderne landmark not only restored but given a new life in Lansing’s downtown.” Historic preservation experts agree; in May 2015, the project was recognized with the 2015 Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation.
“Bringing this building back is almost like a sense of bringing justice to this building, a sense we’ve done it right and a sense of fulfillment,” Eyde stated at the grand opening. “You don’t find a building like this very often.”
Retrofit Team
Architect: Quinn Evans Architects, Detroit
Mechanical/ Electrical Engineering: Strategic Energy Solutions Inc., Berkley, Mich.
Structural Engineering: Desai\Nasr Consulting Engineers Inc., West Bloomfield, Mich.
Civil Engineering: KEBS Inc., Haslett, Mich.
Contractor: Granger Construction Co., Lansing, Mich.
Metal Panel Installer: Architectural Metals Inc., Portland, Mich.
Materials
Metal Panels: Sobotec Ltd., Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Glass Block: Pittsburgh Corning
Windows: Graham Architectural Products
Roofing: Firestone Building Products
Commercial Carpet: Milliken & Co.
Access Flooring: Haworth
HVAC System: York with Johnson Controls
Elevators: Otis Elevator Co.
Decorative Ironwork and Stainless Steel Fabrication: Couturier Iron Craft
Kitchen Cabinetry: Armstrong Cabinets
Paint: O’Leary Paint
PHOTOS: James Haefner