At 870 Riverside Drive HDFC, ZH Architects was able to synthesize the input of a diverse group of tenants, Co-op board members, consultants, managing agent and Owner’s representative to develop an extensive repair master plan for this 65,000 SF 36-unit mixed use building. Built in 1915, this building suffered from neglect with emergency repairs often done poorly over the years. This haphazard strategy had begun to wear heavily on the overall condition of the property and by 2012 the building needed significant rehabilitation. ZH was retained to develop a masterplan of repair and to oversee the construction over the course of several years.

ZH began with a survey and series of inspections to identify both minor and major problems in the building.  We then prioritized the work addressing first those items related to health and safety. This scope included the partial restoration of the masonry façade which included repairs to terracotta, brickwork and cast stone as required by Local Law 11 and the reinforcing of the undersized structural joists throughout the entire building to meet code and safety concerns.  Less urgent was a comprehensive repair of the roof membrane, repair of the plumbing and a partial window performance upgrade. Finally, ZH created a standard scope of work to upgrade kitchens and baths for unit owners so they could be made ADA accessible as they became available or as shareholders decided to renovate.

It was imperative that the tenants remain in place during construction and with coordination with the co-op Board and the Owner’s representative, ZH developed a phased program of work that allowed this to happen. In the end, with patience and cooperation from all team members, the building management and the tenants resulted in a beautiful building that was now safe for the occupants, had better energy performance with upgraded windows and a maintenance plan with regular inspections and repairs to keep the building systems and equipment in good condition.