Challenge:

Provide design services associated with the installation of a new elevator as well as window and roof replacement for the Seeglitz Building, formerly the Peabody High School, which was converted to elderly housing in 1979.

Solution:

CBI evaluated the condition of the existing windows in the Seeglitz Building. Window operation, usage and effects of occupants were discussed. Due to the building’s origination as a school, the window openings in the brick masonry facades were exceptionally large for housing, and consisted of aluminum horizontal sliding windows, which were difficult for the occupants to operate. To minimize drafts, reduce solar gain, and complement the architecture of the building, CBI determined the windows should be replaced in their entirety with outward projecting awning sash that can be operated by a crank with a small sash that can be replaced with a panel to accept an A/C unit. The awning shape also helps to protect the opening from rain and the horizontal projection limits wind damage. Additionally, CBI provided design services associated with the removal of the existing roofing and installation of a new PVC roofing system. The elevator addition involved adding a second elevator next to the original, which took advantage of space using the existing machine room for the new equipment. To optimize on the efficiency of the new elevator, CBI recommended both elevators work as a duplex unit with a single hall riser; rather than two separate simplex elevators with separate hall risers for each elevator to prevent both elevators from responding to the same call. In order to achieve the duplexing of the elevators, the new elevator’s control unit needed to be configured as a duplex system and the existing elevator modernized with new controls, including the duplex control system. In order to accommodate the new elevators every floor had to be modified and redesigned to make space for the elevator, including living units.