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Project Highlight

The Assembly

We are pleased to share that The Assembly was awarded the 2020 Building Award from the Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN) for serving as a shining example of an existing industrial building inventory transformed to meet the needs of modern living while preserving historic authenticity. The design team took their inspiration from the building's industrial heritage, highlighting rather than hiding elements such as original wood floors, brick walls (some still containing graffiti), columns, and concrete ceilings with exposed lighting, piping, and ductwork. Because of this visibility, SES engineers designed systems to be aesthetically-pleasing, selecting fixtures that not only fit the surroundings, but were appealing as well. Through clever mechanical design, we were able to conceal a portion of mechanical ductwork while still allowing for exposed concrete ceilings, and saved valuable floorspace within the apartments by concealing individual heat pumps above coat closets. After undergoing a $39 million rehabilitation, the former industrial warehouse is now a diverse collection of uses, including below-grade parking, market space for food and beverage concepts, workspaces that promote collaboration and productivity, and residential living units that combine historic architecture with modern comfort and style.

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