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- Waterfront Warehouse Rehab > Episode 1: Welcome to Brooklyn!
Welcome to Brooklyn!
Project: Waterfront Warehouse Rehab, Episode 1, Part 1
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.
- Part 1: Welcome to Brooklyn!
- Standing in front of the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, Bob gives a brief history of the bridge's construction, and its subsequent impact on the surrounding neighborhoods along the waterfront, specifically DUMBO.
After World War II, the neighborhood went into decline as warehouses and factories sat empty, before pioneer urban developers in the 1980s started converting vacant commercial space into upscale residential.
Once a pepper mill, the project building was abandoned in the mid-20th century and sat empty for several decades. Chris Vila, Bob's eldest son, serves as project manager for the rehab. - Part 2: Architectural Plans for Warehouse Conversion
- Part 3: Architects' Design for Warehouse Rehab
Bob heads to the DUMBO neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York for this project involving an abandoned warehouse built in the mid-19th century.
DUMBO is a traditionally industrial area re-emerging as a vital new community of urban lofts and studios.
Unused since the mid-1950s, our little building (it's a mere twenty feet wide) last saw duty as a pepper factory. Our adaptive reuse will yield three ultra-hip apartments with commercial space at street level.
Rehabbing the building will include restoring the brick façade, installing a rooftop skylight, and many other jobs from which you can learn helpful lessons applicable to any remodeling work.
The manager for this project is real estate professional Chris Vila, Bob's oldest son, who helps guide this complete rehabilitation of a beat-up building in the city that never sleeps.
DUMBO is a traditionally industrial area re-emerging as a vital new community of urban lofts and studios.
Unused since the mid-1950s, our little building (it's a mere twenty feet wide) last saw duty as a pepper factory. Our adaptive reuse will yield three ultra-hip apartments with commercial space at street level.
Rehabbing the building will include restoring the brick façade, installing a rooftop skylight, and many other jobs from which you can learn helpful lessons applicable to any remodeling work.
The manager for this project is real estate professional Chris Vila, Bob's oldest son, 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 2 - Demolition and Preservation in Brooklyn
Description:
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.<br> <br> 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. -
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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