Built in 1937, Knapp's Centre in downtwon Lansing, Michigan, was home to the JW Knapp Company department store. The 190,000 square-foot building evolved over the years to be the home of several office, retail spaces, restaurants, design studios, and art galleries. In the early 2000s, the building was developing into residential properties. It was then that the owner, The Eyde Company, decided that the building was in need of updating.
The architect retained for the job, Quinn Evans Architects, was founded in 1984. Over the years they have grown to six offices nationwide. Their core value, to "create design and architecture solutions that connect people to communities, and history to future, for impact that spans generations," made them the ideal candidate for the job.
The contractors on the job were brought in to provide their expertise in historic renovations. Granger Construction Company is a family-owned company, that offers a wide spectrum of experience and provides customers with the trust and confidence required for successful partnerships. Schiffer Mason Contractor, are "highly trained craftsmen that possess a vast knowledge and skill set combined with historic practices and modern technology to bring new life back into historic buildings."
Part of the original design were large bands of glass block across the façade at every floor. The original block used an old technology to fuse them and after 70 years were compromised. One of the main objectives of the building restoration was maintaining the original look. GBA Architectural Products + Services were brought in to facilitate the glass block portion of the restoration. As the largest and most experienced commercial installer of glass block in the country, we had the honor of collaborating on a new improved glass block, keeping with the appearance and intent of the original design. We ended up receiving approval for a 8" x 8" x 4" clear block. A custom gray edge coat was used to most accurately mirror the original appearance.
Collaboratively the work was designed, dimensioned, and detailed to create an appearance most aptly described as fantastic and we are happy to have contributed our share.
"Work was done very professionally with outstanding quality. Your crews were very attentive to detail & made sure to protect surrounding work surfaces from damage. They communicated well with my field team to ensure we & the Owner were satisfied with the end product. Job well done." - Russell Stafford, RNGD A Palmisano Company
"We were lucky to have GBA on our project at Lutheran East High School. From the front office to the field supervision and crew were very knowledgeable with our project. Took extra care not to damage the building during demolition. The quality of materials and their labor force was top-notch." — Peter Powell, Carey Construction Group
"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the glass block at Lutheran East High School and have received many compliments on the design. The glass block windows give the building a nice “pop” of color on the exterior each side of the gym and helped to maintain the identity of the school." - Rick Jozity, Meraki Architects, L.L.C
"I saw the final glass block wall in person and it really is a work of art. We are so grateful for your team’s hard work on this." – Crister Cantrell, Gensler
"As the Senior Project Manager for the general contracting company responsible for completing all aspects of the historical restoration, structural rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse modifications to the derelict Triboro tuberculosis hospital, one of the most difficult challenges was finding capable and qualified subcontractors for the key restoration trades that are both committed to quality construction and respectful of the historical restoration process. I am lucky enough to have worked with GBA on previous successful projects and was glad to bring them into this project. GBA provided the essential expertise and quality craftsmanship that this project needed and was a reliable partner helping us convert the Triboro Tuberculosis Hospital into the T Building Residence." – Senior Project Manager, Bill Harwood for the GC, Mega Contracting
"On behalf of me, my project manager and CGC; I would like to reach out to applaud the quality and workmanship of the crew sent out to do the glass block wall outside of the theater here in Hudson. Dan and Nate went above and beyond to keep their work area organized and clean, even protected our finish trim and VWC in the mixing area with plastic. If only more companies active on site would follow in your companies steps these buildings would be cut and dry and run very efficiently. Thank you! - Jake M. Behler, Cameron General Contractors
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