Modernization of Sussman House

Urban Senior Housing Renewal: Complex Renovation Balances Occupancy, Logistics, and Innovative Design

The Sussman House was originally constructed in 1965 as a concrete cast 9-story superstructure with copper sheet metal facades. This high-rise apartment building, home to seniors and disabled households, needed major interior renovations and exterior repairs. The scope of work includes kitchen and bath upgrades for 100 residential units, upgrades to building MEP systems, replacement of finishes in common areas, window replacement, roof replacement, and exterior recladding of the building. The project also includes reconfiguring an attached first-floor common room and property management office. The building was substantially occupied throughout the construction process, with unit renovation being undertaken in a phased approach.

Project Highlights

• Logistic Complexity: Occupied building renovation on a tight urban site requires detailed phasing and site logistics plans to allow residents safe access to the building and their units during construction
• The project utilized the Design Assist method for early bid packages for the exterior wall cladding and curtainwall systems
• The project team used Takt Planning to establish a rhythm, continuity, and consistency of the workflow. This method allows worker counts, material inventory, information, equipment usage, supervision, and administration needs to be leveled with consistency.