retrofit July/August 2025 by retrofitmagazine

PROTECTING THE ROOF WHILE

EXPECTING

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Projects

Open Door

Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church’s addition welcomes the community onto campus.

Peruse innovative religious facilities from across the country:

• Park Avenue Synagogue, New York

• Our Lady of Fatima, Wilmington, Vt.

• Jacksonville First Baptist Church Lindsay Memorial Auditorium, Jacksonville, Fla.

• Church of the Resurrection, Ellicott City, Md.

• St. Paul Catholic Church, Valparaiso, Ind.

COVER PHOTO : Jeffrey Totaro

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 16

16 Transportation Projects

• Portland International Airport, Ore.

• Tempelhof Tower, Berlin

• Lancaster Airport, Lancaster, Pa.

• Chandler Aviation, Chandler, Ariz.

• Selma Union Station, Selma, N.C.

COMPONENT

38 Timeless Windows

Modern-day technology meets Old World craftsmanship during window restoration on Ellis Island.

COLUMN

12 Point of View

Consider donating to the rebuilding of the iconic Clayborn Temple in Memphis, Tenn.

42 Blessing in Disguise

A lightning strike at a Catholic church reveals structural deficiencies, leading to a community-supported restoration.

DEPARTMENTS

6 Corners Lofts

A Chicago Sears store is transformed from retail relic to a vibrant mixed-use hub.

ALERT

54 Design for All Minds

Neuro-inclusive design principles create better spaces for everyone.

60 Products // View a roundup of the latest materials and systems for the industry.

66 Inspiration // A 3D-printed art installation welcomes visitors to Chattanooga, Tenn.

Engineered for strength, Hanover’s GRIDLOC® System opens up a world of possibilities. GRIDLOC® is a lightweight structural support underlayment made from 90% RECYCLED MATERIALS A continuous, fully-supported, monolithic ﬂoor surface supports anything from Porcelain Pavers to interlocking concrete Prest® Brick.

PUBLISHER

JOHN RIESTER john@retrofitmagazine.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR CHRISTINA KOCH christina@retrofitmagazine.com

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

BECKY RIESTER becky@retrofitmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR JIM SCHNEIDER

ART DIRECTOR/DIGITAL DESIGN DIRECTOR

ERIKA NYGAARD

CIRCULATION MANAGER LYN URE lyn@retrofitmagazine.com

WEB ENGINEER DEREK LEEDS

SOCIAL MEDIA MAVEN ROBIN GRABER

ADVERTISING SALES

JOHN RIESTER john@retrofitmagazine.com (919) 641-6321

BETH EMERICH beth@retrofitmagazine.com (781) 710-4745

BARRETT HAHN barrett.hahn@gmail.com (919) 593-5318

MIKE GILBERT treblig2023@gmail.com (847) 867-9615

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

NATHAN M. GILLETTE AIA, LEED AP, REALTOR Director, Natura Architectural Consulting LLC, Grand Rapids, Mich.

JOHN J. NOONAN Facilities Management Consultant, Durham, N.C

WILLIAM E. HOLLOWAY AIA, LEED AP Principal, BERNARDON, Wilmington, Del.

MICHAEL P. WASHBURN, Ph.D. Principal, Washburn Consulting, Scottsdale, Ariz.

RETROFIT // Vol. 16 // No. 4 is published bimonthly by Fisher Media LLC, 98 Booth Meadow Lane, Durham, NC 27713, (919) 641-6321. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to retrofit, 2409 High Point Drive, Lindenhurst, IL 60046. TO SUBSCRIBE or make subscription changes, visit www.retrofitmagazine.com, and click on the “Subscribe” button, or email lyn@retrofitmagazine.com. July-August 2025 // VOL 16 //

There’s Always Hope

This year marks 25 years I have been in publishing. Despite my long tenure, it never ceases to amaze me how issues of the magazine sometimes come together just as they are falling apart. This issue is case in point.

I had scheduled Clayborn Temple, Memphis, for this issue, and Looney Ricks Kiss (LRK), the historic preservation consultant on the project, happily agreed to write about the completed exterior restoration. Opened in 1892 as Second Presbyterian, Clayborn Temple notably was the organizing headquarters for The Sanitation Workers’ Strike of 1968. Known as Martin Luther King Jr.’s last campaign, the strike’s iconic “I AM A MAN” signs were made daily in the church’s basement.

Despite its historic significance, Clayborn Temple closed in 1999 and fell into disrepair. When I reached out to LRK in April, locals were celebrating the completed exterior and fundraising to complete interior work. Just two weeks after solidifying the story for this issue, an arson attack nearly destroyed the church. My heart broke when I learned the news. Not only was an important place in history severely damaged, but all the work and years of fundraising to complete the first phase of restoration were senselessly decimated in a few short hours.

At the same time I learned about Clayborn Temple’s devastation, Tracy Schneider from architecture firm MG2 reached out to me about a mixed-use project we had discussed last year—6 Corners Lofts in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood. I lived in Chicago (2000-14) and bought one of my favorite pairs of sneakers at the former Sears store that now is 6 Corners Lofts. I also worked out at the YMCA just down Irving Park Road from the site. Sears still was operating in the space when I moved out of Chicago in 2014, but the building was a bit of an eyesore and wasn’t catalyzing the busy neighborhood.

I already was very interested in the story last year—not only because it is an amazing transformation that has revived an important part of the city, but also because I am so personally familiar with the building—but when Schneider contacted me with copy and photos ready to go at the same time I was learning about the destruction of Clayborn Temple, the timing just worked. Read about 6 Corners Lofts in “Mixed Use”, page 48. The 206-unit, 394,000-square-foot space blends modern residential living and retail (Target is on the ground floor) while preserving, enhancing, and amplifying the iconic Art Deco elements of the existing structure.

At press time, I am happy to report more than $1.5 million has been raised to help rebuild iconic Clayborn Temple. Please consider donating by visiting clayborn.org. I remain hopeful you will read about this revived landmark in a future issue of retrofit

CHRISTINA KOCH Associate Publisher/Editorial Director

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, had a campus of diverse historic buildings that were no longer effectively serving the church’s members or their community-oriented activities. Through a series of phased projects, including a welcoming atrium addition, Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) LLP helped build stronger relationships within and outside the church. John H. Cluver, AIA, LEED AP, CPHC, VMA’s senior partner and director of Historic Preservation, writes about the project in our “Cover Story”, page 22.

Gail Wallace is founder and president of Restoration Works Inc., a pioneering company in the field of museum-quality window and door restoration. Wallace believes in green window-restoration practices and has a patent for the development of the Light Wave Stripper, which currently is being used to restore windows at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Read the story in “Component”, page 38.

As director of Classical Architecture at Moody Nolan, David Meleca, FAIA, seeks to create spaces that would truly be missed should they cease to exist. Meleca writes in “Historic”, page 42, how lightning striking the 157-year-old St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church and School in Columbus, Ohio, revealed significant hidden deterioration that unleashed a wave of community support for the church’s restoration.

Jooyeol Oh, AIA, LEED AP, is a principal at MG2, which joined Colliers Engineering & Design in 2024. Oh has been developing communitycentered environments for more than 20 years. In “Mixed Use”, page 48, he describes the transformation of 6 Corners Lofts, a defunct Sears store that now is a vibrant mixed-use hub, catalyzing development in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood.

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Portland International Airport

Portland, Ore.

Retrofit Team

Skylight Erector: DeaMor Associates, deamor.com/products/ glass-skylights

Architect: ZGF, www.zgf.com

General Contractors: Hoffman Construction Co., www.hoffmancorp. com, and Skanska, www.usa.skanska.com

Materials

In August, Portland International Airport (PDX) underwent the first phase of a renovation of its main terminal to passengers. Focused on sustainable design and construction, the project features mass timber sourced within 300 miles of the airport and more than 5,000 plants, including full-size trees.

Key to this design are 49 glass skylights that illuminate the soaring mass-timber ceiling throughout the terminal, provide natural light to support plant life, and create an open and comfortable environment. The thermally broken, structurally glazed, NFRC-certified skylights also help reduce the need for electrical lighting, contributing their share to the project’s overall 50 percent reduction of energy use per square foot.

The 32,000 square feet of low-iron, high-performance low-E insulated glass includes four different glass types located strategically to provide the right light at various points within PDX. Ranging from 0 to 80 percent coverage, ceramic silkscreens applied to the glass help control glare and optimize lighting within the terminal. The result is an interior environment that is bright without being overwhelming and highlights the warmth of the mass-timber construction.

An extensive testing regimen was developed to certify the installed skylights would perform as intended. After the roofing modules were moved onsite and fully installed, every skylight underwent onsite AAMA 503 negative pressure air and water infiltration tests twice, and each one passed both times.

The skylights—along with the roofing, mechanical and electrical work, the lighting and the sweeping timber ceiling—were assembled and then moved into place right over the top of the existing terminal roof. The module movers were able to accomplish each move while keeping installed material movement deviations within approximately three-hundredths of an inch. This forward-thinking approach to construction helped create a cutting-edge terminal without having to stop arrivals and departures during the building phase.

Skylights: DeaMor Associates, deamor.com/products/glass-skylights

PHOTO: DeaMor Associates

Tempelhof Tower

Berlin

Retrofit Team

Architect: :mlzd, www.mlzd.ch

Roof Technology: East Poburski Engineer: Bartke & Partner GmbH

Deck Designer: Karle & Rubner, www.karle-rubner.de

Materials

Berlin’s historic Tempelhof Airport recently completed construction of a nearly 6,500-square-foot rooftop walkway and 360-degree viewing platform on its 80-foot-high airport tower.

