UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

Date: 04/25/2005______

I, Gregory Howard Snyder________________________________,

hereby submit this work as part of the requirements for the degree of:
Master of Architecture
in:
College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning
It is entitled:
Sustainability Through Adaptive Reuse:
The Conversion of Industrial Buildings

This work and its defense approved by:

Chair: Robert Burnham

Berry Stedman
 Sustainability Through Adaptive Reuse
The Conversion of Industrial Buildings

A thesis submitted to the

Division of Research and Advanced Studies

of the University of Cincinnati

in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the degree of

Master of Architecture

in the Department of Architecture

of the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning

2005

by

Gregory Howard Snyder

B.S. Arch., University of Cincinnati, 2003

Committee Chairs:

Robert Burnham
Berry Stedman
Abstract

As our society shifts from an economy based on industry to an economy based on information,
many structures in the urban environment have become abandoned relics of a bygone era, while new
facilities rise ever farther from the center city to replace them. Such structures are victims of a
disposable society. The current practice of linear production, in which something is produced, used,
and discarded is no longer viable. Reducing consumption, recycling, reusing what has been produced,
and being more responsive to the environment form the basis of a new way of thinking. Existing and
abandoned buildings represent a substantial resource. Through adaptive reuse, many buildings of the
industrial era can be continued or brought back into use and contribute to a more sustainable
development pattern. Energy embodied in these facilities can be utilized and built upon to rejuvenate
not only the structure, but also the community and its users. Once a place of energy and pollution
production, the DP&L Third Street Substation is such a facility. Located in an area of Dayton in the early
stages of urban renewal, the site is able to build upon the momentum of what has been done around it
and further strengthen the area. Through the juxtaposition in the built form of the past idea of
industrial progress and the current idea of progress through the concept of sustainable design, its
redevelopment as a sports training and rehabilitation center would serve as a both a reminder and as
an example.
Table of Contents 01

Introduction 06
i.1 List of Images
i.2 Introduction

Chapter 1: The Problem 09

1.1 Thesis
1.2 The Role of Adaptive Reuse and Sustainable Design in Architecture

Chapter 2: Sustainable Design 12

2.1 What it is
2.2 Application of the Hanover Principles

Chapter 3: Adaptive Reuse 18

3.1 What it is
3.2 The Conversion of industrial Buildings

Chapter 4: How they Relate 24

4.1 Energy and Material Conservation
4.2 Retrofitting Sustainability

Chapter 5: Design Methodology 30

5.1 Site Selection
5.2 Strategy Selection

Chapter 6: The Project 41

6.1 Introduction
6.2 Goals
6.3 Strategies

Chapter 7: The Site 47

7.1 Context
7.2 History
7.3 Existing Conditions
7.4 Environmental Factors

1
Chapter 8: Analysis 57
8.1 Site
8.2 Structure
8.3 Solar
8.4 Ventilation

Chapter 9: The Program 68

Chapter 10: Design 90

Appendices 91

Bibliography 100

2
i.1 List of Images
Fig. 1. Brownfield
http://www.njtpa.org/planning/brownfields/brownfields_images/koppersBldgs.jpg
Fig. 2. Canal Place
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/hosting/phoenixawards/Presentations/present_97/win_97.1
Fig. 3. The Powerhouse
Kidney, Walter C. 115.
Fig. 4. The Cable Building
Kidney, Walter C. 118.
Fig. 5. Hallie Flanagan Davis Powerhouse Theater
Kidney, Walter C. 122.
Fig. 6. Industrial Pollution
www.fao.org/DOCREP/ T7750E/t7750e0s.jpg
Fig. 7. LEED Certification
http://renovation.pentagon.mil/IMAGES/usgbc.gif
Fig. 8. Audubon House
http://www.audubon.org/ nas/ah/images/index-1.gif
Fig. 9. Wind Rose for Dayton, Ohio
http://home.pes.com/windroses/wrgifs/93815.GIF
Fig. 10. Horizontal Sun Path Diagram
Lechner, Norbert. 564.
Fig. 11. Vertical Sun Path Diagram
Lechner, Norbert. 566.
Fig. 12. Passive Solar Strategies Diagram
Lechner, Norbert. 147.
Fig. 13. Air Movement Diagram
Lechner, Norbert. 255.
Fig. 14. Horizontal Overhang Diagram
Lechner, Norbert. 222.
Fig. 15. Green Roof
http://www.hrt.msu.edu/faculty/Rowe/ChicagoCityHallAerial%20062702.jpg
Fig. 16. Climate Region Three
Lechner, Norbert. 86.
Fig. 17. Talacre Community Center
RIBA Journal February, 2003. 42.
Fig. 18. Birmingham YMCA
Architectural Record. August, 1987. 96.
Fig. 19. 617 East Third Street
Photograph by author

3
Fig. 20. Cannery Lofts
Photograph by author
Fig. 21. Views to North
Photograph by author
Fig. 22. Site Vicinity
Map courtesy of Jeff Wray Architects, Inc.
Fig. 23 Turbine Room
Photograph courtesy of E3 Development, Inc.
Fig. 24 Exterior circa 1921
Photograph courtesy of E3 Development, Inc.
Fig. 25 Exterior circa 1950
Photograph courtesy of E3 Development, Inc.
Fig. 26 Site Plan
Drawing by author
Fig. 27 Existing Turbine Room
Photograph by author
Fig. 28 Existing East Building
Photograph by author
Fig. 29 Existing North Building Penthouse
Photograph by author
Fig. 30 Existing East Facade
Photograph by author
Fig. 31 Site Access: Highway and Pedestrian
Diagram by author
Fig. 32 Site Access: Vehicular and Bus
Diagram by author
Fig. 33 Site and Building Area Allocations
Diagram by author
Fig. 34 Solar Exposure
Diagram by author
Fig. 35 Composite Shadow Studies
Diagram by author
Fig. 36 Structural Analysis
Diagram by author
Fig. 37 Material Conservation Analysis
Diagram by author
Fig. 38 Existing Window
Photograph by author
Fig. 39 Existing Daylight Analysis
Diagram by author

4
Fig. 40 Potential Daylight Analysis
Diagram by author
Fig. 41 Potential Daylight with Atrium Analysis
Diagram by author
Fig. 42 Direct Gain Analysis
Diagram by author
Fig. 43 Trombe Wall Analysis
Diagram by author
Fig. 44 Sunspace Analysis
Diagram by author
Fig. 45 Existing Louver
Photograph by author
Fig. 46 Exterior Wind Flow Analysis
Diagram by author
Fig. 47 Interior Wind Flow Analysis
Diagram by author
Fig. 48 Spatial Adjacencies
Diagram by author
Fig. 49 Design Concept
Sketches by author
Fig. 50 Schematic Design
Diagram by author

5
i.2 Introduction
Sustainability is becoming an important architectural movement as we begin the
twenty-first century. Unlike previous architectural movements driven by stylistic
expression, there is an omnipresent reality that is driving this trend: the realization that
we are fast approaching the end of the cheap energy era. We can no longer afford to
squander our natural resources and pollute our environment. The investment that has
already been made in the built environment, be it infrastructure or buildings, must be
utilized to the fullest.
I have always been interested in the potential of old buildings. From being
involved in renovation work at a young age, to recent experiences in professional
practice, the challenge of building upon and improving what already exists has become
the focus of my architectural inquiries. The unique constraints and opportunities these
buildings present have yielded some of the most satisfying and rewarding projects.
In recent years, this interest has been influenced and reshaped by my exposure to
“green” design principles in the classroom and through the observation of the built
environment. Oddly enough, it was the juxtaposition of what was being presented and
learned in the college classroom, with the perpetual construction of “signature” buildings
occurring on campus that led to my interest in applying effective and appropriate
sustainable design strategies to existing buildings.
This thesis examines the potential of adaptive reuse projects in sustainable
design. These types of projects have the potential to not only conserve material
resources, but also to lessen a building’s impact on the environment through energy
reduction and conservation via the use of passive design strategies. The reuse of an
industrial structure on an urban brownfield site preserves a piece a history, restores
polluted land to usable condition, and contributes to a sustainable development pattern.

6
 Chapter One states the thesis and addresses the problems and central questions
of adaptive reuse and sustainable design, as well as examines their role in the future of
architecture. As natural resources are depleted and the effects of pollution are realized,
environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly important in the built
environment.
Chapter Two examines the principles of sustainability through William
McDonough’s Hanover Principles. The changing definition of sustainability is also
explored.
Chapter Three defines adaptive reuse. Issues of rehabilitation, change of use, and
preservation are examined. Industrial conversions are then demonstrated through
precedents.
Chapter Four addresses the overlapping concepts of adaptive reuse and
sustainable design. Applying sustainable design strategies to existing structures, looking
particularly at the Audubon House, then leads to the hypothesis that sustainable design
and adaptive reuse can be merged by thoroughly understanding the building’s structure
and site.
Chapter Five details a methodology for selecting sites and integrating
appropriate environmental design strategies into an existing building. Passive heating,
cooling, and ventilation are described.
Chapter Six introduces the project. Application of the principles of sustainable
design to the concept of a wellness center is introduced. A description of the
Powerhouse Fitness and Wellness Center is outlined. The typological precedents are
described as a basis for developing the project.
Chapter Seven describes the site. The location for the project is introduced,
followed by the history of Dayton and the DP&L Third Street Substation. The condition

7
of the existing structure is detailed, and the environmental conditions, such as climate
and pollution are then addressed.
Chapter Eight examines all of these factors through diagrams which are then
analyzed, and appropriate strategies are developed for the facility’s adaptive reuse and
the integration of environmental design features.
Chapter Nine introduces the program. It is summarized and then described in
detail, with spatial arrangements and spatial descriptions.
Chapter Ten describes the design process. Using images and graphics, the
development of the project is recorded.
Adaptive reuse can do more than put a new program into an old building. This
thesis examines integrating “green design” into structures that were previously at odds
with natural processes. Through the synthesis of the structure and its environment,
former industrial buildings can become exemplars of sustainable design practices.

8
Chapter 1: Problem

1.1 Thesis
Optimizing the overlapping principles in adaptive reuse and sustainable design
creates development that reduces environmental impact through material and energy
conservation.

1.2 The Role of Adaptive Reuse and Sustainable Design in Architecture

The juxtaposition between the development in the suburbs and the decay in the
urban center is jarring. While areas with infrastructure and character are being
abandoned, bland developments consume more and more land on the rural-urban
fringe. Changing lifestyle demands and public policy have combined to create a
development pattern that is unsustainable, and the building industry has created
buildings to match.
Sustainable Design seeks to better find harmony between the built environment
and the natural environment. "Waste equals food1," the first principle of William
McDonough’s “The Next Industrial Revolution,” addresses one of the core issues of the
movement, and of adaptive reuse. The current practice of linear production, in which
something is produced, used, and discarded, is no longer viable. Reducing consumption,
recycling and reusing what has been produced, and being more responsive to the
environment form the basis of a new way of thinking. These ideas are directly applicable
to building design, and can be exemplified in the adaptive reuse of an existing structure.
What was once discarded as obsolete can be recycled and brought to new life.

1
McDonough, William, and Michael Braungart. The Next Industrial Revolution.

9
 As our society shifts from an economy based on industry to an economy based
on information, many structures in the urbanized built environment have become
abandoned relics of a bygone era, while new facilities rise ever farther from the center
city to replace them. At the current rate of new construction in the United States, it will
take less than 40 years to increase the existing building stock by 50%2. This rate of
growth can be slowed by better utilization of the existing building stock. As the
resources of the world are increasingly squandered, and land consumed at ever
increasing rates, the need for more sustainable forms of development and building
construction is pressing.
In the United States, the idea of perpetual progress has been based on the idea
that new equals good3. This has manifested itself in the built environment in past
Fig. 1 Brownfield site outside New York
City. Koppers buildings, New Jersey
decades as neighborhoods have been razed in favor of parking lots, roads and new
buildings. The result is an urban landscape marked by unfulfilled promises of economic
development in the form of empty lots and abandoned buildings. Abandoned sites
negatively impact the well-being of a community, be it through real or perceived
contamination, the “broken windows” theory, and underutilized land.
Industrial buildings that once negatively impacted the environment can become
examples of sustainability. The reuse of a building sets an example for more
economically and environmentally responsible patterns of development. Adaptive reuse
seeks to utilize and build upon the existing infrastructure and its building stock as a
means of economically and environmentally responsible development. This idea is not

2
Eisenberg, David. A New Context for Building Codes and Regulations
3
Langenback, Randolph. A Future from the Past. p.4

10
new. Historically buildings were reworked and adapted to new uses.4 Not doing so
would have been seen as abnormal. The amount of energy and resources required for
construction was recognized by society because the cost of construction and the time
involved were much higher.
The balance point between preserving the building’s past, making the structure
viable for the present, and achieving sustainability into the future must be found. It is
not enough to merely reuse a building, if it continues to be energy inefficient and a
detriment to the environment. It is estimated that buildings consume 30% of our total
energy and 60% of our electricity5.
Energy, or the lack of it, has shaped the nation’s buildings from time
immemorial.............much of America’s architectural evolution documents a
struggle to defeat the less pleasant aspects of climate and environment
without energy as an ally.......But with the onset of the energy crisis,
designers have gradually become more aware of their forebears’
struggles and their solutions.6

Sustainability is a movement in the field of architecture, which despite its benefits

to both the environment and the occupant, has not yet come into widespread use in the
urban environment, particularly in Ohio. In urban areas, there are vast amounts of
underutilized building stock, while speculative building continues in the suburbs. The
adaptive reuse of existing structures is part of a more sustainable development pattern.
A methodology for utilizing the common principles of sustainable design and adaptive
reuse for redevelopment needs to be developed.

