Project info:
Client
Pugh Street Associates
Location
State College, PA
Year Completed:
2016
Hawbaker Engineering recently completed an interior renovation project of an existing building in downtown State College, above Sheetz on Pugh Street; adding 4 apartments with 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms in each apartment. The design phase of the project started in July of 2015 with Hawbaker Engineering providing design-assist to the architect, contributing quality & constructability reviews, and future maintenance cost considerations, focusing on items such as HVAC, plumbing, mechanical equipment, & flooring.
The goal of the project was to provide high quality living spaces utilizing a loft style design approach. We specifically left the bar joists exposed and the duct work in it’s natural state to create the open “look” we were shooting for…it took us approximately 5 months to get the design completed and to gain code approval, and about another month to solicit bids and select sub-contractors. Construction began in January 2016 and Hawbaker Engineering served as the Construction Manager hiring the sub-contractors and overseeing all the construction activities, along with coordinating with code officials for compliance and inspections.
One of the more challenging obstacles was to provide well lit spaces at reasonable costs. Due to the existing fire-rated exterior walls with pilasters, and the close proximity of adjacent buildings, the budget for windows began to escalate, therefore, skylights were added in the common room area of each apartment to increase natural light. We also included several features, such as brick, rustic barn wood, built-in shelves, bulkheads, and several shades of paint colors to stay away from a cookie-cutter looking apartment in order to provide the loft “feel” of the spaces. LED lighting was used throughout the apartments, hallways, stairwells, and laundry room to provide bright spaces.
Each shower was furnished with custom ceramic tile, granite countertops were used throughout the kitchens & bathrooms, an industrial type ceiling fan was installed in each living room, and slate flooring with unique patterns was salvaged on the main level. The kitchens were outfitted with numerous hardwood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, track & under counter dimmable LED lighting, and USB power stations. The project was completed on time, with zero injuries or first aids, for the new tenants to move in for the 2016-2017 school year.