The THF Tower marks a significant step in the regeneration of the former aviation center, which closed its hangar doors in 2008. The wood-panelled rooftop terrace, decked with Kebony dually modified wood, creates a new exhibition and event space, offering visitors not only stunning views across the skyline of the German capital, but an expansive viewing platform to experience the regular program of cultural events hosted at the airport, including trade fairs; concerts, like the annual Tempelhof Sounds festival; and sporting events, including the 2023 Berlin Formula E-Prix.

The combination of the building’s famous historical character and modern construction requirements presented :mlzd and Karle & Rubner with a unique challenge. When choosing the materials for the roof terrace—accessed via a suspended steel staircase that guides visitors up from the central terminal— the technical and aesthetic characteristics of the building products were paramount to create a quality, long-lasting space for regular use. Kebony Clear decking was selected to give the space a durable and visually sophisticated finish.

‘’The decision to use Kebony dually modified wood was an obvious choice to create a space that is both functional and beautiful,” :mlzd Architect Pat Tanner says. “The robust durability of the wood is ideal to withstand the high number of visitors we see here every day.”

Decking: Kebony Clear from Kebony, us.kebony.com/ modified-wood-products/decking/kebony-deck-board

PHOTOS: Kristian Alveo

Lancaster Airport

Lancaster, Pa.

Retrofit Team

Owner: Lancaster Airport Authority, lancasterairport.com

Architect: Tippetts/Weaver Architects, tippettsweaver.com

General Contractor: Wohlsen Construction, wohlsenconstruction.com

Timber Design and Installation: Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, matfllc.com

Structural Engineer: C.S. Davidson Inc., csdavidson.com

Timber Framing: Ruff Engineering, (610) 689-9036

Materials

The Lancaster Airport project sought to integrate a new timber frame structure into an existing building. The 6,000-square-foot addition employed efficient use of southern yellow pine laminated decking (floor and roof) and structural insulated panels.

Unlike typical ground-up new construction, this addition required an extraordinary level of precision, creativity and technical expertise. The team faced the complex task of cutting into an existing roof, matching geometric specifications, and creating a seamless transition between old and new.

“The building has an existing glulam structure from the mid-1980s that we had to merge with this addition, literally cutting into the existing roof and matching it,” says Mike Banta, general manager of Mid-Atlantic Timberframes. “We had to not only match the geometry and get it to fit but also match the style of what was there before. The addition has more of a modern flair than the existing construction, but the timber is laid out pretty much the same.”

PHOTOS: Mid-Atlantic Timberframes

The success of the project hinged on meticulous preparation. Before a single beam was cut or installed, the team conducted a detailed survey of the existing building. This comprehensive mapping allowed them to understand every nuance of the original structure, ensuring the new timber frame would fit perfectly.

While introducing a more contemporary flair to the airport, the design team remained committed to maintaining the building’s original architectural language in a balance of old and new. The addition opted for lighter-colored wood that refreshed the space while complementing the existing structure. This included using connections that matched the original building’s style.

“The design of the airport includes a lot of exposed steel connections and traditional timber connections,” Banta says. “For the addition, details, such as the plates and bolts, were fabricated to match the existing building. We wanted to make a seamless transition from the old building into the addition.”

The project wasn’t without its complexities. The team had to

navigate several technical challenges, including matching the exact geometry of the existing structure, ensuring structural integrity while cutting into the original roof, creating a seamless visual and structural transition, and maintaining the building’s functional requirements during renovation.

Making all of this happen within the parameters of the current structure, while in operation as a working airport, required an exceptional degree of planning, cooperation, expertise and teamwork. A complex renovation like this demands a deep understanding of materials and techniques.

“Given the constraints around the airport, it was critical that everything fit perfectly,” Banta says. “Every measurement, every cut, every connection, and every crane pick had to be precisely calculated and executed.”

Timber Fabrication: Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, matfllc.com

Chandler Aviation

Chandler, Ariz.

Retrofit Team

Bifold Door Installer: Arizona Corporate Builders, www.azcorporate builders.com

General Contractors: Central Construction Co., centralconstructionco. com, and Arizona Corporate Builders, www.azcorporatebuilders.com

Materials

A microburst—strong, outward-flowing winds—caused extensive damage to the Chandler Aviation building, requiring a new bifold hangar door and revamping of the building from the roof down.

“When these storms drop, they drop with a tremendous amount of force,” says Frank Setzler, owner of Chandler Aviation since its beginning in 1984. “One of those microbursts landed just south of my building. It tore aircraft from steel chain tiedowns and blew heavy airplanes around the field like they were little Tonka toys. My building was in the middle of it. I lost nearly half of my roof and damage to the door was virtually equal. The standard rolling doors on the south side of our building were dislodged and fell off the track system, causing damage to several planes locked inside the hangar. The insurance company surmised the winds to be in the range of 90 mph.”

The Chandler Aviation building now has a 48- by 14-foot, 10-inch Schweiss bifold liftstrap door on it. The door is equipped with a manual latch system. Four translucent polycarbonate panels at the top half of the door allow natural daylight to brighten up the inside of the building.

Arizona Corporate Builders ordered and installed the Schweiss

bifold liftstrap door for Chandler Aviation. Arizona Corporate Builders and Central Construction Company revamped Chandler Aviation’s building and existing door damaged by the storm.

“We had two adjoined buildings,” says Dan Barnett, president emeritus of Arizona Corporate Builders. “One was a 1960s masonry wall/wood roof constructed building, where the new Schweiss door was installed. The other building was an early 1970s 80- by 80-foot steel building that had a rolling hangar door. With the use of a parapet system, we were able to create the look of a single new building.”

Revamping the building has given Setzler additional outside storage space for hoists, jacks, oxygen and battery carts, and other equipment not used on a daily basis.

“I get a lot of use out of the door every day,” Setzler says. “We are a five-day-a-week company. We open the door in the morning for circulation and again in the afternoon after the sun gets over to the other side, plus every time we tow an airplane into or out of our hangar for service. We put insulation on it because with the old door, I could feel heat coming through the door early in the morning. For the comfort level it gives us, I am very pleased with adding the insulation. I like the door because all we have to do is push the button and it goes up.”

Bifold Liftstrap Door: Schweiss, www.bifold.com

PHOTOS: Schweiss

Selma Union Station

Selma, N.C.

Retrofit Team

Restoration Contractor: Western Specialty Contractors, westernspecialtycontractors.com/charlotte

Architect: Arcadis/IBI Group, www.arcadis.com/en

Engineering Consultant: R. Tad Furrow, (336) 724-3030

Materials

Selma city leaders hired Western Specialty Contractors’ Charlotte, N.C., branch in August 2024 to replace the historic station’s deteriorated exterior sealants, which had caused interior leaks resulting in the building being vacant for an extended period. (An interior renovation of the building is currently underway.)

Western Specialty Contractors’ scope of work also included replacing the building’s original copper gutters, roof flashing, conductor heads and parapet coping. Restoration experts field measured and reproduced the copper pieces in the shop with all soldering taking place onsite. In total, Western Specialty Contractors replaced roughly 1,000 square feet of original copper on the station with new 16-ounce copper.

Western Specialty Contractors’ crew built scaffolding around the perimeter of the building to access its parapet wall and remove coping stones.

Western Specialty Contractors completed the project in March 2025 within budget.

16-ounce Copper: Metal Roofing Supply, alabama metalroofingsupply.com, and Peak Metal Roofing

The Retrofit

Designed in 1924 by architect A.M. Griffin for the Atlantic Coast Line and Southern Railroads, the train station currently is served by two Amtrak passenger trains and houses a museum. It is located at 500 East Railroad Street in the heart of downtown Selma and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in June 1982 after its demolition was thwarted by the residents of Selma in 1975.

PHOTOS: Western Specialty Contractors

PHOTOS: Jeffrey Totaro

Open Door

Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church’s Addition

Welcomes the Community onto Campus

By John H. Cluver, AIA, LEED AP, CPHC

It is challenging enough to modernize a single historic building so it can support contemporary use. The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, a prominent congregation on Philadelphia’s Main Line, faced an even greater problem: an entire campus of diverse historic buildings that were no longer able to effectively serve the church’s members or their community-oriented activities.

Fortunately, the church had the resources necessary to initiate a holistic and collaborative planning process that identified the challenges and opportunities of its campus before embarking on a series of phased projects. Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) LLP began an extensive research and consultation process with church leaders and congregation to understand their needs and priorities for the project. This design process helped build stronger relationships between previously siloed groups within the church.

A Diversity of Styles

The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church has been a local landmark since its foundation in 1873. It holds a central location on Montgomery Avenue and has had regional and national influence through its membership in The Presbytery of Philadelphia, the oldest in America, and through its role as the first Presbyterian church in America

to directly maintain its own foreign missionaries.

Today, the historic 6-acre campus is oriented around six buildings constructed at varying dates: Converse House, 1911; Sanctuary, 1927; Education Building, 1931; Chapel, 1940; Activities Building, 1967; and the Ministries Center, 1990. The campus development to add facilities follows a pattern that can be found within congregations throughout the country. The church also owns additional properties surrounding its campus, which are primarily used to house staff.

VMA’s concept of the Atrium acts as a strong front door that also connects four buildings on campus—the Sanctuary, Activities Building, Converse House and Ministries Center

Connections that Strengthen Community

Church leaders had three central aims for the renovation: to strengthen interactions within the church, build community with the surrounding area and improve physical accessibility. VMA’s concept of the Atrium addressed these needs by acting as a strong front door that also connects four buildings on campus—the Sanctuary, Activities Building, Converse House and Ministries Center.

