BANK LOFTS VAULT RESTORATION
Passive building standards can be applied to new construction projects as well as adaptive reuse and renovation. The historic Bank Lofts building in Otsego County, NY, had been vacant for decades and partially gutted by previous owners. River Architects' Principal Juhee Lee-Hartford and our team worked with the Bank Lofts owners and experienced CPHC/CPHB Josh Edmonds from Simple Integrity to preserve the remaining historic details, while using today's best practices to create a comfortable, carbon neutral-ready design.
"The Bank Lofts adaptive reuse project converted the three-story, 19th Century former bank building into a carbon neutral, mixed-use multifamily residence with nine loft-style apartments, ground-level commercial space and off-street parking with EV-charging stations."
The historic vault was a team favorite, and we were excited to see it restored. We had fun imagining different uses for the interior of the vault space - should it be a meditation zone? An art installation? Maybe a barista station or cocktail bar?
The vault ultimately remained empty, and the tenants of the space will decide how they want to utilize it. For now, it is exciting to see it returned to former glory, and the building around it restored and improved with the latest building technology.
Professional Photos by Alex Fradkin.
Additional images from The Bank Lofts and Juhee Lee-Hartford.