ALLEN + PEPA Architects » Historic Renovation

Egyptian Theater

becky — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:40:09 +0000

Leaks and water infiltration had severely damaged many areas of the elaborate plasterwork in this exotic 1928 movie theater. Since the budget didn’t allow for a complete restoration, our program was to limited to restoration of the lobby, mezzanine and concession areas, and each damaged area was repaired in isolation and then blended into the surroundings. The major challenge for the restoration contractors was to seamlessly match the varying plaster textures, the multi-colored “rag” finishes, and the correct amount of gloss.

Exterior work included replacement of a structural header over the stained glass window, and sealing and tuck-pointing the façade to stop the moisture infiltration.

YMCA Remodel

becky — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:30:37 +0000

The YMCA discontinued recreational use of this 1952 building several years ago due to out-of-date facilities, disrepair, and lack of use by the public. The 90,000 sq foot recreational space, which included 3 swimming pools, 4 locker rooms, 2 full-size gymnasiums, and racquetball courts was abandoned. Allen+Pepa Architects recently completed Phase 1 plans for the renovation of this facility for a private owner who is considering purchase of the property to create a ” High Intensity Training Center ” for high level competitive athletes. The phase included architectural plans, preliminary engineering and cost estimates on a complete gutting and reconstruction of the lower level, remodeling of the 2nd and third levels, a new entry addition, and new mechanical systems. The project has been LEED registered and includes plans to incorporate an underground spring that runs under the building into the building’s heating/cooling system.

Holbrook Mill-LEED Project

becky — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:37:07 +0000

The 1844 Holbrook Mill is the oldest surviving structure in Kane County, IL. It was in crumbling disrepair and nearly unsalvageable when it was purchased by a private owner, to be restored to original exterior appearance as much as possible and converted for use as the owner’s private residence and the display of his private collections. The project entailed complete dismantling of the limestone building, building a new framed envelope, the construction of custom kingspost heavy timber trusses, and reassembling of the original stone for the exterior. The project is LEED registered and is expected to receive a “gold” LEED certification.

Elgin Historic District Survey

Eric — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:41:45 +0000

Allen+Pepa Architects was commissioned by the City of Elgin to document and evaluate over 700 properties in its original Historic District in order to create a comprehensive catalog. This catalog identifies for each structure the approximate date of construction, architectural style, existing condition, brief history, and original builder and architect, if known. This project involved hundreds of hours of field work, research and final processing.

River Breeze Lofts

becky — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:59:35 +0000

This1880′s heavy-timber building, located in Aurora’s historic downtown, was neglected and greatly under-utilized until purchased by the current owner. The program included parking in the basement level, restaurant/ retail space on the street level, and nine 1-2 bedroom condos on the 2rd and 3th floors. Two of the 3rd floor condos are 2-story units with access to roof-top patios. A roof -top addition accommodates the penthouse bedrooms and rooftop garden access. The condominiums mix historic urban character with contemporary flair, attracting young professionals to this quickly revitalizing area.

Batavia Eastside Center (project under Burnidge Cassell, Assoc.)

becky — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:53:18 +0000

The Batavia Park District transformed this historic church and school into a recreational facility that can be used for concerts, banquets, receptions and a variety of community activities. The project included exterior restoration, an addition, and a complete interior remodeling that created an invigorating but historically sensitive space. The work on the facility included the renovation of a catering kitchen, classrooms and a gymnasium.

Ortega Building

becky — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:33:37 +0000

This facade, originally brick, was covered over with white metal siding in the 60’s and had completely
deteriorated over time. When the metal siding was removed, original decoratively embossed cast iron
columns were found underneath. This exciting find set the tone for the renovation. The entire facade
will was rebuilt in brick, using historical proportions and detailing. The interior was remodeled as a
restaurant and the upstairs remodeled as the restaurant owner’s family residence. When the budget
allows, the adjacent facade will be renovated as well.

Riverside Commons

becky — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:28:43 +0000

This is one of the largest storefront blocks in Batavia, so it’s renovation was a substantial improvement to downtown Batavia. The existing decorative cast-iron columns had been covered with wood siding and the brick and stone were covered with irregular metal siding. The design strategy included keeping the glass storefront intact to minimize cost while maximizing the restoration. The resulting restoration brought back the original integrity of the storefront, and the building was further complemented by the new three color painting scheme.

Donovan Bridge Replacement

becky — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:49:11 +0000

The City of Batavia selected Lane AllenArchitects (now Allen+Pepa Architects) as the consulting architect for the new Donovan Bridge, which will replace Batavia’s deteriorating downtown bridge. Working as a team with H.W. Lochner Engineering and Johnson-Lasky Architects, Allen+Pepa Architects assisted with the bridge aesthetics, railing design, streetscape design, and the planning of how the new bridge would tie into and enhance the adjoining buildings and bike paths.

This bridge was awarded the 2008 Project of the Year award by the Chicago Metro Chapter of the American Public Works Association.

Bain School Condominium Conversion

Eric — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:31:10 +0000

This design, while still in the preliminary stages, envisions the restoration of an existing elementary school in Kenosha, Wisconsin into residential condominiums. The existing structure has been maintained in excellent condition, including masonry exterior walls, hardwood floors, high ceilings and enormous window openings. The original classroom layout lends itself well to reconfiguration into 1 and 2 bedroom units.