The Atrium instantly orients new visitors while creating a comfortable, accessible and protected pathway from the Sanctuary doors into the central Court of the Ministries Center. It is a restrained and transparent volume with simple cast-stone entries facing the public street and rear parking lot, picking up on the cast-stone trim used throughout the campus. From Montgomery Avenue, passersby can see the cube clearly and invitingly glowing. A gently sloped walkway, instead of steps and ramp, leads to the entrance from the drop-off loop, and an attractive lower-level entrance at the rear replaces a steep walkway from the parking lot.

The Atrium instantly orients new visitors while creating a comfortable, accessible and protected pathway from the Sanctuary doors into the central Court of the Ministries Center.

The Atrium’s simple lines and quality craftsmanship deliver a practical level of beauty juxtaposed with the ornate detailing of the adjacent Sanctuary.

BEFORE

A generous plaza on the main floor of the Atrium, connecting the mismatched floor levels of the existing buildings, is where people can gather before or after services or wait to pick up family from an evening activity. Where it faces Montgomery Avenue, the addition bows modestly to the adjacent Converse House and draws inspiration from its rectangular sash windows. On the reverse, where it abuts the Activities

A sloped skylight bathes the interior of the Atrium in sun and provides a framed view of the Sanctuary’s iconic steeple.

BEFORE PHOTO: courtesy Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP

A former meeting room on the main floor was converted into a gallery for rotating exhibits, continuing the congregation’s historically strong support of local artists.

Building, each course of the Atrium’s triple-height glazing was carefully aligned with muntins of the older building’s signature fenestration.

A sloped skylight bathes the interior of the Atrium in sun and provides a framed view of the Sanctuary’s iconic steeple, which creates a very pleasant environment while reducing reliance on artificial light. Simple lines and quality craftsmanship deliver a practical level of beauty juxtaposed with the ornate detailing of the adjacent Sanctuary.

New gender-neutral restrooms in renovated areas of the Ministries Center and Converse House, easily accessed from the Atrium, are a welcome addition for congregation members who bemoaned the lack of available facilities on Sundays and during events. A new elevator in the Atrium makes it easier for people to enter the Ministries Center at multiple levels. A bench along the ramp that connects the Atrium to the upper level of the Ministries Center provides a welcome place for people to wait and sip coffee while chatting.

A former meeting room on the main floor was converted into a gallery for rotating exhibits, continuing the congregation’s historically strong support of local artists. Meanwhile, a

renovated multipurpose room can be used for large meetings, book readings or other events while doubling as a space for displaying portions of the congregation’s library. On the upper floors, the existing multipurpose space was redesigned specifically for older children and young adults, featuring a new lounge space with contemporary flexible furniture they can make their own.

Meeting the Future

Organizations, like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Partners for Sacred Places and Philadelphia’s Community Design Collaborative, have documented similar struggles with transforming historic buildings for contemporary needs facing other congregations, as well as the burden such responsibility can place on a church, often leading to congregations regrettably leaving their historic roots and seeking new homes elsewhere.

The architectural presence of the Atrium communicates clearly that the church is a proud member of the local community and one which welcomes neighbors to visit and engage. Prospective new members, especially patrons of the educational programs, will see embodied in the campus’ architecture the emphasis the church places on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. New and better spaces for events will serve the congregation’s members, as well as community organizations that lack space of their own.

A renovated multipurpose room can be used for large meetings, book readings or other events while doubling as a space for displaying portions of the congregation’s library.

The new Atrium is a major step toward keeping the architectural heritage of this congregation relevant and supporting the educational, social, and community programs that bring people together. With a sensitive design approach, holistic planning, and meticulous implementation, VMA helped realize the church’s institutional goals by creating an inclusive and vibrant environment for its growing membership.

Retrofit Team

Architect: Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP, voithandmactavish. com

Construction Manager: W. S. Cumby Construction, cumby.com

Owner’s Rep: Watchdog, watchdogpm.com

Structural Engineer: Keast & Hood, keasthood.com

MEP/FP Engineer: Dimitri J. Ververelli Inc., www.djvinc.com

Lighting: O’Donohoe Lighting, odonohoelighting.com

Civil Engineer: Site Engineering Concepts, site-engineers.com

Landscape Architect: RAS, raslainc.com

Masonry Restoration: Mara Restoration, mararestoration.com

Window Restoration: Architectural Window Restoration, www.architecturalwindowrestoration.com, and Scintilla Stained Glass, www.scintillastainedglass.com

Roofing: W.H. Laird Roofing, www.whlairdroofing.com

Materials

Ceiling: 9 Wood, www.9wood.com

Light Fixtures: Heritage Metalworks, hmwpa.com

The new Atrium is a step toward keeping the architectural heritage of this congregation relevant and supporting the programs that bring people together.

A bench along the ramp that connects the Atrium to the upper level of the Ministries Center provides a welcome place for people to wait and sip coffee while chatting.

Park Avenue Synagogue

New York

Retrofit Team

Lighting Designer: Nimblist, nimblist.com

Materials

The Nimblist team specializes in staging some of entertainment’s biggest events, environments and experiences. On most projects, Nimblist Founder and CEO Spike Brant and Vice President of Production Scott Schecter start with a blank canvas and build the experience from the ground up. But when they were called in to stage a Sanctuary Rededication Event at Park Avenue Synagogue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, they were starting with a very different kind of space.

The synagogue’s sanctuary was dedicated in 1927. It is one of the last examples of Moorish Revival architecture and features ornate fixtures, high ceilings and Adolph Gottlieb stained-glass windows.

Cantor Azi Schwartz and Executive Director Beryl Chernov envisioned a formal event during Hanukkah that paid tribute to the history of the congregation over the years and set the stage for the congregation’s next century. Working with Lutron and the Nimblist team, they identified three goals for the lighting design:

1. Reimagine the lighting environment as more of a performance space.

2. Achieve a dynamic lighting scheme while honoring—not disrupting—the building’s architecture and ornate lighting fixtures.

3. Represent the congregation’s journey through time with a spectacle of light.

Given the Synagogue’s time frame and budget, the Nimblist team had two choices. Schecter explains: “We could turn off all the existing original lights and bring in a temporary theatrical system for the oneday event, or we could replace all the bulbs in the existing fixtures with Ketra, executing a celebratory event and a permanent solution that was easy to retrofit, easy to control and would forever enhance this beautiful space.” The team chose the latter.

In addition to a short timeline and strict budget, Nimblist had to navigate challenges including severely limited access, very high ceilings, pews bolted in place that hadn’t been taken up in 75 years and other logistical challenges of navigating the space—not to mention the network infrastructure. One of the most important and significant challenges was working though IT needs with the synagogue’s team and lead integrator who made sure all the systems worked together to execute an incredible event.

For the final install, Nimblist augmented the installed lighting with just four temporary lights for the entrance, along with a few wireless up-lights but was otherwise able to relamp every fixture with Ketra bulbs. Lighting Designer Kille Knobel worked remotely from

Los Angeles to execute all the bench testing required to ensure the proposed system exceeded expectations, and in two non-stop days the space was transformed.

Another cost- and time-saving aspect of the system’s success was the minimal amount of wiring required for installation. Because the solution is wireless, the team only needed network control wire to create the mesh network.

LED Lighting Sources: Ketra, www.ketra.com, and Lutron Electronics, www.lutron.com

PHOTOS: Lutron

Our Lady of Fatima

Wilmington, Vt.

Retrofit Team

Architect: Stevens & Associates, www.stevens-assoc.com

Materials

Built in 1964, Our Lady of Fatima’s Kalwall translucent daylighting panels played an integral part of the church’s original design by delivering calming, serene and diffuse daylighting to create comfortable spaces for its occupants. Our Lady of Fatima chose a custom grid in combination with Kalwall’s colored inserts to achieve the stained-glass look while benefitting from superior thermal and energy performance compared to glass.

Kalwall panels defend against New England’s harshest elements. The translucent FRP-reinforced panels prove to be resilient, durable and high performance while keeping the vibrancy of their color intact.

Sixty years later, and time for a retrofit, Kalwall panels were once again the material of choice.

The new 2 3/4-inch panels feature a custom grid and transparent colored insulation tailored to meet desired light transmittance (14 percent), U-value (0.14) and solar-heat-gain (0.15) requirements. The retrofit brings immediate energy savings and lower HVAC costs, creating a more controlled environment from which the building envelope and occupants benefit.

Translucent Daylighting Panels: Kalwall, www.kalwall.com

DURING

PHOTOS: Kalwall

Jacksonville First Baptist Church Lindsay Memorial Auditorium

Jacksonville, Fla.

Retrofit Team

Architect: Novus Architects, novusarchitects.com

Cladding Installer: N-RG Cladding, www.n-rgcladding.com

General Contractor: Williams & Rowe General Contractors, williams rowe.com

Materials

In 2021, Novus Architects completed interior renovations of the historic 9,149-square-foot auditorium, improving the overall aesthetics, providing new seating and updating the stage. During Phase 2, Novus Architects created a design to renovate the rundown exterior with Steni Composite Stone Colour Panels, giving the building new life.

The complexity of the panel design brought together the architect, installer, general contractor, manufacturers reps, Steni and the pastor. The team worked well together to achieve completion. Seven Steni Colour panels were selected, each with high-gloss and semi-matte

finishes for a total of 14 panels. The panels were face-fixed.

“One of the key benefits of Steni Panels was being lightweight. That made it a lot easier to get the panels up to higher elevations,” recalls Kyle Burgess, project manager with N-RG Cladding. “Having the panels pre-drilled saved weeks on the install time.”

