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The Central Trust Building (1959, with 1964 and 1968 additions) was rehabilitated for apartment and commercial use, taking advantage of state and federal rehabilitation tax credits.  A first step in the process was achieving National Register listing for this underappreciated modern building, based on its importance as the best example of post-war International Style modernism in downtown Rochester and its rare, intact 1950s-60s curtain wall system.

 To sensitively improve energy performance of the signature metal-and-glass curtain wall, original sash were replaced with custom-fabricated fixed and side-hinged sash with insulated glass and compression weatherstripping.  New sash frames matched the original in finish and size to ensure the building’s appearance would not change; the original frame system and window frames were retained.  This approach, which received State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approval during design, substantially improved energy performance while fully preserving the original appearance of the curtain wall.

 The distinctive all-glass lobby, unsympathetically expanded in the 1980s, was carefully restored, bringing back the original drama of the glass enclosure and cantilevered overhang. During construction, it was discovered that distinctive multicolored glass wall tiles seen in original photos of the elevator lobbies were still present beneath the drywall and paneling that had concealed them at least since the 1980s.  The tiles were painstakingly restored in all elevator lobbies and are significant in bringing back some of the building’s original interior character.

 We are honored that this project was selected for a 2013 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award by the Preservation League of New York State.

 Clients: James Philippone and Ben Kendig, Riverview Rochester LLC

The Central Trust Building from the southwest, after rehabilitation.

Ribbon cutting at the Central Trust Building, 1959, in front of the glass vestibule at the main entry. Photo credit: Philippone Associates, Central Trust Scrapbook.

The vestibule was later expanded to create an enclosed space for an ATM.

As part of the rehabilitation, the glass vestibule was returned to its original dimensions and configuration, restoring a signature feature of the building.

The interior originally had open office areas; note the elevator wall with patterned glass tiles in the background. Elevator walls on all floors had similar glass tiles. Photo credit: Philippone Associates, Central Trust Scrapbook.

First-floor lobby before rehabilitation. All elevator lobbies were remodeled in the 1980s, concealing the original tiles.

First-floor lobby after rehabilitation. As part of the rehabilitation, glass tiles were uncovered and restored in all elevator lobbies.

Typical corner office before rehabilitation.

Typical apartment after rehabilitation, 2012.

Vault after rehabilitation, 2013.

For more information on the Library renovation also see: Palmyra Community Library Renovation Part 1

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A reconnaissance-level survey focuses on establishing the historic context of a community through research and observation, and on preliminary identification of significant properties. Historic contexts are themes in a community’s history that shaped its physical and architectural character. For example, the importance of 19th-century Erie Canal-related industry and commerce is reflected in many communities’ building stock.

Armed with knowledge of important historical themes, the survey team conducts field work to identify the types and prevalence of historic resources present in the community. The goal is to compile an overview rather than spend a lot of time documenting any individual resource (hence the common term “windshield survey,” as this work is sometimes done from a car). The team identifies and records basic information about properties that appear to meet the criteria for significance. A typical final report includes a narrative account of the survey area’s historical development and important themes, accompanied by an annotated property list and recommendations for further study.

An intensive-level survey is a more in-depth study, often used to prepare for National Register and/or local landmark designations. In addition to more detailed research on community history, the survey team carries out property-specific research and field work to document those properties that appear to meet designation criteria. The resulting report includes a historical overview and a detailed description of each significant property with a narrative recording its history and significance.

Funding the Survey -Municipal governments and not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for grants from the Preservation League of New York State’s Preserve New York program and/or the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Certified Local Government (CLG) program to help fund survey projects. These two programs have application deadlines once a year.

Using the Survey -A completed survey is a valuable tool that can generate tremendous goodwill on behalf of historic resources and preservation planning efforts. Communities should consider taking advantage of this momentum by seeking press coverage, sponsoring lectures and tours featuring properties identified in the survey, and initiating National Register and/or local landmark nominations. The survey report should be housed in municipal offices and the public library, and consulted regularly when land-use decisions are made.

Identification in a survey reflects a considered judgment that a property rises above the ordinary and merits special attention. The survey itself does not legally regulate what owners may do with their properties. Such protection and restrictions come only with local landmark designation, a separate process.