4
Diamanstein, Barbaralee. Buildings Reborn: New Uses, Old Places. p. 14
5
USGBC. LEED-NC Version 2.1 Reference Guide. p.1
6
Green, Kevin. Research and Design.

11
Chapter 2: Sustainable Design

2.1 What it is
In 1987, The Brundtland Report provided what has become one of the most
widely accepted definitions of sustainable development:
“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Change is inevitable, and development that occurs should include not only growth, but
the well-being of people, and the stewardship of natural resources. This idea brings out
the underlying problem inherent in the practical application of sustainable principles,
that of finding the balance point between economic progress and the conservation of
the environment.
The origins of sustainability as a global movement go back to the 1960’s, and
over time its definition has developed as the idea was refined7. The first Earth Day
occurred in June 1970, the result of a growing concern for ecology in the prior decade.
In 1972, Limits to Growth was published by the Club of Rome, popularizing the idea of
“zero growth” as a reaction against the consequences of the exponential growth that
was occurring. Resource conservation was brought to the fore in 1973 with the first
energy crisis. In 1980, World Conservation Strategy, produced by the International
Union for the Conservation of Nature, first used the term sustainability regarding the
environment. It was linked to patterns of development. The Brandt Commission, in
1982, raised issues of global policy on the environment, based on the inequities and
disparities between the economies in developed and third-world countries. The

7
Steele, James. Sustainable Architecture. p.1

12
Brundtland Report, in 1987, introduced the concept of sustainability on an international
level, and was where the aforementioned definition was developed. Agenda 21 was
produced as a result of the 1992 Earth Summit, whose purpose was to move
environmental concerns to the forefront of economic policy. The six main subject areas
addressed quality of life, the use of resources, protecting global commons, managing
settlement, chemicals and waste, and sustainable economic development. The fourth
area, the management of settlements, was viewed as significant enough for the
American Institute of Architects to add an addendum for it in the AIA Environmental
Resource Guide to emphasize that reducing environmental impact was important for the
profession.
Sustainability is not a new phenomenon in the built environment. Architects
have a long tradition of what is now known as sustainable design. Vitruvius noted “It is
obvious that design for homes ought to conform to diversities of climate.” Before the
relatively recent development of climate control systems in buildings, structures used
passive heating, cooling, day lighting and ventilation to respond to their environment
and to provide for the comfort of the users. Following the energy crisis in the 1970’s,
there has been a movement toward buildings that are more environmentally responsible
and energy efficient within the context of the larger movement.

13
2.2 Application of the Hanover Principles
In 1992 William McDonough, an architect and leading figure in the sustainable
design movement, developed a set of principles, referred to as the Hanover Principles8,
which established the theoretical groundwork for sustainable design.

1. Insist on rights of humanity and nature to co-exist in a healthy,

supportive, diverse and sustainable condition.
2. Recognize interdependence. The elements of human design interact
with and depend upon the natural world, with broad and diverse
implications at every scale. Expand design considerations to recognizing
even distant effects.
3. Respect relationships between spirit and matter. Consider all aspects of
human settlement including community, dwelling, industry and trade in
terms of existing and evolving connections between spiritual and material
consciousness.
4. Accept responsibility for the consequences of design decisions upon
human well-being, the viability of natural systems and their right to co-
exist.
5. Create safe objects of long-term value. Do not burden future
generations with requirements for maintenance or vigilant administration
of potential danger due to the careless creation of products, processes or
standards.
6. Eliminate the concept of waste. Evaluate and optimize the full life-cycle
of products and processes, to approach the state of natural systems, in
which there is no waste.
7. Rely on natural energy flows. Human designs should, like the living
world, derive their creative forces from perpetual solar energy.
Incorporate this energy efficiently and safely for responsible use.
8. Understand the limitations of design. No human creation lasts forever
and design does not solve all problems. Those who create and plan
should practice humility in the face of nature. Treat nature as a model and
mentor, not as an inconvenience to be evaded or controlled.

8
McDonough, William. The Hanover Principles

14
 9. Seek constant improvement by the sharing of knowledge. Encourage
direct and open communication between colleagues, patrons,
manufacturers and users to link long-term sustainable considerations with
ethical responsibility, and re-establish the integral relationship between
natural processes and human activity.

Humans are part of the ecosystem, and have had, and always will have a
significant impact on it. The need to move from an exploitative approach to an
approach that seeks to harmonize with natural processes is essential to long term
sustainability. The built environment can better respond to the natural environment by
working with natural energy flows, rather than functioning independent of them. A
holistic approach to design considers a wide variety of concerns, from the materials that
are being used in construction, to minimizing the impact of the building on the site, to
the well-being of the occupant.
Society must consider the entire cost of manufacturing products or buildings,
such that the environmental costs are accounted for: from the embodied energy to the
life cycle cost. Regardless of the techniques used to put a value on environmental assets,
no valuation is entirely accurate since a consensus on the intrinsic values and biodiversity
cannot be quantified in monetary terms.9 The goal is to ensure the restoration of
renewable resources and to slow the consumption of nonrenewable resources while
alternates are found. In construction, this has implications for the choice of materials
used. Issues of recyclability and the release of chemicals via out gassing address the
impact on current users and the impact on future generations. The idea of material
resource conservation can be applied to the reuse of existing structures in lieu of new
construction. The principles also allude to the responsibility to cleanup contaminated

9
Langston, Craig and Ding, grace. Sustainable Practices in the Built Environment. p. 33

15
sites, or brownfields, rather than abandoning them. Under these scenarios, there is no
waste at the level of infrastructure and investment in built environment, but rather a
continual evolution of uses.
Most energy exists as available or stored forms of solar energy10. The sun’s
energy creates heat, drives the winds, is used in the water cycle, and in photosynthesis.
It is an inexhaustible source of energy, estimated to provide enough energy in a minute
to supply the world’s energy needs for a year. The energy is clean and its harnessing can
have little impact on the environment. Strategies that maximize the potential of solar
energy should be incorporated into architecture, whether it is in the use of active or
passive responses. Buildings can not only use the sun as a source of energy, but through
its orientation and articulation, make maximum use of daylighting, heating, views, and
ventilation, all of which are directly related. Designing to maximize what is available
naturally rather than recreating it mechanically, lessens the HVAC loads and fossil fuel
use. It also helps to keep people connected to their environment.
Design cannot solve all of the issues of sustainability. It can however bring the
built environment more into sync with natural processes. Sustainability acknowledges
that nothing lasts forever in its original form, and seeks to facilitate change and evolution
over time. This requires a new way of approaching the design and construction of
buildings that embraces open information and collaboration. It also entails a respect for
the welfare of individuals and the environment, and the relationship that exists between
them.

10
Langston, Craig and Ding, grace. Sustainable Practices in the Built Environment p. 177

16
 Green design refers to a holistic approach to design and construction11. This
involves an integrated design process, from the design team to the final occupants, and
takes into account a range of factors, from material resources to community sensitivity.
The end goal is a high performance building that is ecologically responsible and
minimizes the impact on the environment. The adaptive reuse of existing structures can
fulfill many of the aims of sustainability.

11
USGBC. LEED-NC Version 2.1 Reference Guide. p.1

17
Chapter 3: Adaptive Reuse

3.1 What it is
Adaptive reuse is described as “developing the potential of additional use and wear
for a functionally obsolete building.”12 It is essentially the recycling of a building.
Commonly associated with historic preservation, the process involves more than
restoration. Rehabilitation is the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a
property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or
features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values.13 Rather than
seeking to continue the building’s existing use through upgrades, or restore it to a
specific time period, adaptive reuse seeks to find new uses for it. Adaptive reuse does
not have to involve a significant piece of architecture to be successful. The concept is
not constrained by what the building used to be, but respects the history and structure
as a new program is inserted.
There are potential economic and social advantages to adaptive reuse14. If the
building is in good structural condition and is easily adapted to its new program, there
are economic advantages. These include the potential for lower construction cost, lower
land acquisition cost, and less construction time depending on the extent of the work
done. A factor in the feasibility of redevelopment is the ability to purchase a site with an
existing structure and its infrastructure at a price that is a relative bargain when
compared to finding vacant land and building new. Adaptive reuse has also become a
strategy for the conservation of energy, an economic issue in terms of the use of

12
New River Valley Planning District Commission. The Adaptive Reuse Process. p.1
13
U.S. Dept. of the Interior. Secretary of the Interior Standards for Restoration, 1995
14
New River Valley Planning District Commission. The Adaptive Reuse Process p.4

18
resources, as they become scarcer. Razing urban sites in the hope that something new
will be built essentially eliminates an asset and wastes all the investments that have gone
into the site previously. Economic development is not generated from scratch15.
Development activity occurs when there is a perceived demand for space, not because
there is vacant land. Vacant land is only valuable if demand for it exists. Conversely,
underutilization and excess capacity drive down land value. Existing building stock is
often an underutilized resource that can be used to house and grow new and small
businesses, due to the lower cost per square foot for space in older structures compared
with new developments.
The social advantages of adaptive reuse include providing a link to the past and
the revitalization of a neighborhood. Rather than attempting to remove an area’s
problems by razing structures, the realization that existing buildings provide a
neighborhood’s “sense of place” has come to the fore. The physical revitalization
associated with reuse positively impacts the surrounding neighborhood, often
encouraging upgrades in surrounding structures.
Cities need old buildings so badly it is probably impossible for vigorous
streets and districts to grow without them. By old buildings, I mean not
museum piece old buildings, not old buildings in an excellent and
expensive state of rehabilitation ...but also a good lot of plain, ordinary,
low value old buildings, including some run down old buildings.16

There are several problems that face building conservation17. The first is the idea
of perpetual progress in which development is continuous and unquestioned. The
concept that anything new is inherently good undermines the value of what already

15
Langenbach, Randolph. A future form the Past. p. 7
16
Jane Jacobs. Death and Life of Great American Cities.
17
Langenbach, Randolph. A future form the Past. p. 4

19
exists. Planners have viewed old buildings as an economic impediment, which is
exemplified by the number of areas deemed blighted. Traditionally they have viewed
these buildings as obsolete for any purpose other than that for which it was originally
intended. Cities have also razed areas to create new development to enhance their
image. The municipalities build their modern identity at the expense of their historic
roots.

3.3 The Conversion of Industrial Buildings

Industrial buildings are one of the most important building typologies of the past
two centuries, as they demonstrate the technological development of the country
through their architecture.18 Furthermore, they represent the cultural and social values
of their times. The progression they document has yielded a growing interest in
industrial building preservation as part of a mixture of diverse building types to more
accurately represent the past. Industrial sites are often brownfields. A brownfield is an
“abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial or commercial facility where expansion or
redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.”19 The
buildings also represent an economic opportunity as they are generally more durable
and yield higher quality space for a lower cost than can be built in new construction of
the same scale.
A methodology for the conversion of industrial buildings has been
adapted from the process described by Walter C. Kidney20, an architectural

18
Kidney, Walter C. Working Places p. xi
19
International City/County Management Association. Brownfields Redevelopment. p.1-6
20
Kidney, Walter C. Working Places p. 4

20
 historian specializing in industrial structures. The process consists of the
following steps.
1. Identify the current plans and prospects for the building.
2. Identify the owner and relevant basic information.
3. Determine the condition of the building and its utilities.
4. Survey the neighborhood and its present routes of access and get hard
information on the neighborhoods future.
5. Identify possible ways in which the building can be reused.
6. Check the laws, codes and regulations governing the proposed use or
uses.
7. Involve public officials and agencies early on in the process.
8. See what “good will” can do for you.
9. Determine demand for the proposed use and comparable costs for similar
space
10. Engage the public.
11. Identify financial resources, both direct and indirect, that are available.
12. Determine operating expenses and taxes.
13. Prepare a feasibility study.
14. Prepare a developer’s package, or pro forma, for the lending or funding
institutions, or possible partners.
Fig. 2 Canal Place, Akron Ohio, before and
after redevelopment A successful example of this approach is Canal Place in Akron Ohio21. The site
was formerly the B.F. Goodrich Company encompassing 90 buildings on 55 acres, and
employed 28,000 people at its peak. In 1987, after almost 100 years of operation, the
company ceased all manufacturing operations and relocated its headquarters to the
suburbs. Demolition and restoration were set to cost the company $18,000,000 over
five years. Covington Capital Corp., a development corporation, saw the potential in the
site. Working with the B.F. Goodrich Company and the city, it was able to have the site
re-zoned, and redeveloped 27 buildings on 38 acres as a mixed-use, multi-tenant facility.

