We're thankful for the kind of clients who sing our praises at every opportunity. Here are three different stories with the same happy ending.
CURRENT RESIDENTS AND OWNERS: ASM International needed to renovate their headquarters. We were more than happy to supply the solution.
OWNERS: The Andrew Jackson House was purchased and refurbished by TCG and will soon be owned by the GAR Foundation.
TENANTS: The Kies-Murfey House is still owned and managed by TCG with a very happy tenant in the Saint Luke's Foundation.
Stan TheobaldASM World Headquarters
9639 Kinsman RoadMaterial Park, Ohio
Overview:
The ASM headquarters and geodesic dome is situated just off Ohio Route 87, approximately 25 miles east of Cleveland in the rural landscape of Russell Township, Ohio. Dominated by a gigantic geodesic dome designed by the visionary architect and futurist R. Buckminster Fuller, who coined the term "Spaceship Earth," the complex also includes a very fine modernist building at the base of the dome, designed by Cleveland architect John Terence Kelly.
After 50 years the building was in serious need of renovation or demolition so the plans called for a complete historic restoration of the headquarters in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of historic buildings. This rehabilitation will be the first Modern Historic building to be part of the State and Federal Tax credit program. Construction is slated to be completed in Summer of 2011.
Highlights:
- 3 Levels—Garden Level, First, Second.
- Approximately 50,000 Square Feet Building on a 45 acre site.
- Restoration and repair of non-traditional building techniques and materials such as various metals and glass.
- Includes updated mechanical, electrical and plumbing, ADA compliant restrooms and egress, window restoration, restoration of the unique, giant, exterior stainless steel sunscreen, repair of the structural elements such as the steel columns and concrete repairs.
- Aluminum sunshades on the ASM International building will be gently cleaned and refurbished.
- The plate-glass windows are considered "original material" under the National Register designation and will not be replaced with contemporary thermal pane windows but will be restored.
Results:
"I never thought of restoring our building to get on the Historic Register. I didn't think we qualified, wasn't even aware of it as an opportunity until I met Michael Chesler. He had insight and experience into how to make it all work out for everyone's benefit.
Now that we're in the midst of the process, I am so glad we did it. It has been a seamless transition to our temporary facilities. I love the direction the interior design is headed in. Every idea they've presented has been inspiring. Their attention to detail and vision for the final outcome is impressive. I can hardly wait to see the finished product."
Christine Amer MayerANDREW JACKSON HOUSE
277 E. Mill StreetAkron, Ohio
Overview:
Located at 277 East Mill Street in Akron adjacent to the University of Akron's campus, this 15,585-square-foot building had enjoyed a compelling history – first as home to Akron lumber magnate Andrew Jackson when it was built in 1868 and later as home to the local chapter of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows beginning in 1910. But in recent decades, it had fallen into disrepair and was condemned by the City of Akron in 2006. Vacant for years, the former Odd Fellows Temple at times even sheltered homeless squatters, who burned some of the molding to keep warm and in the process scorched the floor. There were no toilets, no running water and no working mechanical system. Rooms were stuffed with broken pianos, organs, furniture and other discarded items.
Construction began in July of 2008 with Chesler Construction LLC serving as general contractor and self-performing most of the work, including carpentry,electrical and demolition.Today, the building has been returned to its former grandeur and recently received a 2010 Architectural Heritage Award.
Highlights:
- Tall walnut doors were refinished, decorative bronze hinges restored and wood trim has been milled to match the original.
- All new drain tile was installed and new floors were poured in the basement, which originally had dirt floors - all done by hand.
- A new five-story Schindler commercial hydraulic elevator was added, a process that required a creative solution. With an eighth of an inch of tolerance for a 60-foot shaft, it was built from the top down using old fashioned shoring techniques to minimize shifting.
- An octagon stair, constructed of 20 tons of steel and concrete, was added as well and serves as the primary method of accessing the second-floor meeting hall. The structure is secured on steel girders buried in the surrounding walls that extend through the basement floor.
Results:
"When you work with The Chesler Group, you tap into the relationships Michael has established with State & Federal Historic Preservation Offices. They get stuff done a novice could never accomplish. All the obstacles, problems, questions and headaches about tiny details just go away.
Restoring a historic building for our offices fits with our foundation's vision of community investment. It's about core city revival, the importance of cities, preservation of history and art, and valuing a sense of place. For GAR Foundation, this historic renovation project is about living our mission."
Denis ZemanKies-Murfey House
4208 Prospect AvenueCleveland, Ohio
Overview:
Built in 1871 and named for two former owners, the uses to which the Kies-Murfey House were put mirror the history of Cleveland; they ranged from private home and boarding house to institution for unwed mothers, office and warehouse to bakery for the Arabica coffee house chain, its most recent incarnation.
Construction began in August 2002 and was completed Spring 2003. The most difficult part was restoring the original façade and rebuilding the porch, while allowing entry into a lower level space made accessible by a New York brownstone-style garden stairway. In addition, the house was on a higher grade due to Prospect sinking.
Highlights:
- Photos from the Cleveland Public Library and the Western Reserve Historical Society were used as resources for rebuilding the property's façade, which had been covered over.
- The canopy roof was created in shop and dropped onto the Corinthian porch columns.
- The garret was created from an unfinished attic opened up with exposed rafters and skylights to create a dramatic and effective architect's studio.
- For ADA compliance, an elevator was installed in a 3.5 ft. space and two doors at a 90 degree angle to serve both sections of the building.
- The fireplaces, topped with oak-framed mirrors, were restored and millwork was repaired or recreated. The newel post and balusters were rebuilt based on the styling of the other woodwork.
- A member of the St. Luke's board contributed two chandeliers purchased in Austria that matched the décor of the building; later a sconce that matched closely was contributed from the member's own Cleveland Hts. home.
- A second floor semi-circular stained glass window found a new and more visible home in the front entrance area, where it sets the tone of the house for visitors.
- Updated restrooms and a full kitchen and pantry in the rear section of the house are offered for the comfort of workers, as is a communications room with modern amenities.
Results:
"They provided the full range of skills – architecture, interior design, fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Chesler Group was able to give us the best of both worlds – a comfortable, modern office space in a gracious, old shell.
Michael does what he does better than anyone else, period. If you want a historic building restored, I wouldn't recommend going to anyone else. It has been wonderful for our ongoing operations since Michael has surrounded himself with a cadre of people who really understand older facilities and this building in particular and they do it so well."
Copyright © 2012 The Chesler Group, Inc. • 3050 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115