skyscraper restoration dr. elwin c. robison, pe wiss, janney, elstner associates, inc. kent state...

Skyscraper Restoration

Dr. Elwin C. Robison, PEWiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

Kent State University College of Architecture and Environmental Design

“A skyscraper is a machine for making money in.”

Typical Floor Plates

Land Values

Land Value “Adjustments”

• Zoning height restrictions

• Historic Districts and tax credits for historic preservation

Planning

Deterioration

• Expansion of corroding steel• No maintenance

– Leaking roofs, typically at flashing interfaces– Delay masonry repointing

• Obsolescent/poor design– Lack of through flashing at parapets– Unprotected steel, lack of end dams,

• Inappropriate material choices• Poor construction/repair

What value does a historic skyscraper have?

• Quality design

• Distinctive address

• Natural light (sometimes)

• Energy investment already made

• Restoration work is primarily labor, not materials purchased outside of the region or nation.

What should Cleveland become?

• What are our assets?

• What strengths can be capitalized?

• What is our 20 year horizon, and not just our 6 month horizon?