21
Oleksuk, Denis K. “Creative Solutions to the Rehabilitation of Old Industrial Buildings: The Case of
Canal Place, Akron, Ohio.”

21
 Canal Place’s redevelopment was based on market need. Project goals included
providing low cost space for small to medium sized businesses; creating a campus like
environment and a vibrant activity center; offering space for expansion; spurring the
local economy by creating new jobs. The adaptive reuse of these facilities was
accomplished not by the traditional renovation to match need, but matching the new
users to the existing facilities to minimize cost. Having tenants share the use of docks,
restrooms, etc. resulted in lower cost, but required screening of prospective tenants to
assure harmony within the complex. Selective demolition for the creation of parking and
improved infrastructure was done as required. The campus environment allows for
amenities that would not be available to individual companies affordably, such as
maintenance, security, a day-care, cafeteria, and a copy center. The facility has
generated continued tax revenue from what would have been abandoned property.
Community involvement and support for the venture has been strong.
Another successful adaptive reuse project involves one of Cleveland’s abandoned
powerhouses. One of the primary advantages stimulating the reuse of the former
powerhouse for the Cleveland streetcar system was its location in the urban core.22 It
was converted into an entertainment, commercial, and business center. Originally built
in 1896, a major addition was completed in 1905. By 1960, the facility was rendered
obsolete by the move from trolleys to busses for the city’s mass transit. Subsequently
used for storage, the city saw the building as a liability when it acquired the site and
Fig. 3 The Powerhouse, Cleveland Ohio offered the facility for sale, expecting the building to be razed in the early 1970’s. The
building was purchased by a development team which saw potential in its size (72,000
square feet), excellent structural condition, and its location in the Cleveland “Flats”

22
Kidney, Walter C. Working Places. p. 113

22
 entertainment district. Levels were added in the boiler and machine rooms. The existing
facades were for the most part preserved. The large stack was retained and marks the
entry courtyard to the complex. The redeveloped complex contains a theater,
restaurants, shops, offices, and studios. The resulting complex contains nearly 150,000
gross square feet. With its mix of uses, the facility is active 21 hours a day. Cooperation
from the city of Cleveland was crucial to the project for resolving building and fire codes.
It was to Cleveland’s advantage as well, as the city benefited from the development and
its associated tax revenue.
The ability to have a variety of different and successive uses in industrial buildings
is demonstrated in another adaptive reuse project at the former headquarters of the
Denver City Cable Railway Company. The Cable Building was redeveloped as a
23
commercial building . Built in 1889, the facility was closed in 1900 when the car line
was converted to electricity. For the next seventy years, the building changed uses
ranging from manufacturing to storage. In 1971, the Denver Urban Redevelopment
Authority purchased the building with the intent that it be demolished. Historic Denver,
a preservation organization, successfully bid for the property and it was subsequently
redeveloped, housing offices on the second floor, the Old Spaghetti Factory on the first
floor, and parking in the basement. Each floor encompasses 17,000 square feet. Still in
good condition, the original construction was heavy masonry walls, timber floors and
roof, with cast iron columns.
Specialized programs such as theaters have been successfully inserted into former
powerhouses, as exemplified in the Hallie Flanagan Davis Powerhouse Theater24.
Located in an unused powerhouse on the Vasser College campus, the facility addressed
Fig. 4 The Cable Building, Denver,
23
Colorado, following redevelopment Kidney, Walter C. Working Places. p. 118
24
Kidney, Walter C. Working Places. p. 120

23
 the need for a new theater, and the lack of a budget for new construction. The size,
volume of space, and location made the building a good site for the new theater. The
5,200 square foot facility, as completed, was estimated by the architect to have saved
20% over the cost of demolishing and rebuilding. Elements of the existing structure
were reused to maximize efficiency. The machine pits were used for stage traps, the
interior crane for holding rolling lights and curtains, and the underside of trusses to
support a catwalk and safety netting to allow for versatility in setups. A series of
platforms were installed for performances and audience seating with adjustable frames
to change elevation.
As shown, the advantage to re-using industrial buildings is often their location in
the urban fabric. Many of these facilities have the flexibility of use afforded by large open
floor plans due to their original function. Their structural capacity can support many
new programs from offices and lofts to manufacturing and theaters.
“Erected to withstand extraordinary loads, to last out the seasons without
repairs, and to provide a large area of versatile space, an industrial
building is first and foremost a constant that accommodates many
variables.”25

Fig. 5 Hallie Flanagan Davis Powerhouse

Industrial buildings are viable candidates for adaptive reuse due to the ability to
Theater at Vasser College, plan and
section accommodate a variety of new uses or programs.

25
Kidney, Walter C. Working Places. p. 1

24
 Chapter 4: How they Relate

4.1 Material and Resource Conservation

Adaptive reuse and sustainable design are trends in architecture that have many
overlapping principles. In an era of sprawl and declining urban cores, more sustainable
means of development must be utilized. The adaptive reuse of existing facilities in the
core of the region can benefit the inner city tax base and slow the development of
greenfields on the periphery. The built environment is one of the most important
economic, social and environmental investments made by man, accounting for
approximately 40% of the GDP.26 Additionally, buildings consume approximately 50% of
the world’s primary energy production. When these factors are considered together, the
Fig. 6 The effects of industrial era
production processes. impact of buildings on the natural environment is enormous, in light of both the
resources needed to construct them, and the amount of energy needed to operate
them.
Energy production and consumption, developments, and resource use are major
sources of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming. In the
United States, buildings consume 37% of the energy and 68% of the total electricity
produced annually, 75% of which is produced by burning fossil fuels. Reductions in the
amount of energy used in the construction and operation of buildings have a dramatic
impact on the amount of pollutants released into the environment.
The majority of energy consumed in buildings is used for heating, cooling, and
lighting27. Reducing the reliance on mechanical and electrical systems by supplementing
them with natural ventilation and lighting results in buildings that have less

26
Langston, Craig and Ding, grace. Sustainable Practices in the Built Environment. p. 3
27
Langston, Craig and Ding, grace. Sustainable Practices in the Built Environment. p.130

25
 environmental impact, and a positive economic impact as occupants are more
productive and operating costs are reduced. It is these types of synergies that green
design fosters.
The embodied energy alone in existing building stock makes a compelling case for
its reuse. The energy invested in a 5 ton steel girder equals 257 million Btu’s, the
equivalent energy in 2,000 gallons of gasoline. This energy consumption would be
eliminated if the girder were left in place instead of demolishing it and replacing it
elsewhere. 28
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) attempts to define and
quantify what constitutes a “green building” in the form of the LEED rating system29.
This standard is voluntary. It is consensus based, draws on all members from all aspects
of the building industry, and is market driven. LEED, which stands for Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design, is a nationally recognized standard for evaluating
Fig. 7 LEED Certification
sustainable design in buildings. It can be used as a design guideline for rethinking the
process of design when environmental concerns are given priority, and as a means of
understanding the relationship between adaptive reuse and sustainability. The LEED
Reference Guide, a resource document produced by the USGBC, and intended to
support use of the rating system, provides strategies for addressing environmental
concerns. The process is applicable to not only new construction, but also to the reuse
of buildings.
The Material Resources Section of the LEED guide notes that construction and
demolition wastes constitute around 40% of the solid waste in the United States30. It is

28
Maddex, Diane. New Energy from Old Buildings. p. 20
29
USGBC LEED-NC Version 2.1 Reference Guide. p.1
30
USGBC. LEED-NC Version 2.1 Reference Guide. p.185

26
noted that one of the effective strategies to address this is to reuse existing buildings.
This addresses not only waste concerns, but also pollution concerns involved with
material production and delivery, habitat disturbance, and infrastructure improvements.
Building reuse extends the life of existing buildings, conserves material resources, retains
cultural resources, and reduces waste and other environmental impacts. The USBC
encourages retaining as much of the shell, walls, floors, and partitions as possible during
the redesign process31.

4.2 Retrofitting Sustainability

Randolph Croxton, chief architect for the Audubon House and nationally
recognized leader in the areas of environmental and sustainable design, has written that
at the heart of a good environmental concept is the reality of economy32. His approach
looks at the elementary problems of everyday buildings, and instead of treating the
symptoms, he addresses the causes. Croxton notes that evidence can be seen in the
workplace where comfort levels cannot be maintained due to varying thermal
conditions around the building being treated in uniform ways. Lawsuits and sick days
due to poor air quality and repetitive stress injuries are also results of poor design.
Another area of concern is the lack of occupant orientation to and connection with the
outside. Croxton notes that it is possible to integrate the internal dimensions of the
building with the external concerns. For him, this means that not only is there a need for
occupants to be aware of changes in weather and season, but that the design of the
building can address larger environmental issues such as resource conservation, ozone

31
USGBC. LEED-NC Version 2.1 Reference Guide. p.194
32
National Audubon Society. Audubon House: Building the Environmentally Responsible, Energy
Efficient Office.

27
 depletion, and others. The Croxton Collaborative has since come to articulate these aims
in a value driven design process where the value lies in the sustainable, the
environmental, and the humanistic dimensions.
Sustainable Design in a renovation project is exemplified by the Audubon
Headquarters in New York City, designed by The Croxton Collaborative. The first
principle of this project was the reuse of an existing structure. Sprawl and the spread of
suburbia destroys natural habitat, and this would have been contrary to the
organization’s mission. While it would have been easier to incorporate environmental
design strategies by building from scratch in the suburbs, rehabilitating an existing
building in the urban environment reduced material use, utilized existing infrastructure,
allowed for mass transit use, and left a green-field intact. Residual benefits include
preserving a historic structure, contributing to the vitality of the neighborhood, and
improving the local economy. Another important principle embodied in the building
was energy conservation and efficiency.
Several strategies were employed to accomplish these goals. The use of daylight
and natural ventilation were maximized, energy efficient windows and HVAC were
Fig. 8 Audubon House, New York City,
Croxton Collaborative incorporated, and the existing structure was maintained as much as possible.
Designing with daylight was a priority, and the integrated design approach led to many
other benefits. An open floor plan was laid out to maximize the penetration of natural
light, further helped by varying partition wall heights. Ambient light levels were reduced
to 25-30 foot candles and supplemented by task lighting where it was needed, which is
able to be controlled and adjusted by the user. Light colors help to reflect light. The
choice of fixtures and controls further reduce energy consumption.
Windows and insulation were carefully selected to minimize energy loss, while
high efficiency HVAC was designed and implemented for minimum energy

28
consumption. The HVAC system delivers heating and cooling via gas fired chillers.
Emissions of pollutants are minimized and CFC’s (Chlorofluorocarbons) are eliminated.
Indoor air quality is critical for the well being of buildings occupants. The ventilation
system, in conjunction with material selection, minimizes VOC’s (Volatile Organic
Compounds) in the air. Fresh air is introduced to the system at roof level, where the
cleanest air is available. It is thoroughly filtered and exchanged at a constant rate of 26
cubic feet per minute.
Recycling and resource conservation were other important ideas used in the
building design. Five main areas were addressed by the building: Recycling the building
by renovating an existing structure; recycling construction debris; utilizing building
materials with a high-recycled content; programming and designing a physical in-house
recycling system; establishing guidelines for purchasing recycled office products and
waste reduction initiatives.
The Croxton Collaborative uses the word “optimization” to describe the approach
used in the Audubon House. Priorities shifted from investing in materials to investing in
people, such that productivity and well-being are enhanced. Every design decision was
about value, leading to enhanced levels of energy efficiency, air quality, light quality,
thermal comfort, and a connection to the exterior. All of this was achieved within the
overall market rate for new construction of a similar building type. Croxton proposes that
these goals are achievable in all buildings, new and renovated, if changes are made in
the way priorities and incentives are directed in development.

29
Chapter 5: Design Methodology

5.1 Site selection

LEED establishes guidelines to determine sites with urban redevelopment
potential and for the reuse of an existing building. These are intended to be used during
site selection for the project33. The existing site conditions and the condition of the
existing building are examined to identify not only potential contamination and
structural integrity, but also the proximity to mass transit stops and existing
infrastructure. Additionally, site acquisition costs are factored in. It is noted that
appropriate site selection can minimize urban sprawl, conserve green fields, reduce
automobile use, and minimize runoff effects. The USGBC encourages channeling
development into urban areas with existing infrastructure to achieve a minimum density
of 60,000 sf per acre34. Urban re-development helps “restore, invigorate, and sustain”
communities, keeping them viable. It is noted that these sites often involve the
rehabilitation of existing structures, decreasing construction waste and new material use.
However, there are also potential problems with this type of project, including air quality,
soil contamination, limited day lighting opportunities, and limited space. Mitigating
these situations is encouraged elsewhere under the LEED guidelines.
The economics of site selection are critical for an adaptive reuse project,
determining the project’s viability.35 Three market situations describe potential sites. The
first scenario involves an area where the properties are in good upkeep, but the market
demand has decreased, resulting in building vacancies and scattered parcel vacancies.

