Troy Tower Renovation

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Project Location:

901 Tower Drive

Troy, Michigan

Project Design Team:

Owner: American Realty Advisors - Los Angeles, California

Architect: Dean Kahremanis Architects, LLC - Northville, Michigan

Structural Engineering: Robert Darvas Associates - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Engineering: Climatek Engineering - Royal Oak, Michigan

Property Management: Grubb & Ellis

Project Size:

Four Story, 129,500 total square feet

Construction:

General Contractor: Commercial Resource Group (CRG)

Construction cost: $450,000.00 (interior renovations only)

Project description:

The vision of the Troy Tower project focused on transforming the character of the building from a class ‘C’ to class ‘A’ lease space. Our purpose was to clearly enhance the character of the building, while creating well-refined, simple and elegant design solution. The project scope was limited to specific interior areas for renovation; therefore, the design concepts required thoughtful integration with the remaining areas of the building. The building now expresses a timeless and appropriate design statement that is attracting very positive feedback from current and future tenants, as well as visitors to the building. During the construction phase of the project, DKA worked hand-and-hand with Grubb & Ellis project management services to represent the interest of a California based Owner.

Dear Mr. Kahremanis:

I had the opportunity to work with your firm to complete the partial renovation of a four-story commercial office building. In completing this project it was our intent to restore certain building elements nearing the end of their useful life; and to improve the marketability of the property. This project included renovation of lobbies, corridors, restrooms and elevator interiors.

Your ability to understand the Owner's intent and to work within the budgetary parameters of this project proved to be very beneficial to its overall success. Your creativity and ability to present a "vision" that met the Owner's objectives; your attention to detail; and your continuous attempt to minimize cost without straying from the vision or sacrificing quality were of particular value.

Your commitment to this project is commendable. It is rare to encounter someone who embraces a project the way that you do and views the outcome of every detail as a reflection of their reputation.

It was a pleasure working with you on this project and hope to continue our relationship with future projects.

Sincerely,

Kenneth W. Scott
Grubb & Ellis

The first impression of a visitor or potential tenant is formed immediately upon entry and moving through the entrance lobby. The north and south main entrance lobbies of the Troy Tower are nearly mirror images. The existing 2’ x 2’ lay-in ceilings and vinyl covered walls revealed a medium quality, class ‘C’ character.

We envisioned a bold transformation of the space by creating pure and refined architectural forms, accented by a palette of three colors derived from the character of the existing granite and marble flooring. The center portion of the ceiling is positioned at a lower elevation to draw visitors into the space. Indirect cove lighting gently washes the wall areas, while defining a soft-lit background for art work.

The restrooms were dated, lacking in quality and character. The Architect’s vision for the lavatory area was brought-to-life and presented to the client by utilizing 3-D modeling techniques. The existing vanity, ceramic tile flooring, vinyl wall covering, and 2’ x 2’ lay-in and drywall ceilings were removed to accomplish a bold design statement. New restroom sinks were set into a cantilevered granite top. Halogen lighting fixtures provide warm lighting ambiance for the room.

Phase II of the project involves an update to the exterior building elevations. Since the building elevations are smooth, our proposed design concept creates a slight projection from the existing building surface, intended to cast shadows from sunlight throughout the day. This will be accomplished by creating a series of cost-effective horizontal E.I.F.S. bands, located directly beneath each window sill. A new color scheme is proposed to address the flat, monolithic appearance of the building. The subtle changes proposed will transform the building character to establish a new sense of identity at a minimal construction cost for the Building Owner.