June 30, 2010 - Let there be light!

After more than 50 years, the light from the north facing Sawtooth windows is flooding the building. We immediately recognized the brilliance behind the design of the building with the abundant natural light and breeze moving the hot air out of the windows.

The original windows were operable, and positioned in the ceiling, created a draft to allow hot air out, while the North orientation prevented direct heat gain. This provided a very comfortable work environment on hot summer days before A/C.

June 21, 2010 - Demolition

Demolition has started. We found several treasures in the walls of the building, including a Grape Crush cola pull tab can, whiskey bottles, and copper top salt shakers.

June 4, 2010

The building was constructed in the early 1900’s. It served as the home to General Wax Industries until the 1950’s. It has had a variety of uses since General Wax. The unique sawtooth architecture was used in this period for several reasons. These buildings were typically for manufacturing so the “tooth” design made expansion of the facility easy, because they could build one section at a time. This design allowed for the occupant to orient the window/glass sides to take advantage of natural day lighting to the manufacturing areas.

This is an example of a building’s life coming full circle. The building was designed to provide an environment sensitive to the employees needs for lighting and comfort. These features have long been hidden in this building, and we are re-introducing these to a entirely new generation office tenant.

Demo work began in June. We will follow the renovation progress monthly as this building is re-birthed.