Re-Inventing Buildings Keeps Materials Out of Landfills and Changes Neighborhoods

October 24, 2018

Re-Inventing Buildings Keeps Materials Out of Landfills and Changes Neighborhoods

Charlotte continues to grow in up-and-coming areas around the city with easy access to Uptown. Overcash Demmitt Architects (ODA) an architecture firm based in the SouthEnd area of Charlotte prides itself on having a diverse portfolio of work related to many different industries.

They are drawn to cutting edge work that has purpose and helps redefine communities.

For years, architects and developers have renovated and repurposed buildings that have historical architectural character for new purposes, such as old train stations, mills, fire stations, etc. Recently, ODA has found that developers have seen the value in renovating buildings that would have been demolished years ago. ODA loves the idea of taking unpretentious buildings (translation: real dives) and reinventing and repurposing them for new uses. By reinventing, it saves a few construction dollars and keeps demolition materials out of Charlotte’s landfills.

As retail and office space along with land prices continue to escalate developers are having to be more creative developing new uses for old spaces. Developers are buying up old, unpretentious buildings and turning them into new gems utilizing the character and unique historical attributes like exposed beams and brick walls.

“We love the idea of reinventing” says, Stephen Overcash, principal Overcash Demmitt Architects. “These buildings have little character, but creative design along with a good paint job, a few awnings and roll up doors, new windows, roof and HVAC and electrical enhancements will re-invent the building. Plus, it’s a sustainable option for our community and instills vibrancy and brings new life to neighborhoods in decline.”

Nickolaus Matthias Lischerong, a local developer, currently has projects designed by ODA in SouthEnd on Mint and West Morehead Streets and on Banks and Foster Avenue. He sees this trend continuing. “It makes good sense. There is a huge need for infill projects also referred to as adaptive reuse. The tenant mix varies in these projects from office uses, popular for IT, financial, architecture and marketing agencies. Restaurants, craft beer and creative cocktail places and niche retail and services are also attracted to the spaces.”

These building locations are close to multi-family housing developments where residents are seeking convenient amenities.

John Rudolf, a local developer was one of ODA’s first clients to begin work with reinvention with a project at 1400 Central Avenue. ODA has reinvented additional places for Rudolf in Plaza Midwood on Pecan and Central Avenue. “ODA and his team have a skill for effectively navigating Charlotte, city and county building code restrictions and facilitating any necessary changes and approvals that are needed when reinventing buildings. ODA also provides great interior and exterior architectural design,” shares Rudolf.

ODA expects this trend to continue and aims to to work closely with city planners and developers to save Charlotte’s history and find sustainable solutions by reinventing structures through adaptive reuse. Bringing new life to an old building can bring life back to a street, neighborhood and community and enhance the lifestyle of those living in the area.

Reinvention can be described as a form of Regenerative architecture, a design theory based on interactions within a system that ultimately enhances itself by relying on restorative actions, sustainability, and technology to produce new spaces that are both efficient and sustainable.

Charlotte’s growth presents many reinvention opportunities in areas of town that continue to evolve. Are building standards and energy codes helping or hurting reinventions vs. new construction in Charlotte?

Below are project examples underway or completed in Charlotte.

Developer: John Rudolf

1401&1419 Central Ave, 1311&1319 Pecan Ave
Plaza Midwood area. The first client for ODA in this type of work. Midwood Smokehouse, Slate Interiors, Office uses real estate, engineers, Etsy store, nail salon, etc.

Developer: Nickolaus Lischerong – Lischerong Enterprises & Holdings

SouthEnd area: 1515 South Mint, Bank Street, Foster Ave., 226 Fairwood.

Developer: Whiteside Industrial. Owner: Kal Kardous

The Gold District in SouthEnd. 1400 South Church Street

Whiteside Industrial has re-invented many buildings in The Gold District.

Developer: Blue Jay Investments, Joe Youannas

West Charlotte, near Wesley Heights. Called Station West at 901 Berryhill Road- more industrial type use: catering kitchen, talking with coffee roasters, Improv Group.