The First and Vine Apartments renovation project included both a new envelope and a complete interior renovation of the building while it was fully occupied. The 10 story, 82 unit apartment building is home to low-income seniors.
Exterior work included a new roof, window replacement and highly creative design-build siding solution. Interior improvements of the units included flooring, doors, cabinets, appliances, and counter-tops. Other interior improvements included installation of fiber wrap for seismic improvement, elevator renovation, new water heaters for the building, fully sprinklered fire protection system, new laundry room appliances, exercise room, television lounge and common kitchen, new office space for the property manager.
Rafn crews have long been acquainted with renovations in multi-family, occupied spaces; working on interiors and exteriors, self performing carpentry work on doors, windows, and siding, but the First and Vine Apartment renovation project incorporated some new elements for Rafn that proved to be a challenge worth taking. Rafn was fully involved in the pre-construction process and worked closely with the owner and design team as new elements were considered throughout the project.
Rafn self-performed all work related to exterior re-cladding, window replacement, select demo, punch list items, subcontractor assist, painting jambs, installation of bath hardware, and minor structural work. By self-performing so much of the project Rafn was able to keep a lot of people working during the economic recession and ended up saving the client money while avoiding delays that frequently show up during rehabs.
This project won the 2013 ABC Eagle of Excellence in Construction award.