33
USBGC. LEED Critical Path: Site
34
USGBC. LEED-NC Version 2.1 Reference Guide. p.19
35
Burchell, Robert W. The Adaptive Reuse Handbook. p. 307.

30
The second scenario is exemplified by a neighborhood with visible deterioration and a
surplus of vacant land due to poor demand. The third scenario is an area with significant
disrepair, abandonment, and little private investment. The first scenario, in which the
structure is in good condition, but the market is weakening for the current use, marks
the ideal scenario for a building reuse. Unique residential or commercial developments
have the best chance of succeeding at capitalizing in changing economic functions and
markets in the central city.
The selection of the appropriate building for an adaptive reuse project is the most
important factor in an adaptive reuse project. Not all buildings merit reuse. In some
cases, the site may meet all the criteria for a sustainable development, but the facility is
not suitable due to structural defects, square footage deficiencies or excesses, the extent
of alterations needed for a new program, or the inability to overcome code compliance
issues. In short, some projects require more work than would be economically viable.
The structural condition of a building is determined in a two phase assessment.
The Phase One assessment assembles whatever information is known about the building
and current zoning and planning requirements, and the new program that will be
inserted into the structure.36 A visual inspection of the facility is meant to determine any
structural deficiencies and can also address issues of square footage and potential costs
for making the building suitable for the new use. The process begins with a review of
the available data.37 Type of construction and load paths should then be identified. A
visual inspection of the building then looks for defects in structural members,
connections, walls, floors and decks, and the foundation. Following this inspection,
structural failure considerations are addressed ranging from local failures to the potential

36
Raubun, J. Stanely. Structural Analysis of Historic Buildings. p. 3
37
Raubun, J. Stanely. Structural Analysis of Historic Buildings. p. 4

31
 means of failure. The loads on the building are then estimated and a determination
made of whether the structure is adequate and if a more detailed assessment is needed.
The Phase Two Assessment is a more detailed and comprehensive analysis which
includes visual observations and testing.38 The strategy is based on determining where
the detailed analysis is needed. For example, the floor deck and trusses might be
examined if the new loads were expected to be greater in the proposed use. Material
tests can be done, but load testing of the individual members is the most definitive and
cheapest method. In some cases, a mathematical model may be developed.

5.2 Environmental Design Strategy

Having determined that the building is situated on a sustainable location and is
structurally intact, determining appropriate environmental strategies for use in the
Fig. 9 Wind rose for Dayton Ohio.
project can be addressed. Analyzing site conditions provides the starting point for this
process. In order to design in harmony with the environment, the designer has to
understand the microclimate.39
As every microclimate and site situation is different, the designer must start with
the best available information published. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) has extensive information available. Many reference guides for
designers have been compiled using NOAA data. Lechner’s Heating, Cooling, Lighting
provides basic climatic data, and describes climatic regions which are used as a basis for
strategy selection. The microclimate is also influenced by the surrounding buildings,
landforms, and bodies of water. Local modifying effects can only be ascertained by

38
Raubun, J. Stanely. Structural Analysis of Historic Buildings. p. 7
39
Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting p. 68

32
 measurements and observations on site. Once climatic information has been gathered,
it can be applied to the building.
The LEED reference guide notes that there are three fundamental strategies that
can increase energy performance: demand reduction, use of free energy, and increasing
efficiency40. Design strategies detailed in this section attempt to address these energy
issues.
Solar orientation and exposure is an important factor in sustainable buildings.
The effect of the sun on a building and its site is dynamic throughout the day, and
changes throughout the year. This relationship can begin to be understood through
vertical and horizontal sun-path diagrams, which are two-dimensional representations of
the sun’s path across the sky.41 The horizontal sun-path diagram is useful for gathering
information on the altitude and azimuth of the sun, and is used to determine sun
penetration and shading into the building at any time of the day and year. The vertical
Fig. 10 Horizontal sun-path diagram
for Dayton, Ohio sun-path diagram is useful for documenting the solar window by mapping the horizon
over the diagram to determine when the sun will be blocked. The information can be
used to create shadow studies, which impact solar gain through windows, the quality of
both interior and exterior spaces, and appropriate landscaping based on exposure.
This information is then used in conjunction with the existing conditions of the
building’s massing and its fenestrations. The diagramming can inform the strategies
then selected for optimizing the relationship to the sun. A building’s window placement
is essential to energy efficiency in a building, especially in a reuse situation. Existing
single pane glazing should be replaced with higher efficiency units, and air infiltration
eliminated by better seals and a tighter thermal envelope. Beyond the physical
Fig. 11 Vertical sun-path diagram for
40
Dayton, Ohio USGBC. LEED-NC Version 2.1 Reference Guide. p.137
41
Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting p. 131

33
characteristics of the window, the application and location of the glazing directly affects
passive solar heating, natural lighting and its distribution, and natural ventilation and
thermal comfort through its operability. Window synergies are further demonstrated by
the provision of views. Old buildings tend to have high floor to ceiling heights and large
windows, which make these strategies particularly applicable when introducing
sustainability into a reuse project.
Day lighting addresses several needs, including issues of energy, biological needs,
and aesthetics.42 The movement of the sun over the course of the day fills a human
need to respond to natural rhythms, and also animates and changes the character of the
space. In general, natural illumination is effective 1½ to 2 times the height of the
window head into the depth of the room43. The use of natural daylighting has
significant impact on energy consumption in a building. In some building types,
approximately 40% of a building’s energy use is for electric lighting44. These lights are on
throughout the day in typical buildings, often despite the availability of natural light
during this time. This corresponds to the peak demands for electric use in the summer.
The use of day lighting thereby reduces operating costs of a facility through not only the
cost of operating the lights, but also in the reduction of cooling loads associated with the
heat they generate. Daylighting’s other benefit comes in the potential use of the heat
gain that can be generated during colder parts of the year.
A passive solar energy system collects and transports heat by non-mechanical
means.45 To maximize the benefits of this system, buildings located in temperate climates
should be elongated on the east-west axis to maximize exposure for the collection of
42
Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting p. 364
43
Mazria, Edward. The Passive Solar Energy Book. p.84
44
Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting p. 364
45
Mazria, Edward. The Passive Solar Energy Book. p.28

34
 solar radiation. There are three basic passive design concepts that are common in new
construction and that can be applied to reuse and retrofit projects.46
Direct gain occurs when solar energy penetrates the south facing windows and
warms the interior where it is stored in a thermal mass. In a retrofit, this entails
optimizing the windows based on their orientation to best deal with issues of heat gain
and loss at different times of the day. South facing windows have a net gain, while east
and west windows invert over the course of the day. North facing windows are net
losers. Retrofitting is sometimes problematic because the system is integrated into the
building facade.47 However, it is relatively simple to take advantage of the windows that
already exist. The rule of thumb for estimating south facing glazing in Climate Region 3
for direct-gain and Trombe Walls is 28% of a room’s floor area in south facing glazing.48
The thermal mass required for direct gain is 3 square feet of 2” to 4” directly exposed
brick or concrete per square foot of glazing, or 6 square feet of 2” to 4” for reflected solar
radiation. Windows should be double or triple glazed.
Placing layers of glazing in front of a thermal mass wall produces a Trombe
49
Wall , which stores the heat created by solar energy, and gradually transfers the heat
into the interior. The mass can be made of concrete, brick, or containers of water. Mass
walls transfer heat to the interior directly by radiation and indirectly by convection.
Convection can occur if there is space between the glass and the wall. Vents at the top
and bottom of the wall allow air to be reheated and released into the interior. As a rule
of thumb, each square foot of glazing should be matched by one square foot of thermal

46
Maddex, Diane. New Energy from Old Buildings p. 137
47
Fig. 12 Passive solar strategies: Mazria, Edward. The Passive Solar Energy Book p. 109
48
(a) Direct Gain; (b) Trombe Wall; Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting p. 150
49
(c) Sunspace Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting p. 153

35
mass, 10” to 16” deep for brick or concrete and 8” or more for water50. The glazing
should be at least 1” from the mass wall. In a retrofit, large expanses of masonry wall
with southern orientation are ideal for this purpose.
Another strategy is the incorporation of a sunspace. Essentially, a sunspace
consists of a greenhouse attached to the south facade of a building in which air is
heated and vented into the main interior space. A guideline for the heating potential is
that one and a half square feet of sunspace can provide heat for one square foot of the

adjacent interior of the building51. The slope of the glazing should be between 50° and

60°. The vents to the interior of the building should be a minimum of 10% of the glazing
area. The thermal mass required for 1 square foot of glazing is 1 square foot of masonry
wall 8” to 12” thick. The space should be able to accommodate large temperature
fluctuations and will not always be able to be occupied. In addition to providing heat,
the greenhouse provides a means for growing vegetation. In a retrofit application, this
requires an addition, and therefore may have limited potential in urban areas do to
street proximity and shade from surrounding structures. It might be employed in a
penthouse situation.
These systems often use a masonry mass for heat storage52. The thick masonry or
concrete walls and floors commonly found in older construction, especially in
commercial and industrial facilities, provide this thermal mass. This tends to minimize
indoor temperature fluctuations, as the heat collected during the day is gradually

50
Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting p. 157
51
Mazria, Edward. The Passive Solar Energy p. 111
52
Mazria, Edward. The Passive Solar Energy p.134

36
 released at night. Approximately 65% of heat loss in buildings occurs at night53. Floors
and interior walls generally require a minimum of four inches in thickness, but vary by
amount of glazing and application as noted previously. Color also plays a role. The high
mass areas are generally of darker color to absorb heat, whereas low mass interior
partitions would be light colored to reflect the light onto high mass areas. Darker
masonry floors with long periods of direct sunlight should be avoided, as day time heat
gain can be excessive.
Natural ventilation is facilitated by the introduction of operable openings.
Placement of the openings is critical to successful air movement. Cross ventilation is most
affective when the openings are located on opposite walls, creating movement from a
strong positive air pressure to a strong negative pressure area.54 The depth of the space
being ventilated and the obstructions within become the limiting factors of successful
airflow. Openings should be low for comfort ventilation. In general, the intake and
outlet size are the same, but if there is a size differential, the intake should be smaller to
maximize the indoor air stream.
Passive summer cooling is the result of two factors: wind and the indoor-outdoor
temperature differential.55 Cooling through ventilation occurs in the form of comfort
cooling and of night flush cooling56. Comfort cooling relies on bringing in air from
Fig. 13 Air movement occurs via outdoors and using evaporation to cool the occupants. Night flush cooling cools the
temperature or pressure
differential indoor air at night by opening the intakes and exhausts fully. During the day, minimal
outdoor air is taken in and the thermal mass is used as a heat sink for occupants. Natural
ventilation not only affects indoor thermal comfort, but air quality as well. This
53
Mazria, Edward. The Passive Solar Energy p.136
54
Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting p.260
55
Mazria, Edward. The Passive Solar Energy p.265
56
Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting p255

37
 technique works best in places where fluctuations between daytime and nighttime
temperatures are a minimum of twenty degrees.
Air flow is the result of natural convection due to temperature or pressure
differential57. Two different effects, the Bernolli and the stack, can be applied in
combination for maximum results in a building. The Bernolli effect relies on negative
pressure at the roof, which is a result of the increase in air velocity as height increases, to
create a differential in static pressure to draw air out of the building. It relies on wind.
The stack effect relies on interior convection that draws air from an intake located low in
the building and exhausts it from a vent located high above. This effect is not
dependent on the wind, but is weak. The effect can be strengthened by maximizing the
distance apart of the intake and exhaust.
Shading devices also impact cooling by reducing external heat loads. Horizontal
louvered overhangs provide the most flexibility. They allow low winter sun to enter, and
Fig. 14 Determining the length of an
overhang keep high summer sun out while preserving the view. They represent the best selection
for southern, eastern, and western exposure58. Horizontal louvered overhangs have the
added advantage of allowing heat to escape from in front of the window, while
preventing snow buildup or water collection that would occur with solid overhangs. A
moveable overhang is recommended if both passive heating and shading are important.
A rule of thumb for determining the overhang length in Climate Region 3 is diagramed

to the left. Angle “A” representing full shade is 63° and originates at the sill, and angle

“B” representing full sun is 55° originating at the head. The overhang will extend to the

57
Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting p. 258
58
Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting p. 219

38
 full shade line during over-heated periods and retract past the full sun line during under-
heated periods.
The thermal envelope of an existing building is important to reducing the
heating and cooling load. As stated previously, the windows are one area where
efficiency can be increased. The addition of insulation is another option. The insertion
of wall insulation can greatly reduce heat loss, but can have an adverse effect on the
aesthetic in historic buildings in which the original wall material is exposed. It will also
negate the effects of thermal mass walls. One solution would be to prevent heat
transmission on the north side of the building, while allowing southern walls to remain.
Adding a layer of insulation to the exterior of the roof is feasible in a retrofit and enables
the interior features of the space to remain. Other options include a green roof, which
Fig. 15 Green roof, Chicago City Hall relies on the mass of earth over the building, or a roof pond, which relies on the mass of
water to insulate the building. The feasibility is determined by the structural capacity of
the building. For example, the 6” to 12” depth required for a roof pond to provide stable
indoor temperatures would have a dead load of 32 to 65 pounds per square foot59.
Another strategy to deal with this issue is to use thermal planning to put programmatic
elements into areas that take advantage of exposure60. For example, spaces that can
tolerate or need cooler temperatures should be used as buffers on the north side of the
building.
The application of these techniques in a reuse project can have an impact on the
historical character of the building. This raises the debate about preservation versus the
economic realities of the present. The need for energy efficiency and the changes that a
building would require to attain this may impact its traditional appearance. Some zoning

59
Mazria, Edward. The Passive Solar Energy p.113
60
Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting p. 440

39
districts require the historic character of a property to be retained and preserved. This
also has implications if historic tax credits are to be used, as the guidelines issued by the
secretary of the interior clearly state that the alteration of features that characterize the
property should be avoided.61 Renovations that strike a balance between highlighting
qualities and features from the building’s history, while reflecting the needs and
sensibilities of the present are needed.

