KPFF Consulting Engineers, an industry leader in structural and civil engineering and protective design services, has recently spearheaded three adaptive reuse projects, transforming old building structures into new sustainable, innovative designs. 46-74 Gansevoort Street located in the Meatpacking District, 108 Leonard Street located in the growing neighborhood of surrounding Tribeca, and 671 Prospect Avenue located in the Bronx, prove rehabilitating buildings to meet 21st-century demands can be sustainable and embrace aesthetic features bringing older buildings back to life.
“It is rewarding to work on projects that provide preservation, sustainability, and diversity,” said Spiro Kremmidas SE, New York Principal of KPFF. “Our structural engineering services modify existing structures to accommodate future needs while preserving structures of the past.”
In the historic Meatpacking District, KPFF provided structural engineering services for the temporary shoring, bracing, and reconstruction sequencing for a group of nine adjacent structures. Each low-rise structure largely consists of wood framing supported by masonry walls with Landmark-protected masonry facades. Structural alterations to each building requiring temporary bracing or shoring for stability are extensive and include the removal of ground floor structures and suspension of walls and floors over new excavations and bracing of Landmark-protected facades to enable the removal and replacement of large areas of roof and floor structures.
Another project featuring shoring, bracing and reconstruction sequencing KPFF recently completed a Civic Center in Tribeca. The project consisted of work related to the conversion of the existing, Landmark-protected building from office to residential use. The thirteen-story, 1890’s structure is steel framed with both steel and cast-iron columns and self-supported masonry facades. Extensive structural alterations include the creation of new vertical shaft ways requiring bracing of the façade and existing columns, replacement of the roof structure requiring bracing of the façade, and removal and replacement of large portions of existing floor structures concurrently requiring bracing of the façade and diaphragm continuity bracing.
At 671 Prospect Avenue, in the Bronx, NY, KPFF is providing structural engineering services for a charter school. The project consists of three existing structures of varying construction types combined and vertically enlarged to serve a sports-focused charter school. The structural scheme is in the development process, modifying the existing structure to accommodate a regulation basketball gym at what had been a second-floor ballroom. The construction of the clear spanning structure over the gym for classroom space at the new fourth floor and the introduction of the new stair and elevator cores includes a minimum of foundation work.
These structures will provide communities with safe places to live, learn, work and play. KPFF’s structural engineering services allows for important conversion of buildings to meet new needs as New York City neighborhoods evolve. Adaptive reuse will continue to be a key tool as real estate needs change keeping intact the beauty and history of our beloved City.
About KPFF
Founded in 1960 in Seattle, KPFF Consulting Engineers has built its success on providing consistent, creative, and thoughtful design solutions for even the most challenging projects. With more than 1,200 employees in twenty offices from coast to coast, KPFF is committed to maintaining its strong reputation for being a collaborative, responsive team member by delivering high-quality service to its clients. KPFF provides structural and civil engineering, and protective design services to their clients. For more information, please visit https://www.kpff.com/.
