True Green Cities/Celebrating Fifteen Years: Completing the Rehabilitation of a Historic Factory District
Celebrating Fifteen Years! It’s been fifteen years since I launched Barbara A. Campagna/Architecture + Planning, PLLC on April 19th, 2011 and while many things have changed, my goal to work on “greening what’s already here” continues to be met, often in places I never expected.
Finishing the Rehab of a Historic District
The Metals Fabricating Plant is a contributing component to the Niagara Machine and Tool Works Factory historic district in Buffalo, NY which was certified as a historic district on March 26, 2018. The historic district contains 3 separate buildings. Two buildings were rehabilitated as tax credit projects from 2016-2020. A blog on this project can be found here.
The Metals Fabricating Plant was built in 1953 by architect H. E. Plumer & Associates. (Period of Significance for historic district: 1910-1967; Period of Significance for Metals Fabricating Plant: 1953-1967). The part 1 for this third building was submitted to the SHPO and NPS as a separate project on May 14, 2024 and certified on June 18, 2024. The Part 2 for this project was approved on January 21, 2025. Amendments were requested for the windows.
Describe existing feature and condition:
All the aluminum ribbon windows are original. The glazing and caulk in every door and window throughout the entire building has been classified as hazardous containing materials and must be removed and abated. In addition, the single-pane glazing is cracked throughout and does not meet current energy efficiency requirements.
Describe work and impact on feature:
All aluminum ribbon windows will be removed, abated and replaced with new aluminum windows to match with insulated glazing. New aluminum windows will have a Clear Anodized finish to match the original. Insulated laminated glazing will be used in the windows (A similar type used in 683 Northland which was approved in that tax credit project – Vitro Architectural Glass, Solarban 60 – Solexia, Solar Control Low-E Glass.)
The Horizontal Meeting Rail for the Project Out Vents (hoppers) on the Part 2 Amendment 1 Architectural Drawings had a heavier siteline (3.25”) than the original meeting rail provided and than seen on the Mock-up (2- 5/16”). We provided drawings of the existing windows to the window manufacturer and this member is currently 2-1/8” so the smaller meeting rail was approved as a better, more comparable rail size.
The National Park Service requested that a mock-up of the window be provided and reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office reviewer. The team participated in a mock-up review during the first phase of construction. The actual mock-up is gigantic but was so helpful to review and suggest changes to the design. The window construction and installation is estimated to take at least six months given the size of the building and the windows.
I will be posting about new projects and ideas from my 15th year this week. And Happy Earth Day Too!!
Thank you to all my clients, consultants and colleagues who have supported Barbara A Campagna/Architecture + Planning, PLLC.