61
U.S. Dept of the Interior. Secretary of the Interior Standards for Restoration, 1995.

40
Chapter 6: The Project

6.1 Introduction
Revitalization and rejuvenation are directly linked to ideas about energy. These
themes are common to both adaptive reuse and the fitness and health of an individual.
Similarities exist in both areas related to the need to maximize the potential inherent in
what exists in order to continue productively into the future. Concern for the health and
well being of individuals and their interaction with the environment is an underlying
issue of sustainability, and this theme will provide the philosophy for a Wellness Center.
Utilizing the former DP&L Steam Plant on Third Street in Dayton, Ohio, the
Powerhouse Sports Center, as it is preliminarily being called, will incorporate features
currently not in the surrounding community, and will try to link the neighborhood and
downtown Dayton with a destination that will draw people. The Powerhouse Sports
Center is conceived of as a private facility that combines elements of fitness and
relaxation to promote a sustainable lifestyle for those working and living in and around
Dayton, Ohio. Through its programs and its architecture, emphasis will be placed on
natural processes and environmental responsibility. Located in a former industrial area
on the fringe of downtown, the facility seeks to contribute to the redevelopment of the
neighborhood by providing amenities and demonstrating the potential of adaptive
reuse. The once vacant building will, through its own revitalization, begin to enliven the
community through the services it provides.
The Powerhouse will provide a number of amenities above and beyond a
traditional fitness center. The idea is that the facility is not just a place for exercise; it is a
club that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Areas for competitive sports will be provided. The
facility will have a range of exercise equipment and machines, as well as offering a

41
number of programs that stress mental and physical health, such as yoga and
gardening. Some of what is grown will be used in the food that is prepared and served
on site. Small and large gathering spaces promote interaction with other users and
provide spaces for seminars and events to occur. Aquatic activities will be available,
while a spa and massage area will continue the theme of physical and mental
rejuvenation.
The users of this facility will not only be the residents of the surrounding
neighborhoods and those who work downtown; it is intended that the center have a
city wide draw due to the visibility and uniqueness of the facility and its philosophy. The
membership of the club is primarily expected to be young professionals, who would be
using the facility before and/or after work during the week. The club would anticipate
that most users on weekends be residents from the adjacent urban area, and those who
live in the suburbs.

6.2 Goals
Solutions for integrating “green” design elements into structures that were
originally conceived with no concern for this perspective will be demonstrated. The
Powerhouse seeks to take the idea of the original use of the building, that of production,
and transform the idea from the old industrial paradigm, the linear production of a
product, into the sustainable philosophy of the holistic building of a person’s wellness. It
is to provide a healthy environment conducive to strengthening the body and the mind.
Through its holistic approach, from the building to the programs offered, the wellness of
the individual is integrated with the wellness of the environment, and this relationship is
emphasized.

42
 This facility intends to provide a model for reintegrating former industrial sites
back into the fabric of the community, and for adaptive reuse projects integrating
sustainable design strategies. There are a range of issues surrounding this idea in the
context of an urban area. Issues of historic preservation, urban renewal, resource
conservation, integration of new technologies into existing structures, and
environmental responsibility are raised. The major emphasis of this project is examining
the relationships between adaptive reuse and sustainable design. Sustainable design
encompasses a wide range of issues many of which cannot be addressed in the context
of this project. The aspects that will be addressed by this facility include: redevelopment
of an urban site as part of a mixed use community; material conservation through the
adaptive reuse of an existing structure; improving energy efficiency and occupant
comfort through passive environmental design strategies.

6.3 Strategies
The facility will be more than a structure housing fitness equipment; it will be a
“green” exercise machine itself. The theme of movement will be expressed. The
circulation through the building will connect the programmatic functions into a
sequence of experiences, providing not only access, but a means to view the
environmental strategies employed in the facility. User interaction with the building is
desired, from the ability to control the lighting and temperature in one’s space, to the
use of traditionally functional elements such as stairs for exercise. To promote the club’s
use, a reduced rate will be given to those in the adjacent loft developments, positioning
the club as an amenity for the residents, while removing the need for the developers to
build fitness areas in their buildings. Because of its location, the use of public transit and

43
 bicycles will be encouraged for local residents, but parking will also be provided on site
and through arrangements with the adjacent Public Market for those who travel by car.
An interaction between the user and nature is desired. The connection to the
outside will be emphasized through a variety of views, exterior spaces, and natural
lighting and ventilation. This will be accomplished through multiple means of accessing
exterior gardens and courts from the interior spaces. These spaces will use native plants
and vegetation to restore some areas of the site to a more natural condition. The
introduction of natural ventilation and the wider range of indoor temperature
Fig. 16 Climate Region 3 fluctuation allowed through the use of passive heating and cooling will also provide
occupants with a connection to natural processes and rhythms.
The energy strategies to be incorporated in the project are based on
recommendations by Norbert Lechner on climatic design priorities for climatic region
three,62 the location of the site for the project, and the characteristics of the structure to
be reused. This region has a comfort period of fourteen percent of the year. It is warmer
than the comfort period twenty percent of the year, while the majority of the time, sixty-
six percent, it is cooler than what is considered comfortable. Because of this, the three
main design priorities address keeping heat in and cold out, protecting from cold winter
winds, and letting winter sun in. Lower priorities address the brief but high
temperatures and high humidity that occurs in summer through keeping out hot air,
protecting from the summer sun, and naturally ventilating for cooling.
Specifically, the passive design strategies that will be incorporated involve the use
of daylighting, natural ventilation, and passive heating and cooling. These strategies are
described in Chapter 5 in detail. Material resource conservation will be addressed via the

62
Lechner p.86

44
 retention of existing infrastructure and building structure and shell. Site design entails
the integration of structures, circulation, and infrastructure with both the natural and
cultural environments.63 The site plan will seek to integrate the structure with the
neighborhood and downtown. Permeable surfaces, green roof technology, and
indigenous plants will be used to mitigate storm water runoff.
There are several examples of fitness and sports centers that address similar the
issues of integrating a specialized program into an urban condition and demonstrating a
sustainable design ideology. Talacre Community Sports Centre addresses the idea of
sustainability in this typology through its use of passive design features, similar to those
that will be addressed in the Powerhouse. The facility seeks to reduce energy
consumption through the use of natural light and ventilation64. Using a shallow
undulating roof with roof lights provides natural light. These are supplemented by
artificial lights whose controls are linked to daylight levels to maximize energy efficiency.
Louvers are employed to shade the reception area, which is oriented to the southwest.
Natural ventilation is achieved through a natural stack affect assisted by an airfoil
mounted on the roof. The architectural features support a program that includes
volleyball, netball, basketball, football, tennis and badminton.
Birmingham YMCA is an example of an indoor sports program resolving itself in
an urban condition on multiple floors65, similar to the strategy and site that will be used
for the Powerhouse. The 87,000 square foot fitness center addresses the desire of the

Fig. 17 Talacre Community Center: exterior YMCA to attract a larger and younger membership through its proximity to nearby
and section offices in the downtown. The gymnasium, indoor running track, and pool are stacked to

63
National Park Service. Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design. 1993. p 41.
64
RIBA Journal February, 2003. p42
65
Architectural Record August, 1987 p96

45
 address the site limitations on footprint. Functions that require less natural light, such as
weight rooms, services, and racquetball courts were placed in the core of the building.
The elevation employs glass block and strip windows, illuminated by the activities within,
to draw people to the building.
Though the program is specialized, a fitness center can incorporate sustainable
design. An urban site necessitates the use of multiple floors to accommodate all the
programmatic elements needed for a full range of exercise opportunities. The reuse of a
brownfield adds another dimension of complexity, through environmental and spatial
restraints. Using strategies similar to those in Talacre and Birmingham, the Powerhouse
in Dayton will demonstrate that a multi-story health and wellness center employing
passive design can be integrated into a former industrial building on an urban site.

Fig. 18 Birmingham YMCA: exterior,

plan, and section

46
 Chapter 7: The Site

7.1 Context
The former Dayton Power and Light Third Street Substation is located on the
eastern fringe of downtown Dayton, Ohio. Formerly the site of a steam plant, the
property and remaining structures at 617 East Third Street currently sits vacant.
Considered a brownfield, the approximately one and one-half acre site, meets the criteria
for an adaptive reuse project through its good structural condition, proximity to
downtown, and access to transportation. The neighboring buildings, which are similarly
sited and in good condition, are slated to be developed into lofts, demonstrating that
there is continued interest and demand to warrant development in this neighborhood.
Fig. 19 617 East Third Street The steam plant in particular is a good candidate for redevelopment due to its unique
history and architectural features. The site’s potential is not without its drawbacks.
There are issues of potential contamination and abatement, and limitations of working
within the existing structure. However, these concerns are outweighed by the benefits
of restoring the site, the cost of acquisition, and the quality of the spaces created. As the
site is a brownfield, it will be eligible for city mitigation programs prior to development.
Downtown Dayton is roughly bounded to the north and east by the Little Miami
River. To the south and east the elevated railroad tracks form another physical division.
The site of the steam plant falls within these borders, and is centrally located between
several successful redevelopment projects in the vicinity. Fifth-Third Field, home to minor
league baseball team the Dayton Dragons, is two blocks to the north. Slightly farther
north and east is the Entrepreneur’s Center, a business incubator, and “Tech Town,” a
brownfield site and a city priority for redevelopment that was recently awarded a state
Fig. 20 The adjacent Cannery Lofts grant for infrastructure improvements to support new economic development. The

47
 Cannery, a former warehouse converted into lofts and retail space, is located one block
to the east. It is one of seven residential conversions that have happened on the eastern
fringe of downtown, all of which are within walking distance of the site. The center of
the central business district, Kettering Tower, is located five blocks to the east. Three
blocks to the south is the business and entertainment center of the Oregon district, a
thriving historic residential neighborhood. Adjacent on the east is the Second Street
Market.

Fig. 21 Views from the site to the northwest

and northeast

Fig. 22 Site vicinity

48
 The existing stacks atop the building are visible from several places around
downtown, and provide the visual landmark for the facility. From a car, on approach to
the city via State Route 35 from the east or west, the site is visible to the north at the
Keowee Street exit and in the stretch of highway between Wayne Avenue and Jefferson
Street. From the East, on Third Street, the building is visible for multiple blocks. From the
North, the building can be recognized from many vantage points, including the river.
Notably, the stacks are recognizable from the inside the ballpark. Views of the facility are
limited from the West due to the adjacent structures in downtown Dayton.
From the facility, there are several notable views. The view to the North includes
a panorama of industrial era buildings, many of which have been converted to other
Fig. 23 Turbine room as it originally existed
uses. The ballpark is visible, as is the adjacent imposing Mendleson’s Warehouse, a local
landmark. The railroad is prominent in most of the eastern and southern sightlines. The
Cannery lofts are to the southwest. There is no view directly west from anywhere within
the existing building, due to the neighboring building. However, from the northern part
of the site, the downtown skyscrapers are clearly visible, as is the case when standing to
the south of the building, looking west.

