City of Shaker Heights City Hall

Shaker Heights, Ohio

swipe to view photos

CLIENT GOALS

• Re-purpose existing former fire station connected to City Hall and convert into space for City Hall departments.
• Evaluate current departments and study adjacencies and efficiencies between them.
• Consolidate City Hall departments into one building (currently split between two buildings – City Hall and the community center).
• Improvements include areas of new finishes and improvements to lighting, electrical devices, plumbing and HVAC.
• Evaluate areas to receive new HVAC systems which provide fresh air intake, high efficiency filtration and UV-C disinfection.
• Evaluate areas to receive new ceilings and LED lighting.
• Develop multiple options and associated conceptual budget estimates.

SOLUTIONS

WMF is providing the City of Shaker Heights with options for renovating their former firehouse connected to City Hall for department spaces. In Phase one, the process included visioning sessions and programming questionnaires to kick-off the planning and conceptual process. Several options of test-fits were created along with associated conceptual budgets. In Phase two, we moved forward with developing a plan based on the approved scope and budget with the goal of providing new useable space within the existing City Hall/former Firehouse building shell.

RESULTS

The second floor of the former Firehouse, which sat empty for many years, is now the new home for the recently combined building and housing departments. Through the re-working of existing walls, minimal demolition and the addition of new walls, their new space accommodates a common lobby for visitors, an open work area, private offices, an ADA toilet room and a large conference room.

• All original woodwork, doors and trim were restored. Where new walls were added, reclaimed and/or new to match adjacent woodwork was utilized.
• The paint colors were inspired by the original “Shaker Village Colors” - color standards used throughout the city and its’ neighborhoods during the period 1905-1939.
• All original windows and doors to balconies at the second floor were carefully removed and restored back to their original quality.

The first floor is under construction.

• Historic hardware is being reclaimed and reworked
• New mechanical systems are navigating the complex historic structure - crossing below existing concrete beams while maintaining clearance above historic doors and transoms. Ductwork was successfully installed above the hallways to reach all sides of the building, avoiding disruption to the existing historic ceiling and lighting within the hallways.
• All original woodwork, doors and trim are being restored. Where new openings are being created, wood trim and doors salvaged from attic stick will be used and new to match detail/style will be supplemented, as needed. Original terrazzo floors and base discovered during the demolition phase are being restored and will be featured as the final floor finish in those areas.