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?