7.2 History
In 1921, Dayton Power and Light Company began construction of the Third Street
Steam Plant on the property. The facility was constructed as part of the central business
district steam system, which has since been abandoned. The building, which fronts
Third Street, was completed in the Classical Revival Style, an architectural treatment
Fig. 24 Exterior view circa 1921 common in many industrial buildings in that era. Within its masonry walls and high
ceilings, the open floor plan housed turbines. The original smokestacks, which rose over
one hundred feet, were in place at his time. Throughout its history, the building was

49
 reconfigured and added on to, to meet the changing technologies and methods used
for its production processes. The first major addition, located on the east side of the
structure, was completed later in the same style as the original building to house water
treatment equipment. Later, a less articulated brick structure was built to the northeast
corner of the complex. In 1948, an addition to the north of the original structure, the
largest piece of the Third Street Substation, as it was then referred to, was completed to
house coal fired furnaces. The facility was built around a steel structure, which
supported all the machinery needed in the conversion process. A railroad spur provided
coal to the complex, which was unloaded via a gantry and placed into the hopper under
the cover of the large roof overhang. The hopper then released the coal at the base of
two furnaces. The heat produced was used to create steam which was then piped out
into the loop. The resulting smoke and pollutants were captured at the top of the
furnace and released through the dual stacks atop the building. During the time of the
plant’s operation, a coal storage area was enclosed on the corner of Third and Webber,
Fig. 25 Exterior view circa 1950 and a water tower was built to maintain adequate pressure. It was in the middle of the
twentieth century that the plant reached its peak use and state of development. At
some point subsequent to the building of this addition, the facility was converted from
coal burning to oil burning, resulting in the removal of the original masonry stacks, along
with the northeast building and the water tower. The original gantry rail was also
removed. Oil storage tanks and a delivery system were installed to supply the new
source of energy. By the turn of the century, the facility was closed. After sitting idle for
years, the facility was made available for sale, along with other DP&L obsolete properties.
The original building is eligible for, but is not currently listed on, the National Register of
Historic Places.

50
 7.3 Existing Conditions
The description and analysis of the existing conditions is divided into four
sections: the South Building, constructed in 1921; the East Building, built subsequently;
the North Building, built in 1948; the Site. Descriptions of the buildings, as they are
being referred to, will begin with a general discussion, and will then proceed to a
discussion of the construction, structural integrity, spatial characteristics, and unique
features. Proceeding floor by floor beginning in the basements and working up, the
entire complex will be examined. Refer to Appendix A for complete as built drawings.

Fig. 26 Site Plan

51
 The South Building
The building has masonry bearing walls with a brick exterior on the South and
West facades. Originally an open floor plan housing turbines, the singular space is
divided into eight bays defined by the pilasters supporting the steel trusses above. Each
bay has a large arch-top window, which nearly fills the space between the pilasters.
Each window has a square transom window, placed between the trusses. On the
exterior, the pilasters are articulated in the brick pattern. Below the transoms, the water
table is articulated into a line of banding. The windows and casing are in various states
of repair. The footprint of the building is approximately 50 ft x 120 ft, for a total of 6,000
sf. Access to the rest of the facility is via two doors to the East Building, one door to the
North Building, and an access stair to the basement.
The basement space varies in height between approximately 10 ft and 15 ft. It
Fig. 27 Existing Turbine Room conditions covers the entire footprint of the building. The structure is concrete, as is the floor.
Originally the space was lit by a light well located on the south façade between the
building and the sidewalk along Third Street. The windows have been in-filled, and the
well filled with dirt. There is an excess of water on the floor, due to a faulty valve on a
water main entering the building.
The main level, located approximately three feet above grade, has been
subdivided to accommodate various functions, after the turbines were removed. The
space is 27 ft high from the concrete floor to the bottom of the trusses, which decrease
in depth as they span from south to north, causing the ceiling to slope. The space is still
very well lit with natural daylight from the south. On the western end of the space, a
two story CMU infill structure fills two of the bays, stopping short of the trusses, and
housed restrooms and lockers for the workers, as well as a meeting room. The southern
half of the remaining space has been in-filled with offices. These 8 ft high spaces are

52
 constructed of gypsum partition walls. A large cylindrical tank was added in the eastern
end of the space, extending through a circular hole in the floor to the basement, and
penetrating the ceiling above. This tank is visible on the exterior.

The East Building

Similar in character to the South Building, the exterior features the same brick
treatment and continues the horizontal band. The three story structure is divided into
two bays on the south elevation, with the third floor set back. The interior structure is
steel, with the beams spanning east-west. They are supported by the exterior walls and
steel columns at the midpoint. There is limited deterioration in the exterior trim and all
the windows are missing or in disrepair. The roofs are flat, and are surrounded by
parapets.
Fig. 28 Existing conditions in East Building
The basement is approximately 5 ft in depth, and provides access to any sub-floor
components of the first floor equipment. The space is divided by steel columns. There is
no exterior access to the basement.
The main floor of the East Building aligns with the floor of the adjacent South
Building. Most of the interior space is currently occupied by stairs and equipment in
disrepair. There are windows on both the east and south elevations. The approximate
size of the footprint is 50 ft x 35 ft, for a total of 1650 sf.
In section, the second floor is configured like an L, creating two spaces. The
southern half of the floor has a low ceiling, distinguished by the arched windows on the
south elevation. The northern half is characterized by the high ceiling and a steel stair to
the third floor. The plan is the same size as the main level.
The third floor is approximately 700 sf, and is located over the northern section of
the second floor. Windows provide ample daylight, but are in need of replacement.

53
 The North Building
Distinguished by the steel structure on the interior, the building was essentially a
framework to support equipment for the steam production process. As such, the
intermediate floor configuration and height varies. The footprint at grade is
approximately 100 ft x 50 ft, for a total of 5,000 sf. While the interior structure is sound,
there remain numerous pieces of equipment that are in various states of repair. The
elevator does not function, and will need to be repaired or replaced. The coal hopper is
intact.
The exterior of the building is primarily brick, metal panel, and louver infill. The
west façade is no longer in tact; corrugated metal panels now cover the elevation. The
east façade is intact on the upper levels, but requires some repair on the lower levels.
The north façade is dominated by the steel coal hopper, and the large roof overhang.
Fig. 29 Existing conditions in North Building
Penthouse The south elevation overlooks the roof of the south building, and is generally in good
condition. The facility is topped by a flat roof, upon which two metal stacks rise.
There are two levels located partially or completely below grade, the basement
and the operations floor. The basement level has a concrete floor, while the operations
floor, which is approximately ten feet below the finished floor elevation of the south
building, has a terrazzo floor intact.
There are three intermediate floor levels. Floor surfaces vary between steel grates
and concrete on these levels, and heights vary from ten to fifteen feet. There are three
sets of open steel stairs connecting these levels with the upper floor and the operations
level. The second and forth bays are currently occupied by the furnaces, which are clay
and brick. The structure of the hopper occupies the north quadrant of the floor plan.

54
 The first of these floors is located almost two feet above the floor level of the South
Building.
The upper level has a concrete floor with grates along the north wall to allow
light to penetrate to below. The ceiling is 20’ off the finished floor. Access to the top of
the hopper and the roof are available.

The Site
There are several distinguishing features on the approximately acre and a half
site. The building’s 13,000 sf footprint occupies the southwest portion of the parcel. The
facility is offset from the adjacent building by approximately twenty feet, creating two
courtyards. The southern courtyard and the northern courtyard are separated by a
Fig. 30 View of East Facade
concrete wall, the remnant of a former construction that also forms the north wall of the
northern half. It is believed that at least a portion of the space contains a continuation of
the basement level of the north building. The foundation of the original stack is also
buried in the area. The courtyard contains masonry debris from prior demolition.
To the north of the complex, the abandoned concrete structure of the gantry rail
stands approximately thirty feet from the North Building, and remains in good condition.
It extends across nearly the entire width of the property, along with abandoned railroad
tracks which run parallel to it. North of the gantry, an alley bisects the property. This
alley has been vacated by the city. Land north of the alley is occupied by a gravel
parking lot.
On the southeast corner of the parcel is a concrete retention basin,
approximately ten feet high. This houses two oil tanks, approximately thirty feet in
diameter each. The area between it and the building has been cleared, but the former
structure’s foundations lie buried near the north and east sides of the main buildings.

55
The former light well occupies space between the building and the sidewalk to the south
of the building.

7.4 Environmental Factors

Dayton is located at 39°45'46" North, 84°11'48" West. The site is in the Miami
River Valley, north of Cincinnati, at the juncture of the Great Miami River, the Stillwater
River, the Mad River, and Wolf Creek. After the flood of 1913, numerous water-control
dams and levees were constructed to control these rivers. According to the United
States Census Bureau, there are 166,179 people in the city, which has a total area of 56.6
sq mi. Refer to Appendix B for climatic information.

56
 Chapter 8: Analysis

8.1 Site
There are several features of the site as it exists that will support sustainable
design strategies. The axis of the building runs east-west, for southern exposure. The
southern façade is unobstructed, allowing for maximum solar orientation. The larger
adjacent building to the west protects the structure from harsh westerly sun and winter
wind. The abandoned site’s restoration would contribute to land reclamation and urban
redevelopment. Refer to Appendix A for complete as-built drawings.

Access
Fig. 31 Vehicular access shown in yellow Pedestrian access is accomplished by means of an extensive network of
and pedestrian access in purple
sidewalks, which are located on all the streets in the vicinity. While it is presumed that
individuals interested in fitness would be willing to walk farther, especially those in an
urban environment, research indicates that the average person is only willing to walk
approximately five minutes, equivalent of about 2000 feet or 4/10ths of a mile, to a
service or transit stop before deciding to drive. This puts many of the residential
developments completed in recent years on the eastern side of downtown within easy
walking distance. Downtown office buildings and the majority of the older residential
areas are slightly beyond this limit.
Public Transportation in Dayton is provided by RTA, the Regional Transportation
Authority, in the form of busses. In keeping with LEED guidelines for a sustainable site,
there are two bus stops located within a quarter-mile of the site. The corner of Sears and
Fig. 32 Bus stops shown in green, Rail
shown in red, highway access in Third and the Second Street Marketplace are on the bus route. Although the system is
yellow
countywide, vehicular use is still by far the dominate mode of transportation in the city.

57
 Automobile access to the site will primarily be in the form of the surface level
roads that compose the street grid in the downtown area. The two primary two-way,
north-south streets in downtown Dayton are Main Street, which runs through the
central business district, and Patterson, which runs along its eastern edge. Patterson is
located two blocks east of the site. Keowee Street, located two blocks to the west of the
site, just outside of downtown, is also a primary access road. There are also two primary
two-way, east-west streets. Fifth Street, located on the southern edge of the central
business district, connects the site to the Oregon district, and Third Street, upon which
the site sits, connects east and west side neighborhoods to downtown. Access from
Fig. 33 Site and building area allocations outlying areas is achieved via two highways: Interstate-75, which runs north and south,
and State Route 35, which runs east and west. Access to and from I-75 is via Third Street.
Access from 35 is available via Patterson Street and east on Third Street. However, the
most direct route to and from the site is via Keowee Street and west on Third Street.

Density
The site area totals 80,400 square feet. The footprint of the existing building is
13,000 square feet, and an addition is expected to have a footprint of 7,000 square feet.
This leaves approximately 60,400 square feet of space to accommodate the outdoor
program. The expected square footage of the project is 50,000 square feet. This would
not meet the goals of LEED of 60,000 square feet of development per acre on its own.
However, coupled with the 130,000 square foot development occurring on the adjacent
site’s 26,000 square feet, the redevelopment of the entire block exceeds this goal,
achieving 74,000 square feet per acre.

58
 Exposure
The building’s axis is east-west, allowing for southern exposure on 10,750 square
feet of the façade, indicated in yellow on the diagram. This amounts to 36% of the
buildings total façade. The roof areas also share this exposure. This would allow each
section of the 13,000 square foot roof to accommodate a green roof system.
Using shadow diagramming, an addition wishing to utilize passive solar heating
would have to occur on the southeast corner of the site, to avoid being shaded during
the winter months. This also shows that the lot on the north side of the site would be
better able to accommodate outdoor activities throughout the year than areas near the
structure.

Fig. 34 Solar exposure on site

Fig. 35 Comparison of composite shadows

cast on June 21 and December 21
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

59
 8.2 Structure
Having completed a preliminary walkthrough of the facility and made a visual
inspection of its condition, the facility appears compatible with the preliminary spatial
and square footage requirements of the program. The sustainable agenda of the facility
also appears feasible. It is acknowledged that the passive systems will not eliminate the
need for a mechanical system. They will reduce the lighting, heating, and cooling loads.
The goal is a system which integrates not only the goals of natural day lighting, passive
heating and cooling, and natural ventilation, but integrates the entire building complex
into a cohesive whole.
Through the preliminary walkthrough of the facility and visual inspection of the
condition of the structure, it can be assumed for purposes of this project that the
structure is sound. There are two primary structural systems in the facility. A masonry
bearing wall with steel beams and trusses supporting concrete floor slabs is found in the
South and East buildings, shown in the diagrams as green. A steel frame of I-beams
supporting concrete slabs and masonry infill is found in the North Building, shown in the
diagram as blue.

