THE CHALLENGE
CBI provided architectural services associated with the interior and exterior renovation of the Hardy School Elderly Housing units as well as the installation of a full service elevator addition.
CBI’S SOLUTION
The scope of services included renovations to all handicap units, kitchens, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, parking lot paving, site drainage and possible addition of a patio at the rear of the building as well as full upgrade of electrical, fire alarms and sprinklers. The work also included exterior repairs to the brick façade and concrete foundation.
The intent of the interior renovations was to provide a building that was designed for an elderly population that would likely live in these units for many years. Three of the units were converted for complete wheelchair access and compliance with accessibility codes. However, all the units were converted as “adaptable” for future accessibility. All the bathrooms were equipped with walk-in or roll-in showers to minimize tripping hazards. All doors were made three feet wide for wheelchair access. Each floor was designed with a color code in mind for easy way-finding. Common spaces were added for the tenants to gather and socialize. Common storage spaces were deleted so that individual apartments could have their own storage areas. New systems were included for heat as well as air conditioning.
CBI was also engaged to provide architectural and engineering design services associated with the design of a new three stop elevator addition. The scope of services included and investigation of the existing conditions and preparation of a design for the installation of an elevator addition with detailed cost estimates.
Because the elevator could not open directly onto the exitway stair, which could only be used as an exit, an intermediate elevator lobby vestibule was created between the shaft and elevator to connect them. The design also required the modification of the corner residential unit as part of the elevator lobby, which was connected directly to the end of the corridor.