Exterior Composite Panels: Steni Panels from Omnis, omnisusa.com/ steni-composite-stone-rainscreen-panels

BEFORE

Church of the Resurrection

Ellicott City, Md.

Retrofit Team

Lighting Installer: TEI Electrical Solutions, www.teiconst.com

Architect: Noelker and Hull Associates Inc., www.noelkerhull.com

Electrical Distributor: Scott Electric, www.scottelectricusa.com

Materials

When tasked with enhancing the church’s interior ambiance without compromising its historic integrity, Noelker and Hull Associates turned to Barron Lighting Group’s Flexible Border Tube to illuminate the church’s ceiling and highlight its stunning stained-glass windows while seamlessly integrating with the existing architecture.

The Flexible Border Tube was customized in length and shape, accommodating the intricate installation requirements. The absence of visible joints ensured a continuous, elegant look.

Several challenges were successfully addressed, including positioning the lights within the window spaces to avoid casting shadows while illuminating the entire area; determining the correct curve direction and exit points for connection cables, ensuring they remained hidden from view; and strategically tucking drivers in the corners of window areas to maintain aesthetic integrity.

The stained-glass windows now glow with a soft, even light that enhances their beauty without overshadowing them.

Lighting: Flexible Border Tube from Barron Lighting Group, bit.ly/3SWN9zu

St. Paul Catholic Church

Valparaiso, Ind.

Retrofit Team

Boiler Installer: G.L. Jorgensen Heating & Cooling, www.gljorgensen.com

Materials

St. Paul Catholic Church, spanning roughly 18,000 square feet with seating for 950 parishioners, sought a heating solution that not only accommodated the current space, but also had the capacity for future expansions, including the installation of a storage-tank hotwater heater. The challenge for Father Douglas Mayer was to balance efficiency, comfort and the church’s unique requirements, particularly regarding humidity control for three pipe organs. The primary pipe organ resides in the main church while two antique wood organs grace a secondary chapel and choir room.

The three existing boilers had reached the end of their service lives and required ongoing maintenance, prompting the church to seek a high-efficiency upgrade. G.L. Jorgensen Heating & Cooling recommended three Weil-McLain Stainless Steel Vertical (SVF) 725 Boiler Units, emphasizing their capacity to handle the load, improve occupancy comfort, decrease energy costs and maintain ideal humidity conditions for the delicate wood organs. The Weil-McLain SVF boiler line, ranging from 500 to 3,000 MBH models, boasts thermal efficiency up to 98 percent.

The SVF boiler units were set to modulate, allowing for seamless load management and turndown capabilities. This feature is designed to adapt to varying occupancy levels, transitioning from periods when the building is unoccupied and ramping up for church events when the chapel is full. This method also minimizes wear and tear on the system, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.

“We’ve seen remarkable utility-cost savings since implementing these Weil-McLain units, leading to substantial reductions in our energy expenses,” Father Mayer notes. “It has been truly gratifying to witness thousands of therms saved compared to previous heating seasons, reaffirming the efficiency and impact of our decision.”

Boilers: Stainless Steel Vertical 725 Boiler Units from Weil-McLain, bit.ly/4jsMQaC

PHOTOS: Weil-McLain

Hi-strength cement rainscreen panel for durable facades

Material: EQUITONE [tectiva] TE20

Unlock limitless design possibilities with EQUITONE, a hi-strength, noncombustible cement rainscreen panel designed by and for architects. Built for ventilated façade systems, it offers 50+ years of longevity, low maintenance, and U.S. support for seamless project execution.

Discover the full range of EQUITONE and get a free sample at www.equitone.com/en-us/

Architect: Vivian Fung

Photograph: Daniel Wong/iMage28

Timeless Windows

Modern-day Technology Meets Old World Craftsmanship during Window Restoration on Ellis Island

By Gail Wallace

The Main Immigration Building on Ellis Island, New York, opened in 1900. It is a 2-story Beaux Arts building designed by New York firm Boring & Tilton. Now known as the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, the building is currently undergoing preservation work on its masonry façade, roofing, skylights and windows.

Restoration Works Inc. (restorationworksinc.com) is completing the window restoration work, using its patented tools and processes, which make a chemically laden practice much more environmentally friendly. The firm is restoring 756 windows, including double-hung, casement, hopper, transoms and sidelights. The windows will be completed in batches of

approximately 58 windows during a 13-month timeline. As of press time, Restoration Works was completing its fourth batch of windows.

Original Forest Wood

The superior nature of original forest wood and the craftsmanship found on historic windows, like those on Ellis Island, is astonishing. However, original forest wood is thrown in the dumpster every day.

Before it can be called original forest wood, trees must grow for at least 200 years. At the turn of the century, these trees were plentiful in our nation. These tall, thick trees fea-

PHOTO: littleny / Adobe Stock

tured hundreds of tight annual growth rings filled with resin. Resin is a natural wood preservative and the reason old wood does not rot easily. These annual growth rings produced the heartwood harvested to build homes, windows, doors and furniture.

The trees’ slow growth produced a dense cellular structure, so the wood is very thick and stable. If you were to weigh a 12- by 12- by 1-inch-thick piece of modem-day pine and compare it with the same size old-growth pine, the old wood would weigh about one-third more because of its density. Because trees grew very large in original forests, people were able to harvest and mill large, thick boards. You can no longer buy original forest wood, nor can you purchase thicker boards.

The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is an excellent example of Old World craftsmanship. There are 17 window types—steel and wood—on this building. Massive arched wood and steel clerestory windows top the Great Hall. Magnum windows, which consist of one large center window and two narrower double-hung windows along with arched transoms with a sunburst-type muntin pattern in the transoms, bring light into spacious lower rooms. Decorative office

windows delight the eye. Sturdy decorative steel entrances greet visitors.

Most of the 756 windows and transoms are original from 1900. The windows are in good shape for their age but will be undergo Restoration Works’ full restoration process. There is one group of wood office windows that was replaced in the 1980s that will require custom milling of new parts or repairing parts with a Dutchman, which consists of fitting a wood patch into an area in which decayed wood was removed.

Green Window Stripping

Restoration Works’ window restoration program consists of removing old putty and glass, stripping to bare wood, consolidating the joinery, epoxy restoration or custom milling of parts or Dutchman where needed, sanding, reglazing, applying finishes, restoring hardware and weatherstripping. Many steps are accomplished using new technologies.

For example, removing old coatings, which often are lead-based paint, no longer requires the use of chemicals. Restoration Works has invented a way to strip all wood with advanced infrared technology. A patented Light Wave Stripper in various sizes (from 19 to 53 inches) is held over a section of

PHOTOS: Restoration Works

wood; the device’s size corresponds to the length of the wood being stripped. In approximately 60 seconds, multiple layers of paint will delaminate and then can be easily scraped. All wood window sashes, transoms, side lights, interior stops, brickmold, mullion caps and miscellaneous trims for Ellis Island are being stripped using the Light Wave Stripper.

For steel windows, Restoration Works uses the Sponge Jet system, a dustless blasting device that removes old coatings and rust with tiny abrasives embedded in little sponges. The

The superior nature of original forest wood and the craftsmanship found on historic windows, like those on Ellis Island, is astonishing.

sponges hit the steel and remove the old paint while absorbing the dust into the sponge. The sponges are collected and cleaned about eight times before being spent.

To strip metal hardware and other metal objects, Restoration Works uses blast cabinets. The largest is 4 by 8 feet and can even be used for blasting smaller steel windows. Aluminum oxide, which can be recycled after each use, is the blast media. Blast cabinets are being used to strip Ellis Island hardware.

Using wood epoxy to repair historic wood is at the heart of any good wood window restoration program. This 45-year-old technology has revolutionized the historic restoration market. It is a permanent fix because resins sink into the wood and fill voids in the wood. The voids are overfilled and then sanded to the same surface plane. If done correctly, nobody will find the patch after the surfaces are covered with paint.

Modern Equipment and Glass

Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration’s windows, wood trims and hardware are transported to Restoration Works’ Bradley, Ill., facility via truck in crates and steel boxes. All the original glass is being saved for reuse so care is being taken in packing the windows.

Restoration Works has a full milling department with new saws, shapers and planers, as well as traditional equipment, like mortisers and tenoners. A duct system runs to all the machinery to collect dust. All wood shavings—about 10

barrels per month—are donated to a farmer who uses them to provide comfortable bedding for animals. (Restoration Works does not do a lot of milling because most original wood can be saved.)

Ten sanding stations, routers, oscillating tools and other machinery are hooked to HEPA vacs for 95 percent dust extraction.

Glass-cutting equipment provides efficiency while spraypaint booths and heated drying rooms create factory finishes.

Today, there are many types of glass to choose from, including clear glass, laminated glass, tempered glass and low-E glass. About 40 percent of Restoration Works’ projects involve insulating glass conversion, which is barely noticeable in historic windows because the team carefully routs the glazing channel inward and downward to enlarge it for insulating glass. In addition, the team glazes the glass in place with sealant and a custom-milled wood glazing stop that mimics the shape of the original putty line. Each project has a special sizing formula.

Old World Craftsmanship

Modern technology is great, but it cannot replace the craftsmanship found on historic windows, like mortise and tenon joinery, weight and chain balance systems with pulley wheels, and wood muntins.

Needless to say, Ellis Island has all the Old World craftsmanship on its windows (except for the 1980s replacement windows). Restoration Works will produce high-end, museum-quality windows by keeping the original features of the historic windows. By utilizing new technology, the firm is giving these windows the longest life possible, plus providing structural soundness via its epoxy process.