Private owners and developers find surveys helpful in making preliminary decisions concerning development or redevelopment of properties because significance of individual properties to the community is clarified for both the developer and municipal authorities before any applications are made for permits. Having this information available in advance, before anyone has invested their time and resources in a project, can reduce uncertainty and the risk of eleventh-hour controversy.

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PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES

Architects and engineers provide a wide range of professional services associated with the building industry including planning, design, preparation of bidding documents, and assistance with the administration of contracts for construction. Their professional services and conduct are governed by Article 147 of the New York State Education Law¹ and by Rules of the Board of Regents.² In addition, practice guidelines for architects are promulgated by the NY Office of Professions.³

PRO BONO WORK

Pro bono publico (English: for the public good; usually shortened to pro bono) is a Latin phrase for professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment or at a reduced fee as a public service. It is common in the legal profession and is increasingly seen in marketing, technology, and strategy consulting firms. Pro bono service, unlike traditional volunteerism, uses the specific skills of professionals to provide services to those who are unable to afford them.⁴

Bero Architecture PLLC encourages its employees to donate time and expertise to community service work which advances the public good. From time to time members of the staff serve on various municipal preservation and other review boards. Similarly, they often serve on boards of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to preservation. On occasion the firm will provide pro bono services, particularly by underwriting the cost of individual employees assisting organizations recognized as positive contributors to civic life. For example Bero Architecture underwrites, each summer, the Bero-Howk internship, usually awarded to an architectural or architectural history student, which provides a portion of a summer intern’s time assisting the Landmark Society of Western New York.

The Bero Architecture web site (beroarchitecture.com) includes a large section, such as the “Thoughts . . .” series of which this essay is an example, which is maintained in the interest of educating the public concerning architectectural services and technical solutions for problems related to the care of buildings.

OTHER SERVICES WITHOUT COMPENSATION

We are often asked to provide free services for other than the public good. For example:

1. Developers sometimes ask us to provide, without compensation, concept or schematic designs in order to determine feasibility and assist with financing. These requests are sometimes accompanied with an oral promise of future architectural work for our firm if the developer is successful in advancing the project to the design and construction stage.
2. Institutions occasionally send us “Requests for Proposals” which explicitly require preliminary (uncompensated) design work in order to respond. These RFPs are typically sent to a number of similar firms; each architect is asked for free services which, if satisfactory to the requesting institution, may lead to compensated services.
3. On occasion we are invited to participate in (uncompensated) design competitions, generally promoted as an opportunity to gain publicity for winning firm(s).

Competent design services are expensive because the work is time intensive. No design can be highly functional without interviewing building users to determine their needs and expectations; no design can be economical without careful consideration of existing topography and climate exposure, subsurface conditions, and available site utilities; no design can be beautiful without careful consideration of existing surroundings and the aesthetic preferences of the owner. Generally, we do not participate in opportunities to provide free services because we seldom can afford to donate thorough and careful work and are reluctant to mislead owners with attractive renderings of unstudied buildings. We are also reluctant to raise our fees to subsidize clients who wish to reduce their costs at another’s expense.

It is our opinion that free work is likely to result in a disappointing project; and that “free” professional services are in danger of failing to meet professional standards. Further, providing such abbreviated services may mislead the client into thinking programming, site evaluation, estimating, and design have been adequately addressed.

Pro bono legal services are (rightly) reserved for those who are in need and cannot afford them. We believe pro bono architectural services should be reserved for similar clients.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The following list is limited to information regarding architectural services found on this web site, If you prefer a printed copy, please call our office to request one.

• Some Thoughts on Building Surveys 
• Some Thoughts on Hiring an Architect 
• Some Thoughts on New York Building Codes 
• Some Thoughts on Preservation Planning Services 
• Some Thoughts on Preservation and Sustainability 
• Some Thoughts on Historic Resource Surveys
• Some Thoughts on Stamping Documents Prepared by Others

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1. Available at: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/arch/article147.htm
2. “Rules for Design Professionals” can be found at : http://www.op.nysed.gov/title8/part29.htm
3. “Guidelines for Architects: are found at: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/arch/archguides.htm
4. Definition from Wikipedia, “Pro Bono,” October 18, 2012.

