Project Type:
Residential, Auditorium, Historic Preservation, Energy Conservation
Owner: Garden Howe Urban Renewal Associates West Orange, New Jersey
Services Provided: Architecture, Interiors, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering
Construction Cost: $7,000,000
Project Size: 35,000 S.F. - 40 Units
Architecture
HACBM converted a four-floor historic structure, which originally contained ballrooms, meeting rooms, and supporting facilities, into a residential building of 40 market appropriate, one- and two-bedroom apartments. The design extended a mezzanine level to create a complete additional floor and converted the roof area to a penthouse containing a community garden. The units were designed to comply with New Jersey Affordable Green Homes and New Jersey Energy Star Homes program requirements. The preliminary design and approvals cycle was completed in two months.
The building, a former Elks Lodge at 2931 Howe Avenue, is the only example of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture still extant in the city, and is certified for inclusion on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. The design preserved the significant exterior aspects of the building as well as portions of the two original ballroom spaces that were restored as assembly space for use by the residents.