Creating beautiful historic windows that are structurally sound, energy efficient, and user friendly could not be achieved without the superior quality of original forest wood, the craftsmanship of the turn of the century, and the modern technologies available to restore them into timeless windows—windows that have lasted 100 years or more already and, after restoration, can last another 100 years.

Blessing in Disguise

A Lightning Strike at a Catholic Church Reveals Structural Deficiencies, Leading to a Communitysupported Restoration

By David Meleca, FAIA

PHOTOS: Cory Klein unless otherwise noted

After lightning struck the 157-year-old St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church and School in the historic German Village of Columbus, Ohio, it was temporarily condemned because of significant damage. The strike not only caused electrical damage, but also revealed significant hidden deterioration in the structure. Turns out the lightning strike was a blessing in disguise because upon inspection, engineers found crumbling plaster, separating balconies and failing trusses—all pointing to more extensive, previously unknown structural weaknesses.

The Parish used the closure as an opportunity to renovate and restore the entire church. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the renovation was the community’s involvement. When news of the closure reached local residents, a wave of support emerged. As a significant part of the historic German neighborhood and the only standing church in the area, the community did not want to see it close. Beyond fundraising and emotional support, residents actively participated in restoring the church’s legacy. Because of all the press the church received surrounding the potential demolition, community members brought back salvaged artifacts they had kept over the years that had been discarded during renovations in the 1980s, including pews, Stations of the Cross and altar components, awaiting an opportunity to reintegrate them into the church’s life. Their commitment redefined the project from a basic renovation into an act of religious preservation for the community.

Design Considerations

Renovating ecclesiastical architecture, particularly Catholic churches, requires deep respect for the liturgy. In the postVatican II era, many churches underwent modifications that stripped away or diluted traditional liturgical elements. This project sought to do the opposite, honoring the original architectural integrity of the church while adapting it for modern use.

The restoration focused on returning the sanctuary to its historical configuration. The altar platform was moved back and elevated by approximately 12 feet, recovering its original spatial relationship. This not only allowed for additional pews, but also accommodated growing parish attendance; since the renovation, the congregation has tripled in size. The style of the pews were fairly typical of the era so, along with reusing and refinishing the old pews that were brought back from past members, the team was able to source pews that matched the original vocabulary. ADA accessibility also was addressed with the addition of ramps and dedicated seating.

Although many improvements were made, much of the modernization was hidden. The historic trusses were restored but a new steel structure was required for additional support. The pastoral leadership was adamant that there was no

ADA accessibility was addressed during the renovation with the addition of ramps and dedicated seating.

BEFORE

PHOTO: Howard Doughty

BEFORE PHOTOS: courtesy Moody Nolan

Key features of the church were preserved. A local studio was brought in to re-lead each stained-glass window, which had been imported from Germany. The pews were refinished, including ones brought back from past members.

This approach greatly reduced onsite labor and balanced authenticity with affordability.

Another challenge was the original ceiling was thick and dense. The church has a historic pipe organ that resonates a lot of tone and vibration, and the design team was concerned the vibration was helpful in the sound quality. To ensure the

Today, the restored church stands not just as a functioning parish and school but as a living testament to the power of community and the resilience of ecclesiastical architecture.

new ceiling had the same density and could replicate this effect, the team brought in an acoustic engineer to study how they could build a ceiling that was similar.

Historic Preservation

Historic preservation was central to the project. The renovation preserved key features, like the rare limestone and stained-glass windows imported from Germany. These windows, some of which were significantly deteriorated, were carefully restored. A local studio was brought in to re-lead each stained-glass panel. Windows were removed and repaired one at a time, and new storm windows were added on the exterior to protect them long-term—part of a broader effort to future-proof the building.

In addition to restoring the sanctuary, the project extended to the adjoining school and parish buildings. The original 1865 building housing the school and rectory, which was being utilized as meeting and storage space, was converted into four modern classrooms, allowing the school to double its capacity.

Renovating ecclesiastical architecture, particularly Catholic churches, requires deep respect for the liturgy.

Now known as the Specht Center, the building was enhanced with additional windows to provide natural light and HVAC efficiency.

A new plaza was created at the church’s front entrance, improving aesthetics and functionality while providing a welcoming space for community gathering. Throughout the project, sustainability improvements were implemented; the design team understood the value of environmental responsibility. HVAC and lighting systems were brought up to modern standards, improving efficiency.

Reusing the pews and side altars that parishioners had preserved not only honored the church’s history, but also supported sustainability by reducing the need for new materials.

Tradition and Legacy

The lessons learned on this project were profound. It was the first restoration effort for lead architect Moody Nolan where the goal wasn’t simply to modernize but to restore and revive the historical architecture of the space. It challenged the team to think creatively and bring in the right partners to find new methods, like digital ceiling replication, to achieve results that honored the past while meeting modern needs.

Traditional buildings—for the most part—are built to last. However, these ecclesiastical buildings were built at a time when some of the structural knowledge wasn’t what it is today, so modern-day building professionals’ job when handling renovations is to fix those issues to preserve these buildings. Keeping the historical integrity is not just for respect of the architecture, but also for the communities.

Today, the restored church stands not just as a functioning parish and school but as a living testament to the power of community and the resilience of ecclesiastical architecture. It reflects a careful balance of tradition and transformation— where the past is carefully preserved but also reinvigorated for future generations.

Retrofit Team

Lead Architect: Moody Nolan, moodynolan.com

Structural Engineer: Kabil Associates, kabil.com

General Contractor and Millwork: CK Construction Group, ckbuilds.com

Decorative Painting Lead: Evergreene Architectural Arts, evergreene.com

Painting Subcontractor: Martin Painting & Coating, martinpainting.com

Lighting Restoration: Rambusch, rambusch.com

Stained-glass Restoration: Franklin Art Glass Studios, franklinartglass.com

Materials

Exterior Front Steps and Stonework: Lang Stone, langstone.com

Lighting Fixtures: Rambusch, rambusch.com

Terra-cotta Slate Roof: Ludowici, ludowici.com

6 Corners Lofts

DURING

PHOTO: Novak Construction

A

Chicago Sears Store Is Transformed from Retail Relic to a Vibrant Mixed-use Hub

By Jooyeol Oh, AIA, LEED AP

It has been nearly 100 years since Sears opened its doors in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago. After decades of success in the thriving Six Corners shopping district, the store closed its doors in 2018 and subsequently sat vacant for two years. Novak Development, seeing the potential of the unique building, partnered with MG2 to reimagine this neighborhood icon as a vibrant mixed-use building. The resulting 6 Corners Lofts, a 206-unit, 394,000-square-foot building with a Target at the ground floor, blends modern residential living and retail while preserving, enhancing, and amplifying the iconic Art Deco elements of the existing structure.

The adaptive-reuse project serves as an economic driver with Target playing a pivotal role in the area’s Economic Development Master Plan, supporting the neighborhood’s revitalization.

PHOTOS: John Boehm unless otherwise noted

This development is a successful model for transforming obsolete retail spaces into dynamic, mixed-use environments through thoughtful adaptive-reuse strategies. Today, across the country, countless department stores and retail centers sit vacant while demand for housing continues to increase. Developing successful models for reimagining these spaces is crucial; they reduce embodied carbon emissions, support community revitalization and preserve neighborhood character.

Architectural Adaptation and Innovation

Reimagining a 1930s department store required innovative design strategies that would transform the building into a modern living space. The first challenge the design team faced was overcoming the building’s deep rectangular floorplate. The design reconfigures the structure into a U-shaped layout, reducing unit depth while increasing access to natural light. The intervention allows for balconies and terraces in every unit, introducing fresh air and light into the residences. Units range from studios to two bedrooms, including lofts with 14- to 16-foot ceilings. There are nearly 40 unique unit layouts because of the constraints of the original structure.

Top: The design reconfigures the structure into a U-shaped layout, which allowed for balconies and terraces in every unit. Bottom: Original terrazzo floors and flared capital columns remain in the lobby, and a defunct electrical transformer vault now is an art piece.

The building’s 10-inch-thick concrete walls enabled the addition of a rooftop lounge and pool with sweeping views of the Chicago skyline.

The design also enhances the existing architectural aesthetic by taking cues from the linear forms of the façade, replacing solid concrete walls with rows of tall glass windows that emphasize the verticality of the building. By leaning into subtle architectural details, the design creates a new defining feature that amplifies the character of the building. Creating this look was no easy feat given the strength of the concrete. More than 160 window openings were carved out of 10-inch-thick concrete

walls, each section weighing 9,500 pounds. Removing these sections was a painstaking task; the slabs needed to be felled within the building to avoid the busy streets below.

Although the concrete’s strength posed challenges with the windows, it also enabled the addition of a rooftop lounge and pool. This new amenity floor offers sweeping views of

Units range from studios to two bedrooms, including lofts with 14- to 16-foot ceilings. There are nearly 40 unique unit layouts because of the constraints of the original structure.

Retrofit Team

Owner: Novak Development, www.novakconstruction.com

Design Architect: MG2, mg2.com

General Contractor: Novak Construction, www.novakconstruction. com

Structural Engineer: TGRWA Structural Engineers, tgrwa.com

Civil Engineer: RTM Engineering Consultants, rtmec.com

MEP Engineer: 20/10 Engineering Group, 2010engineering.com

Materials

LVT Flooring: Soundscape 4063V from ShawContract, www.shawcontract.com/en-us/products/4063v?

