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- Waterfront Warehouse Rehab > Episode 2: Demolition and Preservation in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Warehouse Architectural History
Bob and his son Chris tour a loft space in the nearby Sweeney Building. On top of stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and downtown Manhattan, the building boasts a "tar beach" rooftop deck.
David and Jed Walentas of Two Trees Development communicate their vision for the area. Back on site, demolition is underway and preservation expert Bill Higgins, of Higgins and Quasebarth, tells us more about the history of the building.
David and Jed Walentas of Two Trees Development communicate their vision for the area. Back on site, demolition is underway and preservation expert Bill Higgins, of Higgins and Quasebarth, tells us more about the history of the building.
- Part 1: Roof Deck Construction
- Part 2: Interior Demolition for Warehouse Conversion
- Part 3: Brooklyn Warehouse Architectural History
- Bob meets with Bill Higgins, of Higgins and Quasebarth Restoration, to discuss the project building's history. Higgins utilizes archival information and on-site physical evidence to piece together a portrait of the building's history.
On the exterior, Higgins notes the presence of cast-iron lintels above the second- and third-floor windows, and points out the absence of those lintels above the windows on the fourth floor.
Between the third and fourth floor, the historian notices a change in the masonry quality and surmises that the fourth floor was an addition.
Inside, evidence of covered-up window openings in the original brickwork suggests the building predates the structures on its left and right.
Bob Vila heads to the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, for this project involving an abandoned warehouse built in the mid-19th century. Bob's adaptive reuse will yield three ultra-hip apartments with commercial space at street level. Project manager is Bob's oldest son, Chris Vila, who helps guide this complete rehabilitation of a beat-up building in the city that never sleeps.
Also from Waterfront Warehouse Rehab
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Episode 1 - Welcome to Brooklyn!
Description:
Bob begins a project in Brooklyn, New York, in an area known as "DUMBO", or Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. With beautiful downtown Manhattan in the background, Bob delivers a brief history of Brooklyn's waterfront area. Next, he joins his son, Chris Vila, who is manager of the project, to discuss what's in store. Slated for three floors of residential space, the building will reserve its ground floor for commercial use. Jared Della Valle and Andrew Bernheimer chat with Chris about possible floor plans, while Bob talks with Jacker Beyer, of Beyer Blinder Belle, about restoring the façade. -
Episode 3 - Interior Demolition, Water Taxi Tour, and Framing With Metal Studs
Description:
Interior work and demolition are progressing simultaneously. Bob and his son, the project manager Chris Vila, review three weeks' worth of progress. Work performed to date includes removing an old elevator shaft and sandblasting exposed wood and brick surfaces. A new tongue and groove plywood subfloor is being installed and basic wall framing has begun. Also, Bob takes us on a water taxi tour to learn more about the history of heavy industry along Brooklyn's waterfront. -
Episode 4 - Brick Façade Restoration and Window Installation
Description:
Bob gives a demolition and reconstruction progress report for the work accomplished to date. Eight full dumpsters of debris have already been removed—a large amount for such a small building.<br> <br> On the exterior, power washing is underway on the front façade, while Bob pays a visit to Jane Walentas, part of DUMBO's growing artist community.<br> <br> Back on site, new six-by-six double-hung Pella windows are being installed on the fourth floor. -
Episode 5 - Electrical Work, Navy Yard Tour, and Insulation Install
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Episode 6 - Interior Construction and Skylight Install
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Episode 7 - Rooftop Work and Wood Floor Installation
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Episode 8 - Marble Tile, Cherry Cabinets, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music
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Episode 9 - Stone Countertop Installation and Interior Trimwork
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Episode 10 - Noise Reduction and Security
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Episode 11 - Roof Deck and High-Tech Bathroom Features
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Episode 12 - Penthouse Interior Design
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Episode 13 - Brooklyn Project Wrap-Up
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