16
Rethinking Institutional Properties
Embracing Our Past and Investing in Our Future
Building Structure
and Design
Crucial to a project’s feasibility is the
building’s physical condition. Without
strong foundations, structurally sound
roofs, or an adequate amount of usable
interior space, an adaptive reuse project
will be difficult if not impossible to
accomplish.
Landscape
Designed landscape features, such
as walls, fences, and gardens and other
manicured landscapes, add distinction
to a property but require a high level of
maintenance that comes at a cost.
Building
Modernization
Depending on the proposed new use,
electrical wiring and plumbing will need
to be upgraded and air-conditioning, fire
suppression, and security systems may
need to be added. All municipalities
utilize the International Existing Building
Code (IEBC) for adaptive reuse projects,
but local variation in the interpretation
and application of these codes can
affect design and construction timelines.
Other improvements to the building for
access may be required. To meet the
requirements of future uses, sometimes
expansions of the building or additional
doors and windows are required. All of
these changes should be done carefully
to maintain the overall architectural
character of the building with the
understanding that their associated costs
are often significantly higher than new
construction.
Gladwyne Methodist Church had an adaptable layout, which allowed for its
conversion to condominiums, Lower Merion.
St. Margaret School under construction,
Narberth.