Fig. 36 Structural diagram showing

bearing walls in green and steel
frame in blue

60
 Material and Resource Conservation
The primary intent of adapting an existing structure is to reuse as much of the
existing structure and façade as possible to conserve materials and resources.
Preliminary analysis for the insertion of a health and wellness center indicates that the
space can be used most effectively by removing all non-original elements from the
facades and floor plates. The original structure will be retained in its entirety. The
southern facades will be retained. However, the removal of large portions of the façade
of the North building will occur. This allows anticipated additions to be integrated into
the existing facility. All interior partition walls will be removed. Select pieces of
infrastructure and machinery could be retained and incorporated into the design, but it
will be assumed for this analysis that they will be removed. The effect of this strategy is
two-fold: to retain the historical character of the spaces, while allowing maximum
flexibility of use. The diagram illustrates this strategy on the first floor.
There are approximately 30,000 square feet of façade in the current
configuration. The removal of the aforementioned sections totals approximately 3,500
square feet. This demonstrates that 88% of the shell is being retained, which meets the
LEED goal of 75% reuse.

Fig. 37 First floor plan before and after

demolition. Partitions and shell
to be removed shown in red.

61
 8.3 Solar
Day lighting
As the existing structure relied heavily on natural lighting when it was originally
built, reintegrating daylighting into the reprogrammed facility will be a priority. The
southern facades have adequate fenestration, and due to their orientation, have direct
sunlight readily available. Using the guideline that effective daylighting penetrates 1.5
times the height of the window, the yellow areas indicate current daylight adequacies.
The large windows and their clerestories provide adequate natural daylighting for nearly
the entire depth of the space in the South Building. The basement level will have access
to daylight via a restored light well. Due to the original function, daylight is not available
to most of the interior of the North Building.

Fig. 38 Existing window

Fig. 39 Diagrams showing daylight

penetration throughout existing
building.

62
 Using the guideline that a multistory building can have full daylight available to
the 15 ft zone around its perimeter, and partial daylight within the next 15 ft, the
building was diagramed assuming windows were inserted as needed on the perimeter.
The main hall will incorporate the existing fenestrations to retain its historical facade. As
the light is coming mainly from one direction due to the adjacent north building, a
means for allowing light in from other sides to reduce glare and produce a more evenly
lit space is necessary. There is a need for mitigating the light coming into the space from
the south for user comfort. Shading and diffusing the light can be achieved by the
addition of horizontal louver overhangs, as described in chapter 5. Light shelves can
also help diffuse the light. For thermal reasons, minimal openings will be made on the
north façade.
The areas shaded yellow indicate where adequate lighting can be achieved from
perimeter windows. The areas shaded brown represent inadequate light. The
introduction of a central atrium can achieve desired lighting levels in the interior of the
facility. It would also more evenly distribute light throughout the spaces.

Fig. 40 Diagram of potential daylight

penetration utilizing new
fenestrations.

Fig. 41 Daylight potential utilizing

central atrium

63
 Passive Heating
Direct Gain guidelines for effective passive heating via direct solar gain require
that the amount of south facing glazing equals 28% of the floor area to be heated.
Calculations were completed on all south facing spaces. In the current configuration, no
space can use direct gain as a heating system. See diagram for results. The South
Building’s Turbine Room comes closest at 17.5%. To retain the historic south façade, no
additional fenestration will be cut.
Trombe Walls follow the same guidelines regarding south facing glazing. Several
areas would be candidates for this system. The south façade could be converted by
retaining the existing window configuration and glazing over the elevation below the
line of trim and between the pilasters. The penthouse on the North Building and the
third floor of the East Building could use similar strategies. Mass would need to be
added to the penthouse wall.

Fig. 42 Direct gain analysis

Fig. 43 Trombe Wall analysis

64
 Sunspaces use the guideline for the heating potential that 1.5 square feet of sunspace
can provide heat for one square foot of the adjacent interior of the building. These
strategies could be used to assist other systems in three areas: the penthouse, the third
floor of the East Building, and the light-well on Third Street, which assists in heating
either the basement or Turbine Room. Even when using an angle on the glazing of 50
degrees for maximum efficiency, none of the spaces can passively heat the entire space
adjacent to them.

Fig. 44 Sunspace analysis

65
 8.4 Ventilation

The prevailing breeze in Dayton comes from the southwest throughout the year.
The building was originally designed to passively ventilate using a system of louvers and
grated floors that were assisted by exhaust fans mounted on the roof. The North
Building lends itself to natural ventilation. The current configuration allows for cross
ventilation through louvers on all orientations of the penthouse. The grated floors and
roof vents allow for the stack effect to naturally ventilate the spaces from the basement
to the penthouse.
The South and East Buildings previously relied on operable windows for
ventilation, but they are currently inoperable. The East Building relied on cross
ventilation, while the South building vents through roof mounted fans. Positive air
pressure exists on the south elevation, while a negative air pressure is developed on the
Fig. 45 Existing Louvers
north elevation.

Fig. 46 Wind flow diagram

66
 The existing glazed openings can accommodate operable windows that can be
used as air intakes. A central atrium would contribute to the building’s passive
ventilation. A minimum of 15 CFM of outdoor air per occupant is required for common
spaces, while the fitness areas require more. Using the existing stacks as a means for
exhaust, the stack effect can be incorporated to draw air from low in the building and at
its perimeter up into the center of the building mass and out the top. The South
Building’s courtyard on the southwest presents an opportunity for introducing
ventilation into the interior stack from the direction of the prevailing breeze. An atrium
would also begin to unify the disparate elements of the complex.

Fig. 47 Wind flow through building as it

exists (above) and as proposed
(below)

67
 Program

9.1 Summary

Fig. 48 Spatial adjacencies

68
Indoor Spaces: Support Areas

Common Spaces Administration

1 Lobby 1200 10 Secretary 120
Staff Offices
2 Reception 200 11 (6) 720
3 Restrooms 200 12 Records 120
13 Storage 120
Meeting
1600 14 Room 200
15 Break Room 200

1480

Amenities Maintenance
6 Snack Bar 120 17 Office 120
5 Lounge 800 18 Storage 120
6 Shop 360 19 Receiving 120
7 Club Room 1600 20 Dock 120
8 Kitchen 240 21 Workshop 240
4 meeting rooms (2) 200
720
3320

Total
7120

69
Indoor Spaces: Fitness

Exercise Pool
22 Basketball 6216 28 Lap Pool 4500
23 (2 @ 74'x42') (75'1 x 60')
24 Racquetball Courts 3200 29 Pool Deck 2500
(4 @ 40'x20')
25 Exercise Machines 1900 7000
26 Aerobics/Dance/Yoga 2700
(instruction Rooms) Lockers
27 Free Weights 1200 30 Men’s 3000
28 Storage Spaces 31 Women’s 3000
(3 @ 120 sf) 360
6000
15576
Spa
32 Massage (4) 240
33 Hot tub (3) 360
34 Sauna (2) 240
Therapy Pools
35 (4) 960

1920

Total
30376

70
Outdoor Spaces

Courts Vehicular
Tennis (2) 5256 Parking 12,000
(36'x78') (40 Spots)
Basketball (2) 5000 Drop Off 2500
(50'x50') Service Area 750
Bicycle
Climbing Wall 500 Storage 200

10756 15450

Landscape
Courtyards 1000
Green Roof 10000
Landscape 10000
Entry Plaza 1000

22000

Total
48206

71
Summary of Spaces

Net Interior Space Net Exterior Space

Common Spaces 1600 Courts 10756
Administration 1480 Landscape 22000
Amenities 3320 Vehicular 15450
Maintenance 720
Exercise 15576 48206
Pool 7000
Locker 6000
Spa 1920

Net Area 37610

Grossing Increment 12536

(30%)

Gross Area 50146

72
9.2 Spatial Descriptions
Spaces, activities, and adjacencies outlined in the summary are described in
detail, in the same order. Descriptions are outlined as follows: use; users; adjacencies;
equipment; spatial qualities.

Common Spaces

Lobby 1,200 sf
The lobby is the public entry to the facility. It transitions between the interior and
exterior, and provides a controlled access point. This space collects and orients incoming
visitors and members throughout the operating hours of the facility. The area should be
directly adjacent and connected to the entry plaza, reception area and restrooms, and
near the administration. There should be a variety of seating for occupants waiting for
others and display space.

Reception 200 sf
The reception is the check in area and the information area for users. The
receptionist monitors the lobby area. The staff is the only user of the space. The area
should be adjacent to the administration areas and directly connected to the lobby, with
sightlines to the entry. There should be a reception counter and workspace behind.

73
Public Restrooms 200 sf
The restroom is a convenience meant for those entering the facility or waiting to
leave. The users of the facility are the primary occupant, as staff will have their own
restroom. They should be adjacent to the lobby. Each contains two toilets and one
lavatory.

74
Administration Spaces

Secretary Area 120 sf

The secretary area is used by staff for clerical work. It should be adjacent to the
reception area, and to the staff offices. Functions include word processing, telephone
calls, records and paperwork retrieval. The area should contain two workstations, fully
furnished.

Staff Offices 6 @ 120 sf ea.

These are private offices for the staff to use and share as needed. The spaces
should be separated from the main circulation path of the building, and adjacent to the
secretary area. The offices should each include a desk, file cabinet, and three chairs.
Access to daylighting, views, and natural ventilation is needed. General lighting should
be kept to a minimum and should be controlled by photo sensors and motion sensors.
Task lighting should be incorporated into the workstation. These offices need not be
isolated, allowing for an open office configuration. The director’s office should provide
some separation as it will be needed for private meetings.

Records Room 120 sf

This room houses information on the users and the staff for office use, including
but not limited to membership information, training progress, and contracts. The space
should be adjacent to the secretary’s area, and able to be locked. The room needs to be
climate controlled. 20 linear feet of file cabinets and a small counter are required.

75
Storage 120 sf
Adjacent to the secretary’s area, this room houses miscellaneous office supplies
and can also can function as the copy room. A minimum of 12 linear feet of both base
and wall cabinets are required. Counter space should be lit under the cabinet. The
space should be easily accessible to all staff.

Meeting Room 200 sf

Adjacent to the offices, this space is used for both staff meeting and meetings
with visitors. This is a private space, acoustically and visually separated. A table with
seating for ten should be provided, and additional seating should be available along the
perimeter. The lighting should be controlled by the user and able to accommodate
presentations or meetings.

Break Room 200 sf

The break room is for staff use only. The space should be adjacent to the
meeting room. It should contain a table with seating for 8 and a kitchenette. A coat
closet and pantry should also be included for storage of personal items. The room
should be self contained and separated from the other spaces.

76
Amenities

Snack Bar 120 sf

Adjacent to the primary circulation route, and adjacent to the lounge, this area is
for users to purchase healthy snacks or drinks while at the facility. It is meant to be a
convenience, and a casual gathering spot. It should have 8 linear feet of serving
counter, 8 linear feet of prep counter, 16 linear feet of base cabinets, and 16 linear feet
of wall cabinets, and a refrigerated display and storage unit.

Lounge 800 sf
Adjacent to the snack bar, this area provides casual seating and dining areas for
users. The space is always accessible to users, though the function will very by the time
of day. The snack bar will be in operation whenever the facility is open. Seating should
be mixed, with tables for 2 and individual seating as well, for occupancy of 20. Games
such as chess or pool are encouraged to be included for recreation.

Shop 360 sf
Adjacent to the lobby area, the shop provides a venue for purchasing both
fitness accessories and licensed apparel. The shop is divided into 240 sf of showroom
and 120 sf of sales space. The space should have visual connections with both the lobby
and the primary circulation. It is open limited hours.

77
Club Room 1600 sf
The club room is a multifunction space that serves as a large gathering room for
meetings, presentations, and dining. It has an adjacent kitchen. The space should have
access to views, natural daylight, and ventilation. Direct access to adjacent outdoor
spaces is desired. The space should have limited access from the primary circulation
routes as it will sometimes be rented for private use, while other times it will be available
to all users. The restaurant function will be open for limited breakfast lunch and dinner
hours varying throughout the week.

The Kitchen 240 sf

The Kitchen provides support space to the Club Room, to which it is adjacent. It
is intended to provide a staging area for large catered dinners, or the prep area for
regularly scheduled meals of limited menu, such as café type food. The requirements for
ventilation, fireproofing, and sanitation for kitchens shall be observed per the building
codes.

Meeting Rooms 2 @ 200 sf

The meeting rooms are available for use by either staff or users and their location
varies throughout the building. A table with seating for 8 is needed in each. These
spaces should be easily accessible from primary circulation routes.