Cabanas: Sombrero from Mamagreen, mamagreen.com/ collections/sombrero

the Chicago skyline, luxury cabanas and a speakeasy lounge—successfully leveraging the existing architecture without compromising the original character of the building.

Sustainability, Resilience and History

By preserving as much of the existing building as possible, the design avoids the release of significant embodied carbon emissions (carbon emitted by the manufacture, transport and assembly of materials) largely from the construction of new buildings. The National Trust for Historic Preservation notes that building reuse avoids 50 to 75 percent of the embodied carbon emissions that an identical new building would generate because renovations typically reuse most of the carbon-intensive parts of the building—the foundation, structure and building envelope.

MG2 studied multiple design options to ensure the final concept was a balanced approach between creating functional residential units and preserving the existing structure. Outside of the structural elements, MG2 and Novak Development wanted to retain additional elements of the original department store to give residents and visitors a glimpse into the past of this unique building.

The lobby maintains the original terrazzo floors, which incredibly still look like they were installed yesterday rather than decades ago. Also preserved are the 16 1/2-foot exposed ceilings, as well as the flared capital columns in

Residential Cabinets: Shaker from Regent Cabinets, regentcabinetsolutions.com

Windows/Terrace Doors: GT6700 Series and GT7700 Doors from Graham Architectural Products, www.grahamwindows.com

Roof System: Hydrotech, www.hydrotechusa.com

Pavers: Estate Pavers from Wausau Tile, wausautile.com/Products/ Estate.cfm

Rooftop Precast Wall and Ledgestone Copings: Ledgestone from Unilock, unilock.com/product/ledgestone-chicago

Residential Plumbing Fixtures: American Standard, www.americanstandard-us.com; Proflo, www.ferguson.com/ category/proflo; and Symmons, www.symmons.com

More than 160 window openings were carved out of 10-inch-thick concrete walls, each section weighing 9,500 pounds.

A Lasting Impact

the lobby and many of the units, adding an authentic, industrial flavor to the space.

Successful adaptive reuse not only reimagines old spaces for new purposes, but also finds inspiration in existing materials. For example, an original electrical transformer vault—no longer functional—was preserved to acknowledge the building’s past. In collaboration with a local graffiti artist, the steel panel was transformed into an art piece for the lobby, offering a subtle nod to the history of what was once there.

The Portage Park neighborhood is experiencing an exciting transformation in large part because of the success of 6 Corners Lofts. There are new residential developments in the area along with an influx of shops and restaurants. Not only have there been benefits for residents, the adaptive-reuse project is also serving as an economic driver with Target as the retail tenant, playing a pivotal role in the area’s Economic Development Master Plan, supporting the neighborhood’s revitalization and retail growth. Cultural investment continues to grow with Arts Alive Chicago, launching a sculpture walk beginning at the Six Corners district filled with installations by local artists. The walk was designed to foster a sense of belonging and encourage neighborhood engagement.

By leaning into design and employing thoughtful adaptive-reuse strategies, MG2 successfully blends modern residential living with retail while preserving, enhancing, and amplifying iconic Art Deco elements for a 21st century sensibility. Thoughtful adaptive reuse, like 6 Corners Lofts, not only supports community revitalization but preserves neighborhood character for future generations.

Design for All Minds

Neuro-inclusive Design Principles Create Better Spaces for Everyone

By Jim Schneider

The architectural profession has a proud tradition of striving for inclusion and equity in the design of buildings, even when cultural trends shift and terminology comes in and out of vogue.

The first step toward creating inclusion is recognizing it isn’t the default condition. The more we come to understand how human beings interact with the built environment, the clearer it becomes that traditional methods of design were created with a particular demographic in mind: generally white, able-bodied cisgender men. Because not everyone who occupies buildings fits in that demographic, it’s time to think differently.

Although ADA brought down some ableist barriers, primarily for those with physical disabilities, it didn’t fully account for other types of neurological or behavioral needs.

The umbrella term “neurodiversity” came into common usage in the late 1990s, and cultural understanding has grown as more people have begun to identify or be diagnosed as ADHD or autistic. To be clear, this statistical rise comes from deeper understanding and improved diagnostic processes; it’s simply now more common to acknowledge and understand what has always been there and in the past went ignored.

Although no space or structure can be optimized to the specific needs of every individual, there are ways to create experiences that are effective, comfortable and welcoming to as many people as possible. In many ways, this journey began with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which created basic minimum requirements for physical access.

“About 15 to 20 percent of the global population is neurodivergent. When we design inclusively, we are considerate of the users of the space and engage them during the design process,” says Cynthia Paredes, architectural designer, firmwide inclusive design co-leader and a Southwest regional inclusive design champion for Gensler. “Designing spaces to accommodate neurodiversity not only serves those

AI IMAGE t.sableaux / Adobe Stock

“Design for neurodiversity does not cater to a small specific population, it addresses everyone, allowing individuals to work at their best, so teams can thrive together.”

— Julie Gauthier, associate principal, workforce practice leader, Houston Studio, Perkins + Will

who need it, but also can enhance the sensory experience for everyone. Studies show having inclusive spaces is key to attracting and retaining positive user engagement across a diversity of people.” (See “Supporting Studies and Research”, page 56.)

“Inclusive design doesn’t just consider the needs of all people but follows through to construct and enact design so a person’s interactions with a system, product or space treat them with dignity and respect,” explains Elena Sabinson, Ph.D., assistant professor Environmental Design, director of the Neuro D Lab at Colorado University Boulder. Sabinson is autistic/ADHD and an advocate for neuro-inclusive design. “Inclusive design takes time to build and is only possible when designers meaningfully hear and work to understand the needs of peoples’ lived experience, rather than merely listening and making assumptions based on the designer’s subjective understanding.”

“In recent years, society has become much more comfortable acknowledging what we have all known that we all think differently,” says Julie Gauthier, associate principal and workforce practice leader, Houston Studio, Perkins + Will. “Inclusive design can be best defined by Universal Design strategies that focus on variety, flexibility and choice. Design for neurodiversity does not cater to a small specific population, it addresses everyone, allowing individuals to work at their best, so teams can thrive together.”

“Inclusivity is about designing not for one person, but for all people. Everyone experiences the world differently, so there’s not a single design solution that is going to fit everyone,” adds Chris Vandall, associate principal at OZ Architecture. “Some of the design solutions we have for neurodivergent populations

are also ones impactful to the general population. For example, if you’re designing in acoustic attenuation, it’s really going to help all people.”

Beyond Minimum

The limitations of basic accessibility standards stand out when looking at the needs of neurodivergent individuals. Recognizing and addressing the gap between legal compliance and true inclusion takes a fundamental shift in philosophy.

“We had to start somewhere, and we have an enormous amount of gratitude for the Americans with Disabilities Act, along with local building codes,” Paredes says. “Building codes gave us a safety and wellness baseline to work with, and ADA brought in the required conversation around access and navigation for individuals with physical disabilities. These concepts are still very much focused on the one-size-fits-one methodology. Today, we know we need more than the bare minimum.”

“Even if we provided all the requirements covered by ADA, it would be insufficient to create a fully inclusive environment for all people,” Sabinson explains. “In part, this is because

The Reading Room in the Gensler Los Angeles office was designed intentionally as a quiet communal space.

PHOTO: The Ingalls, courtesy Gensler

many people who are neurodivergent have experiences that might be distressing but likely would not qualify for ADA protections if they aren’t judged as significantly impacting their ability to perform activities. I think inclusive design has a more open-ended goal of creating spaces where all people can

Supporting Studies and Research

• A Gensler blog focuses on its Global Workplace Survey looking at employee desire for space variety: www.gensler.com/blog/new-workplace-experiencespeople-crave?q=sensory.

• Articles from Deloitte and Culture Amp, respectively, speak to different needs in the workplace:

- www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/ diversity-equity-inclusion/unleashinginnovation-with-neuroinclusion.html.

- www.cultureamp.com/blog/neurodiversityin-the-workplace.

flourish without requiring people to establish that the environment would be otherwise disabling. Inclusive design doesn’t require proof of disability and aims to create an environment that is fully accessible by removing barriers.”

“What accessibility codes and supporting neurodiversity share is if we design for a broad spectrum of users, we make a better environment for everyone,” Gauthier says. “But what we have come to understand is we must include those with physical differences and neurological variations to the table to respond and guide solutions that can’t always be captured by codes.”

Principles of Neuro-inclusive Design

Applying inclusive design concepts involves identifying environmental considerations across multiple categories. In circulation pathways, this means clear signage, doors and frames that contrast with surrounding walls, as well as design features to aid in orientation. Interior environments benefit from clear zoning, simple floor patterns, operable shades at exterior windows and lighting that aligns with circadian rhythms.

“For workspaces, there should be a minimum of 70 square feet per workspace per person and a variety of individual work-setting options,” Gauthier says. “They should also be free of sensory distractions, like visual and audible distractions or strong odors.”

“The first thing I usually look for is the variety of space types,” Paredes says. “We need single-occupant buzzy loud spaces; communal quiet, no-tech spaces; low-light hospitality-forward spaces; bright and colorful spaces; and acoustically sealed and tactile spaces.”

User-centered Design

There is so much individual variation within neurodivergent communities, meaningful engagement is central to successful inclusive design. Recognizing the true extent of the diversity leads to understanding how overlapping identities create different experiences of privilege and marginalization. A popular saying in the autistic community is “nothing about us without us.”

“The difficulty with internal biases is they’re not always visible to those who hold them. Our process discovers unique ways around those biases to end up at the best architectural solution for our community,” Vandall says.

