3060 Partners, LLC selected Gibbs to assist their design team as a CMAR contractor for the adaptive reuse of the historic four-story Kirchmann’s Furniture warehouse as 58 market-rate apartments and an additional 2,842 SF of ground floor commercial space fronting Dauphine and Clouet Streets.
Over the course of preconstruction, Gibbs generated milestone estimates and schedules, offered cost-saving suggestions, performed exploratory work, collected subcontractor estimates, and worked closely with the architect playing an integral part in mechanical coordination, while collaborating with the historic consultant and structural engineer to efficiently plan construction for a myriad of repairs.
Specialty historic restoration began with selective demolition and modifications to the 1908 unprotected combustible warehouse structure. The existing facade required the rehabilitation of failing masonry walls and repairs to scored stucco and fiber-cement lap siding. The transformation of this warehouse to a multi-family structure required the addition of a limited number of newly punched window openings and the installation of replicated window profiles.
The existing and new wrap-around storefront openings received upgraded high-impact resistant glazing systems, while the building foundation in these ground levels required new helical piles and a concrete slab foundation to support the new four-story elevator shaft. Gibbs also constructed a replica of the original historic awning and cast iron columns that had been lost over time.
Salvaged tongue and groove wood flooring and new ceramic tile adorn the new upper-floor apartments. The refresh of MEP systems, sheetrock and painting, and the installation of modern amenities complete the look of these industrial-style units. A specialty fire sprinkler system, specifically suppressing fire spreading from the nearly touching adjacent property, was installed to meet the current building codes.
The charming renovation of the 3060 Dauphine Street structure provides a breath of fresh air to the New Orleans Bywater neighborhood while maintaining its historical vernacular presence. This apartment offers local residents a high-end dwelling option within close proximity of a cluster of destination restaurants and bars.