The IndependenceFirst project started in early 2008, and involved converting a former commercial bakery building into a new accessible office to house the operations of IndependenceFirst.

      During the course of construction, we had to grind out much of the concrete floor and re-pour a topping to level the floor during the transition from an old industrial building to a modern, accessible office.  Years of old paint were sandblasted off of the existing wood beam roof structure to highlight the hidden beauty of this old building and incorporate this feature into the interior design.  Undulating drywall soffits were added to the perimeter of the open office area to add some visual interest to the space, and serve as a way-finding feature for the occupants.  Bright paint colors were chosen to complement the interior finishes and make it a cheerful place to work.  Natural light was brought into the large open office space through the use of skylights, and the private offices were built with lots of glass to allow for daylight views for all occupants.  Mechanical systems were totally updated to bring the building up to the current code standards.  The old parking lot and loading docks were filled and leveled to make the new parking and entrance areas more user-friendly to those in wheelchairs.  The exterior of the building was re-fitted, repainted, and expanded with EFIS parapet and cantilevered steel canopy to give the building a fresh, inviting look. 

     From a design standpoint this was an exciting and challenging opportunity.  A series of steps were taken and issues considered to create a “Showcase of Accessibility” through the design.  For example, transitions across the flooring are exceptionally smooth and level. Thresholds are even, well above the standards set by the ADA.  While not targeting LEED certification for the building, sustainability was kept in mind with the specification and selection of finish materials such as carpet, paint and ceiling tiles with low VOC content.  Sound quality of the interior space was a very important design issue to our client.  We put a great deal of effort into designing an HVAC system that placed the units in areas that would successfully mask the sound.  We placed the units above corridors and storage areas, where walls could be built around the units to assist in reducing the sound impact felt inside the workplace. 

     The building systems also received significant attention and interesting solutions.  A combination of old and new was utilized in the creation of the updated sprinkler system. After a thorough inspection, we were able to incorporate the existing sprinkler system piping into the new fire sprinkler system with new sprinkler risers, updated heads and proper drops into the ceiling areas.  The buildings water supply also presented a number of opportunities for improvement.  We removed and replaced the old, underground water supply vault room outside the building with a new state-of-the-art interior meter and riser room.  An old sewer system that had deteriorated over the years was replaced with a new properly-sized, properly-graded pipe.  We also needed to remove and replace the old water distribution system with all new piping.  The building’s electrical infrastructure were updated through the removal and replacement of the electrical system with new wiring, distribution, lighting, light controls, under floor feeds for cubicles and furniture systems.  HVAC of the new building was designed with multiple zones, using a combination of constant volume and VAV systems, to maximize flexibility and control.

     We also cut 25 new windows into the masonry structure to improve the use of natural light in the interior.  The back of the building was regraded, and redesigned with a new stone retaining wall and 6 foot wide sidewalk to produce a useful space where previously only weeds and garbage collected.  Regrading of the site also included an all-new storm sewer to collect all the surface water within the site.

     Finally, an all-new site exterior design was created, featuring a circular patio, three canopies with covered areas for bike racks and dedicated drop-off and pick-up areas.  We created a new masonry dumpster corral to enclose the trash dumpsters and hide them from public view.  All new asphalt and concrete curbs were added with at-grade sidewalks for accessibility.  Plus, we landscaped areas with trees and shrubs that will provide future shade and immediate natural beauty.

(Photographs by Chris Duzynski, Saturn Lounge)