“When users are part of the design process, they are included in the art of their life,” Paredes says. “I find this will often lead to a sense of belonging.”

“The classic phrase, ‘once you’ve met one person with au-

tism, you’ve met one person with autism’ is an important note,” Sabinson says. “Within the autistic community, you will find a huge range of support needs, preferences and interests.”

Business Case for Inclusion

Far more than just altruism, inclusive design offers compelling economic benefits. From an employment perspective, diverse teams often produce more creative outcomes and are less likely to exclude groups accidentally. In workplace settings, inclusive design can increase worker retention by creating supportive environments that prevent long-term burnout and its associated costs.

“I would argue making spaces more inclusive is beneficial not only because of the ethical imperatives that necessitate a more inclusive design, but it is also a strategic and smart decision from a business perspective,” Sabinson says. “It does not always more inclusive; can have a ments to make environment

“We are moving action. With tifying and understanding needs, it will and architects Otherwise, they Paredes says. beginning of can be beautiful sively designed and retain a Inclusive as we learn and ways the ter interact with all kinds. Even nities, there reflection and our minds to riences. This inclusive design

“In the next the neurodiversity to grow and perspectives,” see the movement perspectives color, non-speaking

“With more individuals selfidentifying and understanding their specific needs, it will be imperative for owners and architects to include all voices. Otherwise, they risk empty spaces.”

— Cynthia Paredes, architectural designer, firmwide inclusive design co-leader, Southwest regional inclusive design

EARLY WARNING WATER LEAK DETECTION

with higher support needs, as well as increase the representation of queer folx and gender non-conforming people. To create inclusive design, we should be consistently evaluating the environment and systems to ensure people haven’t been excluded as needs change over time. It will always be a work in progress.”

“When an environment allows everyone to feel safe, supported and welcomed, this is when we know we’ve succeeded,” Paredes says. “We’re all experts in designing our lives, we should be included in the conversations that shape our communities and environments.”

Terms and Concepts to Know

When discussing neuro-inclusion, it is helpful to understand the nuance of the language around it. The following are some common terms and how to understand them:

• Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain function and behavioral traits. It’s the concept that neurological differences, like autism, ADHD, dyslexia and others, are natural variations of the human genome that have always existed and present different ways of thinking and processing information, rather than being deficits or disorders that need to be “cured”.

• Neurodivergent describes individuals whose brain functions differ from what is considered “typical” or neurotypical. This includes people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD), Bipolar disorder and other neurological variations.

• Neurotypical refers to individuals whose neurological development and functioning are considered standard or typical by societal norms.

Many in the neurodivergent community prefer identity-first language (autistic person) rather than person-first language (person with autism). This reflects the view that neurodivergence is an integral part of identity, not a separate condition.

Other principles of neurodiversity awareness include a focus on accommodation and acceptance, rather than trying to make neurodivergent people “normal”, recognition that neurodivergent traits can be advantages in certain contexts, and an emphasis on neurodivergent people self-advocating and speaking for themselves rather than being spoken for.

HVAC renovation projects have the potential to significantly improve occupant comfort and indoor air quality while delivering substantial energy savings. At Belimo, our decades of retrofit experience along with the reliability and performance of our products make us the ideal partner for customers ready to make simple adjustments to realize immediate results, upgrade with today’s technology, or replace their entire HVAC system. With both standard and custom offerings, we help you find the retrofit solution that’s right for you.

Palm Beach County Mid-County Senior Center

Insulation Offers High R-value in a Thin Profile

Kingspan Insulation North America has introduced Kooltherm K100, which delivers an R-value of 8.1 to 8.3 per inch. Its advanced thermal efficiency, combined with a zero Ozone Depletion Potential and low Global Warming Potential value, makes it suited for environmentally conscious construction. Certified by UL and Intertek and available with FM Approved options, Kooltherm K100 is appropriate for urban infill, retrofit and high-per formance building envelopes. Kooltherm K100 achieves a Class A rating for flame spread and smoke development in accordance with ASTM E84. It also passes multiple NFPA 285 assemblies, including brick cavity walls and architectural panels, as well as complies with NFPA 286 for exposed insulation in interior ceilings and walls. www.kingspaninsulation.us

Wallcovering Is Designed for High-traffic, -impact Environments

Carnegie has expanded into the wall-protection market with Carnegie Armor. Designed to withstand high-traffic, high-impact environments, Carnegie Armor meets Type III requirements for wall protection, offering a sophisticated solution that not only protects walls from scuffs, abrasion and punctures, but also enhances the aesthetic of any space. With bleach cleanability, stain resistance and durability, Carnegie Armor installs like wallcovering—no need for additional trim, hardware, caulking or connection pieces. The product includes a five-year warranty. carnegiefabrics.com/carnegie-armor

Corrugated Panel Features 2-inch Depth

Architectural Glass Plays with Light, Shadow

Bendheim has debuted Varis glass, a refined architectural glass that plays with light and shadow, adding a sense of visual intrigue to interior environments. Varis’ linear pattern is composed of alternating flutes in varying widths that subtly shift light and reflection, creating refined rhythms that bend and diffuse light in unexpected ways. Varis glass balances transparency and privacy. Its light transmission makes it well suited for applications requiring natural illumination and spatial separation. The glass can benefit health-care environments, where access to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, shortens patient stays, and contributes to a sense of calm and wellbeing. Varis glass is processed by Bendheim in the U.S., ensuring consistent quality, precise customization and dependable lead times for projects of any scale. The glass is available in safety-tempered or laminated forms. bendheim.com/professional

ATAS International Inc. has launched Corra-Max, a 2-inch-deep corrugated metal panel for wall cladding applications. The profile features enhanced depth for heavier shadow lines, bold visual impact and panel rigidity. Its exposed fastener system allows for easy installation and cost efficiency. Corra-Max can be used with other ATAS profiles, allowing for design flexibility. It is available in aluminum (0.032, 0.040, 0.050), metallic coated steel and Al-Zn alloy coated steel with acrylic coating (24, 22 and 20 gauges [20 and 22 gauges are subject to minimum quantities and extended lead times]). Corra-Max can be manufactured in a smooth or stucco-embossed surface with 36 inches of coverage and a minimum panel length of 6 feet. The maximum panel length is determined by transportation limitations and/or product and project design considerations. www.atas.com

Blades Shade a Building during the Day, Light It at Night

Construction Specialties has expanded its exploration of lighting as a design component with new LED capabilities in its Lighted Blades. CS has developed a way to integrate LED lighting into nearly any extrusion, including standard airfoils, tubes and a new demi-fin. Encapsulating the high-quality LED light at the end of the extrusion allows designers to shade a building during the day and light it with colorful detail at night. Lighted Blades are available at a maximum length of 16 feet and can be mounted in a vertical or horizontal orientation. Standard extrusion depths are 12 inches but can be customized for other profiles and sizes. CS provides technical assistance on mounting extruded blades to the building, as well as proper shading orientations and locations to maximize sun-shading performance. Through its lighting partner QTL, CS also will assist customers with connecting the LEDs to the building. www.c-sgroup.com

Wood-cement Block, Slab Is Certified for Extremes

Isotex, a European wood-cement block and floor slab, now is available to the U.S. market through MSC Wellness Builders. With more than three decades of proven performance across 400,000 builds, Isotex offers developers, builders, and construction material distributors a future-ready solution that combines structural integrity, energy efficiency and safety credentials. Isotex wood-cement has been fire-resistance tested and certified to withstand up to 120 minutes for blocks without casting, an additional four to six hours for walls with casting, and 240 minutes for floor slabs. Reinforced for seismic zones, Isotex is tested and certified to ensure structural stability in earthquake-prone regions. The product is resilient against mold, moisture, termites and extreme environmental conditions. Made from mineralized recycled wood chips, BASF Neopor BMBcert GPS and Portland cement, Isotex ensures low VOC emissions. en.blocchiisotex.com

Membrane Roof Complies with Title 31

CertainTeed has added Flintlastic GTA CoolStar Ultra to its torch-down commercial roofing solutions. The product has achieved Title 31 Compliance, also known as the Green Building Standards Code, to meet the needs of commercial contractors in Southern California and beyond. Flintlastic GTA CoolStar Ultra provides a cool roof solution that meets some of the most stringent building standards. The membrane surfacing utilizes naturally occurring aggregate processed to ultra-high brightness to enhance reflectivity. These bright white granules are 100 percent opaque to UV radiation, protecting the asphaltic membrane from UV degradation while maintaining granule adhesion with superior solar reflectance.

www.certainteed.com/products/commercial-roofing

Universal Changing Table Is Made in the USA

Bradley has introduced its Universal Changing Table designed to improve accessibility and inclusivity in public restrooms. The ADA-compliant table is specifically designed to assist individuals in wheelchairs, the elderly, and older children and adults with mobility challenges. With a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds, the table’s height is easily adjustable with a span of 16 to 39 inches. Bradley’s model is designed, engineered, assembled and manufactured in the U.S., using domestic and international parts. The table is surface-mounted with two control buttons, allowing for smooth opening and closing. Bacterial-resistant and free of added chemicals, the easy-to-clean unit features a 304 brushed stainless-steel shroud and vacuum-formed ABS changing surface with a powder-coated steel frame. www.bradleycorp.com/universal-table

PHOTO:

Make Glass Visible to Birds

Feather Friendly has launched Feather Friendly Evolution, a proprietary, second-generation material set to redefine how the built environment is made safer for birds. Developed after four years of dedicated research and innovation, Feather Friendly Evolution will last on glass more than 20 years, or more than 40 bird migration cycles. The product can be installed in temperatures as low as -20 C, enabling year-round application in colder climates. Its long life—backed by a 15-year warranty—reduces waste and the need for frequent replacements. Manufactured without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, Feather Friendly Evolution will be integrated into the company’s Large-format Pro product line. featherfriendly.com/products/large-scale-pro

