Commercial Architecture September 2016 - 6

DEPARTMENT the architects Adaptive Reuse Spurs Growth Use an integrated design approach to pump new life into discarded buildings and boost local economies. Joshua Zinder AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Joshua Zinder Architecture + Design Above. An integrated design approach converted this former filling station into an upscale wood-fired pizza restaurant. E conomically and sustainably speaking, adaptive reuse is a winning strategy to consider when de- Left. This former Masonic Temple, in the Princeton, NJ historic district, is being converted to a 10-apartment building. The exterior (shown in rendering) brick and stucco are being restored to their original appearance. veloping a project. Empty or decommissioned structures have enormous intrinsic value. Provided that an existing structure can be appropriately adapted to a new typology, owners and developers can save on construction through reduced total materials costs and STAINED WOOD AND DIRTY BRICK shortened timetables. In terms of sustainability, reuse of Interior renovations present their own challenges and timber, concrete, steel, and other materials represents sig- opportunities for historic adaptive-reuse projects. For nificant reductions in the embedded energy and carbon a new workplace in a former tannery in Yardley, PA, footprint associated with the project. restaurant. Unlike typical fueling structures, this was an the design team found wood decking below the roof Adaptive reuse can offer significant aesthetic and elegant example of the modernist style from the 1930s. As that had been stained by years of hide-tanning process- ethical advantages, too, as a tool for preserving buildings architects with expertise in hospitality projects and a love es. The rich and deep, dark wood tones have become with architectural or historical significance. Often, older of early modernism, we were thrilled to help preserve and a signature of the headquarters offices for the client, buildings have been built to last and, though currently reuse this building. Several obstacles stood in the way, pri- which makes educational and performance programs underused, remain perfectly serviceable. A limited num- marily drive-through service bays and garage doors that for the high-tech life-sciences industry. ber of these projects may even qualify for historical tax proved to be awkward elements for a food-service venue, credits, depending on landmark status. Even if no credits especially in a temperate Mid-Atlantic climate. In other projects, there have been equally challenging opportunities that make not only economic but social are possible, there is much to be gained from keeping a To address this, the design closed off three garage bays and environmental sense. One client is transforming a building that is iconic and possibly beloved by the sur- at the rear of the building, integrating a facade of certified garage into a community-based thrift shop. Another is rounding community. Preserving a landmark can restore cedar across and over the portals, which were enclosed converting an old power station, which once served a a measure of public pride, and reopening its doors can with storefront glazing. On the front, specialized doors large office park, into a regional shopping destination to support local economic-development efforts. take advantage of the original garage openings, extending anchor a major new master plan-this in spite of its lack of windows and other openings. Adaptive-reuse projects also carry significant challeng- the dining area during warmer weather to an exterior pa- es that must be addressed by experienced design and con- tio with outdoor seating protected by a new awning struc- The solutions found for clients are often directly ap- struction teams. These challenges include: ture. In effect, our redesign reversed the front and back plicable to other adaptive-reuse projects. There are thou- * Retrofitting-Typically involves updating structure and of the facility; where the gas station had fronted onto the sands of underused buildings in the United States that infrastructure for the new use. However, this may main road, the entrance to the restaurant instead faces a represent the potential to create value and save on project prove costly or, in some cases, impractical. neighboring shopping center. costs. A few successful adaptive-reuse projects help lead * Environmental challenges-These may include the presence of lead, mold, and asbestos in older buildings. the way. They can inspire creative problem solving and LIVING IN HISTORY encourage other owners to consider how conversions can * Local codes and zoning-Legal factors may limit options for changing the use of a specific property. Part of the beauty of adaptive reuse is allowing the rich work for their own future growth. CA patina of age and the former uses of the structures to The key to success is to take an integrated approach to become part of the new architectural story. This was design, i.e., an approach that brings together all members true of a former Masonic Temple that is being convert- of the project team early in the process. Integrated design ed into a 10-unit apartment building. The landmark Joshua Zinder, AIA, is founding partner of Joshua Zinder Architecture + Design (JZA+D), an architecture and interiors practice headquartered in Princeton, NJ. The firm's international portfolio includes commercial, hospitality, retail, and residential projects, as well as product, furniture, and graphic designs. increases the likelihood that the client can take on chal- structure, now part of a new historic district in Princ- lenging adaptive-reuse projects with significant success. In eton, NJ, will retain its classic and rather restrained our practice, we've adapted a gas station, a tannery, and character with a careful restoration of its original brick a historic Masonic temple, among others. The goals for coloration and stucco work. To create the desired new uses range just as widely, from hospitality settings to number of apartment units while retaining the build- offices to multifamily residences. ing's historical appearance from the street, the design Interview With Joshua Zinder inserts an additional fourth floor under the existing Learn more about adaptive reuse in COOKING WITH FIRE roof and adds a stair tower to the rear. The project, our interview with Joshua Zinder at Most recently, we were challenged with adapting a de- currently under construction, is a LEED For Homes commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/architects. funct service station for use as an upscale wood-fired pizza candidate seeking Gold certification. 6 COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE SEPTEMBER 2016 commercialarchitecturemagazine.com http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/architects http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture September 2016