Architects and engineers provide a wide range of professional services associated with the building industry including planning, design, preparation of bidding documents, and assistance with the administration of contracts for construction. Their professional services and conduct are governed by Article 147 of the New York State Education Law¹ and by Rules of the Board of Regents.².

There are many reasons to hire an architect including attention to building aesthetics, thoughtful planning, knowledgeable interpretation of zoning and building codes, and construction experience and savvy. Building Permits are required for most construction; with few exceptions, New York State Law requires drawings submitted for Building Permits be stamped with the seal of a licensed Architect or Engineer. Refer to our “Thoughts on Hiring an Architect” for a more detailed review of appropriate considerations when hiring a design professional.

STAMPING DOCUMENTS PREPARED BY OTHERS

Occasionally, architects and engineers are asked to stamp documents (this term includes drawings and specifications) prepared by others; or to prepare and stamp documents for a project designed by someone else. Owners sometimes desire to use unstamped stock plans marketed nationally, or unstamped documents produced locally by a non-professional; or unstamped documents prepared by a professional licensed in another jurisdiction but not in New York; Sometimes owners wish to change their consultant during a project. In some cases there is a desire to minimize professional fees by engaging a professional for only a small portion of a project. In all of these cases architects are asked to stamp documents they have not prepared. The “Rules of the Board of Regents” expressly deal with this issue:

A licensee who signs and seals documents not prepared by the licensee or by an employee under the licensee’s direct supervision shall prepare, and retain for a period of not less than six years, a thorough written evaluation of the professional services represented by the documents, including but not limited to drawings, specifications, reports, design calculations and references to applicable codes and standards. Such written evaluation shall clearly identify the project and the documents to which it relates, the source of the documents and the name of the person or organization for which the written evaluation was conducted, and the date of the evaluation, and the seal and signature of the licensee shall also be affixed thereto³.

“Practice Guielines” are more specific:

The written evaluation required by [Rules] Section 29.3(a)(3) should, at a minimum, address the following items:

A. Identity of the project for which the evaluation is prepared:

1. common name of project
2. owner of project
3. the preparer of documents
4. date of evaluation
5. listing of documents evaluated, with date of issue

B. For Drawings:

1. The applicable New York State code and local zoning requirements and ordinances are met.
2. Good architectural practice has been provided according to applicable standards.
3. The drawings contain or address (where applicable):
   • site plan
   • foundation and structural plans, with details
   • floor plans
   • elevations
   • wall sections and construction details
   • schedules as required
   • schematic plumbing plans
   • schematic electrical plans
   • schematic HVAC plans as required

C. For Specifications:

1. The code requirements of New York State and Local Jurisdictions are met.
2. Good architectural practice has been followed according to New York standards.
3. The quality of material and construction are clearly outlined.

D. Required Analysis:

1. Structural, plumbing and energy -including those analyses provided with the documents and those provided by the reviewer.

Depending on the result of the evaluation the licensee may either correct, alter or add to the existing documents or prepare additional documents to address those items found inappropriate or missing. When the documents meet appropriate standards, they may then be signed and sealed by the licensee. In so doing, the licensee might be seen as accepting all responsibility for the work as though the licensee had personally prepared all the documents.

Many professionals are not inclined to review or stamp documents prepared by others because they have not dealt with owner and governmental issues which dictated the design; they don’t wish to duplicate satisfactory work previously done (and, presumably, payed for); and are reluctant to be associated with unsatisfactory work. Finally, the cost of doing a proper review is more than many owners are willing to underwrite.

Construction projects are complicated, highly customized, multi-faceted endeavors that usually benefit by having a single design professional from concept through construction.

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1. Available at: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/arch/article147.htm
2.  “Rules for Design Professionals” can be found at : http://www.op.nysed.gov/title8/part29.htm) In addition, practice guidelines for architects are promulgated by the NY Office of Professions (( “Guidelines for Architects: are found at: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/arch/archguides.htm
3. Section 29.3.a.3.i of the “Rules for Design Professionals.”