THE SOLUTION

Jaffer Consulting Inc created a list of requirements and options for the space to ensure that all aspects of the business could be serviced within the same, compact space.

Through this business analysis, the team reached the following conclusions:

• The existing floor space would not be able to accommodate all the uses required plus formal office, meeting, storage, and communal staff spaces
• The existing hanging mezzanine in the space was not structurally sound and could potentially impact the roof structure of the building
• No engineered drawings were available for subgrade utilities or within the space itself and would need to be recreated in order to create new connections
• A large echo was apparent due to the ceiling height and concrete walls of the building

A former auto repair facility was available and nearby but required negotiation for an affordable price and a complete overhaul to accomplish the change of use required. With few other options, a deal was completed, and Jaffer began demolition of the structurally unsafe areas and entered the design review process.

Jaffer and their team of consultants recreated a schematic of all underground utilities running underneath the foundation, most of which had been installed prior to City record keeping. With all restrictions identified, a thin, lightweight structural steel mezzanine was designed to maximize ceiling space while still supporting the loads from dry storage, offices, a lunchroom and a meeting space. Additionally, a sound absorbent decorative ceiling system was implemented in both the wall and ceiling system to maintain a clean and modern look while managing sound.

The store continues to operate successfully and has remained a core part of its gentrifying area.