78
Maintenance

Office 120 sf
This space is for the head of facilities and is used for an office and maintenance
records. It should have access to natural daylight and ventilation. It should be adjacent
to the workshop and the receiving area. A desk and file cabinets should be provided.

Storage 120 sf
This room is used for janitorial supplies, maintenance tools, and miscellaneous
equipment. It should be adjacent to the workshop. The room should be able to be
locked. This area is for staff use only.

Receiving 120 sf
Adjacent to the dock and office, this is where deliveries are accepted. A visual
connection to the dock is needed. This is a transition space where items are received
and sent to the appropriate location in the facility.
Dock 120 sf
This outdoor space is adjacent to the receiving area. The dock should
accommodate delivery trucks and vans. An overhead door and a man-door are required
for access into the building.

79
Workshop 240 sf
The workshop provides an area for equipment and building component repair.
This is for staff use only. The space is adjacent to the maintenance office and storage.
Tool storage shall be provided in cabinetry. Work tables shall also be provided.

80
Exercise

Indoor Courts (Basketball Courts) 2 @ 47’x50’

Two indoor half court basketball courts based on NCAA regulation court size are
included. They are intended for recreation league 3 on 3 basketball games on evenings
and weekends, and practice during the day. The basketball hoops are to be located 10’
off the playing surface per NCAA regulations, as are other relevant dimensions. Lighting
should be evenly distributed over the court, and adequate ventilation is required. Access
to natural light and ventilation is required. Some seating should be provided for players
and spectators.

Racquetball Courts 4 @ 40’x20’x20’

The courts are regulation size and intended for 1 on 1, or 2 on 2, games of
racquetball. Hard surface walls, a wood floor, and evenly distributed lighting are
required, as is adequate ventilation. It is desired that a passersby or those waiting on
court time be able to watch the game.

Exercise Machine Room 1900 sf

Spatial requirements include 12’ ceilings, structural capacity of 150 lb/sf live load,
and 20% more cooling load than common spaces to facilitate a range of equipment.
Acoustical mitigation is needed. Access to natural light and ventilation is required.

81
Free Weight Room 1200 sf
Spatial requirements include durable finishes, and 20% more cooling load than
common spaces to facilitate increased ventilation requirements. Athletic floor finishes to
absorb noise and impact are needed. Cushioned training surfaces and mirrored walls
are necessary. Access to natural light and ventilation is required.

Instruction Rooms 3 @ 900 sf

Wood floors and wall mirrors are needed in these spaces to accommodate a
range of activities including yoga, aerobic exercises, dance and training. Access to
natural light and ventilation is required. Some seating is required at the perimeter.

Storage Spaces 3 @ 120 sf

These spaces are meant to provide support space for the aforementioned
exercise spaces. They should include open shelving on one wall, and be able to be
locked. These areas are for staff use only.

82
Pool

Lap Pool 75’ x 60’

The Lap Pool is based on the requirements for an NCAA short course swimming
pool for collegiate competition. There are 8 lanes of 7’ width. A minimum water depth
of 4’ is required, but 7’ is preferred. Daylighting should be the primary means of
illumination during daylight hours.

Pool Deck 2500 sf

The pool deck is 10’ wide around the lap pool to accommodate circulation and
seating. Water resistant surfaces with non slip finishes are required. The space should
have access to views, daylighting, and natural ventilation. South facing areas should
double as sun spaces.

83
Lockers

Men’s 3000 sf
Should be adjacent to the exercise and pool areas. Users include all people using
the facility. The space is for changing clothing, storing personal belongings, and
showering. Access to natural light and ventilation is required. 70 lockers, 3 water
closets, 3 urinals, and 5 showers should be included.

Women’s 3000 sf
Should be adjacent to the exercise and pool areas. Users include all people using
the facility. The space is for changing clothing, storing personal belongings, and
showering. Access to natural light and ventilation is required. 70 lockers, 7 water
closets, and 5 showers should be included.

84
Spa

Massage 4 @ 80 sf
These rooms are used for muscle relaxation and stress relief. They are adjacent to
the spas. There will be 2 occupants, the masseuse and the client. A centrally located
table should be provided. The space will be visually secluded and contained for possible
aroma therapies.

Hot Tub 3 @100 sf

Adjacent to the spas, these spaces are for relaxation. They should be contained
spaces for thermal and humidity control. There are separate men’s and women’s hot
tubs, and one common. There will be up to 8 users at a time. The water should be 30”
deep and have seating along the perimeter.

Sauna 2 @120 sf
Adjacent to the spas, these spaces are for relaxation. They should be contained
spaces for thermal and humidity control. There are separate men’s and women’s saunas.
There will be up to 8 users at a time. The space should be lined with redwood and have
seating around the perimeter.

85
Therapy Pools 4 @240 sf
Four separate pools: Hot Plunge, Cold Plunge, exercise pool, stationary lap pool.
The pools are meant for rehabilitation. Users can be self directed or under the direction
of an instructor. They should each have there own subspace, but do not require
enclosed spaces. The pools very in depth from 4 to 8 feet deep.

86
Courts

Tennis Court (2) 36’ x 78’

The outdoor tennis courts are meant for user recreation. They are based on
NCAA regulation court size and dimension. Fences to contain the ball are required
around the perimeter, and this feature will be used to secure the courts at night. The
courts should have access to full daylight.

Basketball Court (2) 50’ x 50’

The outdoor basketball courts are meant for user recreation. They are based on
NCAA regulation court size and dimension, but are half-courts not intended for
competition. Fences to contain the ball are required around the perimeter, and this
feature will be used to secure the courts at night from non-members.

Climbing Wall 500 sf

The outdoor climbing wall shall be at minimum 30’ high and 30’ wide with a
clear floor area at least 15’ deep. This area will require supervision, and the ability to be
secured.

87
Landscape

Courtyards 1000 sf
These small spaces are meant for staff and user relaxation and mediation. They
should be located adjacent to the facility with easy access. Hard-scape features should
be no more than 50% of the total size. Landscaping should be appropriate to the
exposure and orientation of the space. Seating shall be for 1 to 4 people per space.

Green Roof 10,000 sf

The green roof areas serve several purposes: reducing heat island effect,
reducing building run-off, increasing insulation, providing outdoor “garden” space. At
least 75% of the total roof shall be green, and of that at least 30% shall be accessible by
users. There shall be a variety of planting types and intensities appropriate to the region.

General Landscape 10,000 sf

The landscaping of the site shall be appropriate to the region, requiring minimal
upkeep and intervention by staff. The landscaping should provide buffers between
functions and between the facility and the street. Additionally, the landscaping shall
contribute to the reduction of water runoff on the site.

Entry Plaza 1,000 sf

A Hard-scape area adjacent to the lobby and drop-off area that provides a
transition from indoor to outdoor spaces. Bench seating and bike racks are needed.

88
Vehicular

Parking 12,000 sf / 40 spots

The parking area on site shall accommodate 50% of the required parking, while
the remaining spaces will be accommodated by on street and off-site parking. The on-
site parking lot shall be of pervious material to reduce run-off and of light color to reflect
heat. Required handicap parking will be adjacent to the drop-off, while remaining
spaces will be placed away from the entry to encourage walking.

Drop Off 2,500 sf

This area is for vehicular drop off and shall be adjacent to the entry plaza and the
vehicular drive.

Bicycle Storage 200 sf

Bicycle storage shall be located adjacent to the entry plaza and shall
accommodate bicycles for 10% of the staff and users. This space will be outdoors, but
covered, and shall be visible from the lobby. Biked will be secured by the user.

Service Area 750 sf

The service area shall be located adjacent to the loading dock and visible from
the receiving area. This area shall accommodate 2 trucks at the dock and have parking
for 2 other vehicles. The service area shall be separate from the user entry, and shall
accommodate waste pick-up and recycling bins. This is for staff and delivery use only.

89
 Chapter 10: Design

Fig. 49 Sketches of Design Concepts

Fig. 50 Schematic Design

90
Appendix A: As-Built Drawings

91
92
93
94
95
96
97
Appendix B: Climatic Information 66

Dayton
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Temperature
Avg. Temperature 26.0 29.4 40.5 51.2 61.7 70.4 74.2 72.2 65.8 54.1 42.9 31.6 51.7
Avg. Max
34.1 38.0 50.0 61.9 72.5 81.6 84.9 83.0 76.5 64.5 51.3 39.1 61.5
Temperature
Avg. Min
17.9 20.8 31.0 40.5 51.0 59.2 63.4 61.3 55.1 43.6 34.4 24.0 41.9
Temperature
Days with Max
Temp of 90 F or 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 < 0.5 4.0 7.0 4.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 16.0
Higher
Days with Min
Temp Below 27.0 23.0 18.0 6.0 < 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 < 0.5 3.0 14.0 24.0 115
Freezing

Dayton Heating
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
and Cooling
Heating Degree
1209 997 760 414 185 11.0 0.0 6.0 73.0 355 663 1035 5708
Days
Cooling Degree
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 83.0 173 285 230 97.0 18.0 0.0 0.0 886
Days

66
http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/united-states/ohio/dayton/

98
Dayton
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Precipitation
Precipitation
2.1 2.2 3.4 3.5 3.9 3.8 3.5 3.2 2.5 2.5 3.1 2.9 36.6
(inches)
Days with
Precipitation
13.0 11.0 13.0 13.0 12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 9.0 11.0 12.0 132
0.01 inch or
More
Monthly
Snowfall 8.1 5.9 5.2 0.7 < 0.05 0.0 < 0.05 0.0 0.0 0.2 2.1 5.4 27.6
(inches)

Other Dayton
Weather Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Indicators
Average Wind
11.4 11.3 11.7 11.3 9.7 8.8 7.9 7.3 8.1 9.0 11.0 11.1 9.9
Speed
Clear Days 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 6.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 5.0 4.0 77.0
Partly Cloudy Days 6.0 6.0 7.0 7.0 9.0 10.0 12.0 12.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 100.0
Cloudy Days 20.0 17.0 19.0 17.0 16.0 13.0 11.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 18.0 21.0 188
Percent of Possible
40.0 44.0 48.0 52.0 58.0 66.0 66.0 67.0 65.0 59.0 40.0 36.0 53.0
Sunshine
Avg. Relative
57.0 74.5 72.5 68.5 66.5 67.5 68.5 71.0 72.0 69.5 68.5 73.5 76.0
Humidity

99
Bibliography

Burchell, Robert W. The Adaptive Reuse Handbook. Rutgers University. New

Brunswick, New York. 1981.

Diamanstein, Barbaralee. Buildings Reborn: New Uses, Old Places. Harper & Row. New
York. 1978.

Eisenberg, David. A New Context for Building Codes and Regulations Alternative
Construction: Contemporary Natural Building Methods. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
New York, NY. 2000.

Green, Kevin. Research and Design.

International City/County Management Association. Brownfields Redevelopment: A

Guidebook for local Governments & Communities. ICMA. Washington, D.C.
1997.

Jane Jacobs. Death and Life of Great American Cities. Random House, Inc. New York,
1961.

Kidney, Walter C. Working Places : The Adaptive use of Industrial Buildings: A Handbook
Sponsored by the Society for Industrial Archeology. Ober Park Associates.
Pittsburgh. 1976.
.
Langenback, Randolph. A Future from the Past: The Case for Conservation and Reuse of
Old Buildings in Industrial Communities. Dept. of Housing and Urban
Development. Washington, D.C. 1978.

Langston, Craig and Ding, Grace. Sustainable Practices in the Built Environment.
Butterworth-Heinemann. Boston. 2001.

Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Design Methods for Architects. John
Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York, NY. 2001.

100
Maddex, Diane. New Energy from Old Buildings. Preservation Press. Washington, D.C.
1981.

Mazria, Edward. The Passive Solar Energy Book. Rodale Press. Emmaus, PA. 1979.

McDonough, William. “The Hanover Principles.” Prepared for Expo 2000. 1992.

McDonough, William, and Michael Braungart. The Next Industrial Revolution.

National Audubon Society. Audubon House: Building the Environmentally Responsible,

Energy Efficient Office. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York. 1994.

National Park Service. Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design. Dept. of the Interior.
Washington, D.C. 1993.

New River Valley Planning District Commission. The Adaptive Reuse Process.

Oleksuk, Denis K. “Creative Solutions to the Rehabilitation of Old Industrial Buildings:

The Case of Canal Place, Akron, Ohio”. Economic Development Review. Fall
1991.

Raubun, J. Stanely. Structural Analysis of Historic Buildings: Restoration, Preservation,

and Adaptive Reuse Applications for Architects and Engineers. John Wiley &
Sons, Inc. New York. 2000.

Secretary of the Interior Standards for Restoration, 1995

Steele, James. Sustainable Architecture: Principles, Paradigms, and Case Studies.

McGraw-Hill. New York. 1997

U.S. Green Building Council. LEED Reference Guide. May 2003.

101