Wool Is Art that Assists with Acoustics

Rhyme Studio, a provider of sustainable luxury Irish wool carpet and tapestry, has collaborated with Vibe by Vision, acoustic design and sound experts, to introduce Castle by Rhyme Studio, a 100 percent renewable hand-knotted wool surfacing collection where healthy design meets history. Once upon a time, wool weaving and tapestry played a vital role in Ireland’s castles, not only as warmth against cold stone, but as art, insulation and storytelling. Woven fiber softened echoing stone chambers and transformed austere halls into living sanctuaries rich with pattern, warmth and tradition. Genuine Irish wool, revered for its thermal, acoustic and decorative virtues, is celebrated again in the form of Castle designs. www.rhymestudio.com

Inexpensive Exit Device Is Engineered for Heavy-duty Performance

The Brinks Commercial M91P Rim Panic Exit Device is nearly half the cost of comparable industry-leading solutions. Designed for high-traffic commercial spaces, like hospitals, schools, stadiums and convention centers, the M91P meets ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 standards, is UL 305 listed and ADA compliant. The device has a comparable chassis design and performance to the 98/99 Series and plug-and-play compatibility with 990 Series Outside Pull Trims and 110 Night Latch for select applications. It is pre-packaged with an SC4 Rim Cylinder (Night Latch) and Pull Trim, saving buyers from purchasing these components separately. Comprised of commercial-grade steel and aluminum and a fluid-filled hydraulic dampener for noise reduction and smooth operation, the device is backed by a 10-year limited warranty. brinkslocks.com/commercial

Trench Drain Is Design-forward

BLÜCHER has released its Linea trench drain, designed to seamlessly integrate into various architectural environments, providing a clean and elegant look. Its lightweight modular components can be quickly assembled and adjusted onsite, reducing installation time and labor costs. Made from corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel, it is built to endure and features a modern, aesthetic design for design-conscious spaces. The straight channel section lengths combined with T sections and 90-degree corners offer installation flexibility for internal and external applications. blucherpipe.com/linea

Coping Is Easy to Install, Aesthetically Pleasing

The Garland Co. Inc. has added R-Mer Force Coping to its edge metal line. The new coping features high-performance design with building owners’ satisfaction at top of mind. Anchor chairs and a snap-on design eliminate the need for exposed fasteners, ensuring a watertight performance and ease of installation. Without fasteners penetrating the coping cap, the material can expand and contract, allowing for unlimited thermal movement. The durability of the 16-gauge steel anchor chairs provides wind-uplift ratings, making R-Mer Force Coping Garland’s strongest coping to date in accordance with ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 standard. The design of R-Mer Force Coping in 10-foot lengths without the drip angle allows for straightforward installation. www.garlandco.com

Rooftop PV Assembly Installs Seamlessly with Metal Roofing

Illuminate Wall Edges

Optique Lighting has made available its Perifina Edge Reveal 3 inch, a recessed, mud-in vanishing trim luminaire that creates an illuminated effect on wall edges, such as toe-kicks, or an illuminated cove at the tops of walls. Perifina Edge Reveal 3 inch can navigate corners without light gaps or the need for complicated soldering. Compatible with 5/8-inch drywall, the paintable backing plate ensures seamless integration with any décor or color palette. The luminaire can be customized with lengths offered in 1-inch increments up to 96 inches or endless lengths using multiple luminaires. Featuring color rendering with high R9 and R13 values, color variation is kept with a 2-step MacAdams ellipse for quality and consistency. The fixture is offered in numerous lumen outputs and in seven color temperatures, ranging from 2200K to 5000K, and RGBW+ in 3000K and Tunable White 3000K to 1800K. optique-lighting.com/perifina-edge-reveal

All Weather Insulated Panels has partnered with BPi, an engineering, procurement and construction contractor in the solar and renewable energy industry, to launch its new Pw-R Series for metal roof solar solutions. A field-installed solar PV solution, the rooftop assembly is designed to deliver optimal efficiency and work seamlessly with AWIP’s metal roof systems. The Pw-R Series with AWIP metal roofing includes three distinct options—Pw-R SR2 Field Assembled (Rail-based System), Pw-R HR Field Assembled (Rail-based System) and Pw-R HR Field Assembled (Rail-less System)—each offering durability, structural stability and reflective surfaces to enhance solar panel performance. bit.ly/44ZRKIv

Machine-room-less Elevator Reduces Energy Consumption

Schindler Elevator Corporation has released Schindler 5000, a machine-roomless (MRL) elevator designed for low- to mid-rise offices, hotels, hospitals, apartment complexes and more. The Schindler 5000 advances Schindler’s MRL offering with taller cars, larger entrances, load capacities up to 5,000 pounds and travel speeds up to 350 feet per minute, all while requiring less building space. The Schindler 5000 comes equipped with Schindler’s innovative regenerative drive system that reduces energy consumption by up to 30 percent, along with LED lighting and an automatic sleep mode to conserve power when the elevator is not in use. The Door Frame Cabinet consolidates the control, inspection and test panel; transfer switch; connectivity hub; and electrical disconnects into one easy-to-access assembly. Additionally, the Suspension Traction Media further saves shaft space with a 70 percent smaller motor and traction sheaves compared to traditional systems. www.schindler.com

The 2025 Metamorphosis Awards

Be recognized by retrofit magazine for your outstanding work retrofitting commercial, industrial, institutional and residential buildings!

Submissions now are being accepted to enter our seventh-annual Metamorphosis Awards, honoring architects, designers and contractors for excellence in renovation, retrofits and more.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: July 18

Learn more at www.retrofitmagazine.com/metamorphosis-awards

VIEW THE 2024 WINNERS AT www.retrofitmagazine.com/category/2024-awards.

AD INDEX

Belimo ................ Page 59 www.belimo.us

Bobrick ................. Page 9 www.bobrick.com

Bradley ................. Page 5 www.bradleycorp.com

Certainteed ............ Page 13 www.certainteed.com/ credentialing-program

Dorlen Products Page 58 www.wateralert.com

DriSteem .............. Page 58 www.dristeem.com

Englert Inc. ............ Page 15 www.englertinc.com (800) ENGLERT

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Equitone ............... Page 37 www.equitone.com/en-us/

Flex-Ability Concepts .... Page 57 www.flexabilityconcepts.com (866) 443-3539

Hanover Pavers ......... Page 10 www.hanoverpavers.com

Navien ................. Page 4 www.navieninc.com

NSG Pilkington Page 11 www.pilkington.com/en/us

Schweiss .............. Page 56 www.bifold.com

Vitro Architectural ........ Page 6 www.VacuMaxVIG.com

Hydrotech .............. Page 2 www.hydrotechusa.com

JSI Manufacturing ........ Page 3 www.jsimanufacturing.com

Modular Arts Page 14 www.modulararts.com

NanaWall .............. Page 68 www.nanawall.com

Wooster Products ....... Page 53 www.woosterproducts.com (800) 321-4936

W.R. Meadows .......... Page 67 www.wrmeadows.com

Zipwall ................ Page 51 www.zipwall.com

Climbs Sculpture

A 3D-printed Art Installation Welcomes Visitors to Chattanooga

Branch Technology (branch technology.com), a construction-technology company that 3D prints façades for commercial buildings, recently designed and 3D-printed an iconic sculpture for the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport in Tennessee. Conveniently located by several terminals, the soaring structure has become visitors’ first impression of the city’s personality.

The unique geological formations in and around Chattanooga— and its reputation for world-class rock climbing—inspired the sculpture’s final design. Titled Climbs Sculpture, the art piece stands 16-feet tall and is made of Branch Matrix, a 3D-printed open-lattice material that can be made to virtually any shape or form. The piece is finished in a dark blue that integrates the sculpture with the airport’s overall interior design.

The sculpture includes two screens where people can connect to ChattanoogaCalling.com, which is part of a larger talent attraction and retention campaign by the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and partners. Designed to promote Chattanooga’s reputation in innovation, entrepreneurship and technology, Climbs Sculpture serves as a connection between these attributes and the city’s storied history in manufacturing.

Your Complete Solution for Roof Restoration

Say goodbye to costly roof replacements! W. R. MEADOWS is excited to unveil KNIGHTSHIELD, our innovative line of silicone roof coatings designed to restore and protect all types of roof membranes, systems, and substrates. This fully integrated system includes everything needed for a seamless restoration — high solids silicone coatings, walk-pads, primers, cleaners, and more — offering a durable solution that extends the life of the roof while minimizing downtime and avoiding the expense of a full tear-off. Compatible with new and existing roofs - polyurethane foams, elastomeric, concrete, plywood, coated metal, etc.

FOLDING GLASS WALLS

ENGINEERED FOR NEXT GEN SCHOOL DESIGN

Range of unit STC from STC 30 up to STC 45

Easy Operation: Smoothest and easiest operation of any folding glass wall.

Slim Profiles: Clean aesthetics with the slimmest profiles available.

Glazing Options: Multiple glazing options are available from clear to opaque.

Flexible Stacking: Floating panel sets can stack to the left or right with panels inward or outward opening.

Proven Durability: Swing doors tested to 500,000 and bi-fold panels to 20,000 open/close cycles.

Flush and Surface Mounted ADA-compliant Sill Choices:

Minett Elementary School, Frisco TX | Architect: Stantec