HIGH PERFORMANCE CASE STUDIES: 300-level
SESSION 16
DATE // START TIME // ROOM NUMBER:
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 – 4 pm – Metro 2A
ABSTRACT:
Two mid-century structures in Chicago and Washington DC are transformed into high-performance buildings, effectively repositioning them for today’s market.
MODERATOR:
Susan Szenasy, Editor, Metropolis Magazine
SPEAKERS:
Stephen Apking, Interior Design Partner, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
Kevin Cahill, Associate Director, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
Rod Garrett, Director, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
Peter Lambis, Vice President, Project and Development Services, Jones Lang LaSalle
DESCRIPTION:
Retrofitting urban buildings has the most influential environmental impact since it greatly reduces the volume of waste materials sent to landfills as well as materials and labor associated with new construction. It also transforms mid-century existing building stock with lower energy efficiency standards into high-performing buildings, benefiting the occupants and owners. Most importantly, it repositions buildings for today’s market. The panelists will explore two projects: the Inland Steel Building in Chicago and 1801 K Street in Washington, DC.
The Inland Steel study is driven by an “inside-out” perspective; modifications to the flexible nature of the interior environment were key drivers in the local market. At 1801 K Street, it was an “outside-in” approach; the curb appeal and exterior design of this twentieth century building was of significant importance.
Inland Steel Building
The Inland Steel Building, constructed 1956-1957 in Chicago, exemplified the new organizational business methods of a strong postwar economy, with each building component separately articulated for its particular function. In the same spirit of innovation, the building is being comprehensively renovated and reconceived. This retrofit, was designed as the first triple LEED platinum certification for renovation, Core and Shell, and Commercial Interiors.
1801 K Street
In late 2005, Somerset Partners acquired 1801 K Street, a property located along the prominent K Street corridor in Washington, DC. The building was constructed in 1968 for use as medical offices. Reflecting the original program use, the façade consisted of long and narrow glazing units spaced five feet apart, and was in need of an upgrade. A new façade was installed over the old, while 75 percent of the tenants remained in place. This approach not only diverted a significant amount of construction material from landfills, but also greatly improved the building’s energy performance. The quality of the indoor environment was also enhanced through increased daylight and less air infiltration.
Each case study highlights the ability to transform a mid-century structure into a high-performance building and does do so in a way that repositions the building’s market value by responding to local real estate demands. Both have different approaches to the same end objective.
