Renovation of an existing turn of the century industrial building to residential use as dorms for the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Structural modifications include extensive stabilization and reinforcement of the existing structure. A pivotal part of the design process included re-supporting the exterior masonry bearing walls where existing steel beams in the basement were significantly compromised. During design and construction, we worked closely with the contractor, Urban Sites Construction, to develop strategies to address structural deficiencies that had developed over the life of the building. This project allowed us to call on design experience with a wide range of materials including historic masonry, new masonry, wood, steel, and concrete. This project received the 2020 Cincinnati Preservation Association Rehabilitation award recognizing the project and is LEED Certified.
