The team at CME Architecture has worked on several adaptive reuse projects that have helped to preserve precious historic buildings while creating new useful environments for business, housing or education. These challenging, but highly rewarding projects often involve extensive renovation of building fabric, heating, plumbing and electrical systems, safety and accessibility upgrades and remedial efforts to remove any potential health risks posed by asbestos, lead paint or contaminants.
INTEGRATED DAY CHARTER SCHOOL Norwich, CT :: **Winner of the 1998 Connecticut Real Estate Achievement Award - "In Recognition of the Community Development that had the Greatest Positive Impact on the State of Connecticut"** Ms. Smith was the architect for this award winning project which involved the renovation and adaptive reuse of a three-story masonry and heavy timber mill building listed as part of a larger National Register property (c. 1912). The building's exterior was renovated to incorporate energy efficient roofing and windows while maintaining the scale, texture and fabric of its past use. Heavy timber interior framing was left exposed to serve as a history and technology lesson for the children who now occupy this alternative education K-8 school facility.
New mechanical, electrical, plumbing and data technologies were successfully incorporated into the design while respecting the existing structural framework. Issues such as ADA compliance and remediation of hazardous materials were also a part of the project scope.
Evelyn Cole Smith, RA, AIA, LEED-AP