Thirsty Tiger Building Renovations
Project:
Complete renovation and restoration of 120+ year old brick building in downtown Baton Rouge, LA. The design provided for a multi-use building including ground level business spaces and new loft-style apartments.
Challenge:
This historic structure had suffered from deterioration and water damage. Our challenge was to transform it into modern, leasable space while maintaining much of the historic charm. We managed to use some exposed brick walls and 100 year old trusses and maintain the integrity of the 100 year old aesthetics.
Solution:
BBI Architects researched construction materials, architectural styles, design elements and new products to use in the renovation in order to blend with the original structure. Measures were first taken to repair many of the effects of the building's deterioration, such as repairing the existing brick walls and structures. The existing roof structure was designed and replaced. The roof and fenestration systems were re-flashed to prevent moisture intrusion. Moisture control and waterproofing of the masonry facade were also incorporated into the design plan. All of the existing windows and doors were replaced. New windows and door openings were added in the existing walls to create an improved circulation path and better flow for the new plan's layout.
The interior environments were designed and transformed from exposed brick walls and 100 year old trusses to modern commercial and residential kitchens. BBI was able to renovate the existing third floor and capture attic space to create loft apartments on the upper levels of the building. Exterior balconies were added to enhance the building's facade and add charm to the lofts. In addition to the balconies, a portion of the existing roof was removed to create roof decks which overlook the Mississippi River.
River Parishes YMCA
Project:
Convert an existing commercial big box retail store into a YMCA multi-use facility.
Challenge:
This was a major renovation. The goal was the adaptive reuse of an existing K-Mart retail center into a new 80,000 sf YMCA. Additionally, the clients were environmentally conscious and requested an energy efficient design that could be certified as a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) building throughout the U.S. Green Building Council.
Solution:
The creativity and innovation of the BBI Architects' team was in full display with this project. The design was very well received by the clients. The previous existence of the original building as a retail center was completely converted in the new design, while utilizing all of the available space and achieving design standards that would allow the building to achieve "Gold" LEED certification. The team made abundant use of natural light for the interior spaces.
The program was able to incorporate the following features in the design:
Youth areas - recreation areas segmented by age
Wellness Center - weight training, aerobics, yoga, dance studios
Gymnasium - 3 basketball courts with adaptive re-purpose capabilities
Indoor jogging track
Natatorium with 8 meters, six lane lap pool
Outdoor recreation pool & kiddie pool
Adult (Men & Women) and Child (Girls & Boys) locker rooms with sauna, whirlpool
Special needs locker rooms & facilities
Steam rooms
Childcare areas with outdoor play
Multi-purpose rooms - classroom, studio, meetings, etc.
Computer Lab area
Administrative offices/spaces - offices, conference room, open office area
Lobby area with snack bar
Pointe Coupee Parish Library, Livonia Branch
Project
Pointe Coupee Parish Libraries selected BBI Architects to design a new branch for the Livonia|Fordoche area.
Challenge
The preferred design criteria called for a french style of roof that is not typically seen in commercial buildings, creating a more user friendly exterior. The interior design called for incorporating cutting edge best practices in library design, with an eye towards collaborative study techniques, digital media, and featuring dedicated space for new technological innovations like 3D printing.
Solution
BBI Architects designed a new 9900 sf interior with a large meeting room including multi-media capabilities, 3 sectioned study areas, centralized computer lab, dedicated 3D printing room, storage space for audio-visual materials, and a variety of seating arrangements. The space is sectioned into 3 spaces designed to serve the needs of children, teens, and adults. The central collection desk and office area are situated where sight lines allow visibility over the entire space to enable staff to best serve all patrons and to maintain the safety and security of all visitors.
The Springs at Riverside Landing
Project
Build a new 300,00 sf retail power center across the street from Bass Pro Shops as a part of the Riverside Landing retail development.
Challenge
The parcels of land where the development was to take place are low lying tracts that are anywhere from 6 to 8 feet below the elevation necessary to build the power center. Our development team had to work with multiple land owners with various levels of expectations and experience in understanding the development process. We needed to attract the interest of big box retailers to become anchor tenants fro the project.
Solution
Our team worked closely with the mayor, city council, and members of the drainage district to devise a way to structure a public/private partnership to help fund making the acreage build-able. We worked together to form a TIF (tax increment financing) district for the area to help pay for fill, re-engineering a drainage canal, and wetlands mitigation. Not all of the land was within the city limits, so the city annexed some of the land to bring it under their authority. The project is currently dormant, pending negotiations with landowners of one of the tracts of land.
Bercen, Inc. - Headquarters and Laboratories
Project
Design new construction of 13,000 SF corporate headquarters, with offices and laboratories in Denham Springs, Louisiana.
Challenge
Bercen, Inc. is a chemical manufacturer. BBI Architects had to make certain the new facility would meet all of the various codes and manufacturing objectives for the client. Integrating new energy efficient HVAC systems with variable controls and exhaust hoods for the laboratories was part of the design solution.
Solution
BBI Architects coordinated the design with the lab equipment specifications from the Owner. mechanical and electrical engineers, and lab consultants. We coordinated design of the electrical systems, sprinkler systems, fire walls, and other elements of the design to ensure safe operation of the laboratories and compliance with all life safety codes. Extensive research was conducted to make sure that all federal, state, and local regulations and ordinances were satisfied in the design. After the project went into construction, the Owner had a need to revise the budget and BBI Architects successfully value engineered the project to fit within the new revised budget.