Track 1, Presentation 4

Phoenix Rising: An Examination of the Challenges and Successes of Adaptive Reuse of Long Vacant Buildings

Rachel L. Will

Associate Principal, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

Matthew E. Novesky

Associate Principal, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

rwill@wje.com

mnovesky@wje.com

Demolition by neglect is phrase utilized in the industry to illustrate the deterioration and destruction of buildings that have outlived the original useful purpose and often have too many surrounding factors that allow for actual demolition or continued use. These factors often include ownership structure, financial burden, site logistics, political issues, preservation and code regulations durability, environmental and sustainability concerns and other non-technical issues. The combination of many of these things can lead to vacant buildings that are left for dead with little or no maintenance, creating safety and financial burdens until redevelopment in the form or demolition or adaptive reuse can occur. 

The authors will use specific Chicago adaptive reuse case studies of large vacant buildings that had many of these factors to contend with and overcome. These case studies will highlight some of the concerns and discuss the technical challenges for rehabilitation of the exterior envelope of these buildings after long periods of vacancy including little to no maintenance, conditioning or assessments, and the processes that were utilized to revitalize these dilapidated iconic structures into successfully sustainable, durable and functioning commercial buildings.

Rachel Will performs building envelope evaluations and investigations of distressed and deteriorated conditions in existing buildings. She has performed numerous facade inspections, condition surveys, repair design, construction document preparation, and construction observation. Ms. Will’s expertise includes documentation and investigation of building facades with a focus on brick, terra cotta and stone masonry as well as preservation and repair of historic buildings. She has authored/coauthored and presented numerous papers regarding historic masonry.

Since joining WJE in 2000, Matthew Novesky has been involved in numerous assignments related to the inspection, investigation, and repair of distressed conditions in existing buildings. He has performed evaluations of brick, terra cotta, stone masonry, concrete, and curtain wall facades. He has conducted numerous condition surveys and prepared documents for the repair of both contemporary and historic buildings and structures.