Liberty53

The site was particularly challenging, due to the large number of constraints. The property was split-zoned; part was zoned for single-family residential, and part for industrial use. There was a small length of city street partitioning off a corner of the site, and a broad underground easement for a 13’-diameter sewer on another. There was a six-foot grade change from one end of the site to the other. These required a zoning variance for the apartment building use as well as a city approvals from the City Surveyor and Water and Streets Departments.  There was also an existing factory building with abandoned underground tanks that needed removed, abated and demolished.

When it came to the building, the complexity continued. HUD and PHFA have stringent and sometimes conflicting requirements that both go beyond what is required by the pertinent building and accessibility codes. This required a “retraining of the brain” during schematic design, as well as several layers of approvals later in the process. A typical apartment building of this size may typically take approximately eight months to design and document; this project was nearly three years from the start of design until building permit application.

Project size: 32,000 sf
Program: The project is a new-build detached apartment building on an urban infill site of approximately ½ acre. The final building design 31 apartments (23 1-bed/1 bath and 8 2-bed/1 bath) on three floors. Outdoor recreation space and a drop-off area with five-car parking were also provided.

The focus on this building was to provide maximum accessibility for the tenants.  Systems and technology aided in this effort.  In addition to a standard elevator, a Garaventa platform stair lift was installed in one of the egress stairs.  This allowed a second means of egress for the building tenants that have mobility issues or use a wheelchair.  An Aiphone video intercom system was installed in each apartment at a central location to facilitate visitor access and deliveries into the building.  And lastly full building internet and a computer lab were installed to ensure all tenants have access to technology and the internet.

The project exceeded the client’s expectations. The project stayed on budget with a minimum of construction delays, mainly due to unknown subsurface conditions. There was a waiting list for the apartments long before the project was completed, and the ribbon cutting ceremony drew over 100 public officials, neighbors, and hopeful tenants. The project was certified under both the Enterprise Green Communities and WELL Building standards.