The Cured at Pearl Brewery

This project entailed a multitude of code challenges. The proposed restaurant is comprised of three main building blocks, each with its own type of construction. For instance, the first block is an existing bank originally built in 1905 (displayed on the main picture). This existing brick building was repurposed to accommodate to the restaurant use and connects to the second building block: a type IIB construction concrete and glass segment that serves as a connecting element between the former bank and an adjacent 5-story buiding, the third building block.

This 5 story, mixed use commercial/multifamily building is, at the same time, further divided into two IBC-defined stacked buildings: the first floor commercial/retail building (podium concept) and floors 2-5, a resulting 4-story apartment building.

The main code challenges laid in how to integrate and harmonize three different construction types while maintaining the interior of the spaces open. For obvious reasons, the use of internal fire barriers between the three referenced building blocks was not a feasible and aesthetic option. But we presented code alteratives that we found acceptable to the building department and approval was granted.

Strict compliance with prescriptive building code requirements would have resulted in this project not taking advantage of the beautiful 1905 building and the transitional spaces that lead to a full integration with the adjoining massive 5-story building.

Without a doubt, a very complex project. But in the end, we were able to achieve code compliance while preserving a building of historic significance and marrying it with a contemporary industrial-like mixed-use building.