HISTORIC GLASS RENOVATION

Hecht Company Warehouse in Washington, D.C.

The Hecht Company Warehouse became a symbol of architecture with its extensive and innovative use of glass block.  Hecht's was the first buildings nationwide during this time to use glass block in such a large scale application.  The building was originally built in 1937 and represented a major expansion to the one of the largest retailers in the city.

This six-story historic building was renovated into a mixed use residential and retail space.  It was important to maintain the iconic glass block exterior along New York Avenue and Fenwick Street.  GBA was tasked with developing a glass block design that matched the original glass block from the late 1930's.  We were able to develop a custom glass block design to match the existing glass block and we also matched the original mortar color.  This helped to maintain the integrity and original aesthetic of the historic building.   

Knapp's Centre in Lansing, MI

Originally built in the 1930's, this six-story Art Moderne style building is considered one of the finest, intact examples of this building style in the Midwest.  Building owners decided to update this historic building from what once was a department store into a mixed-use retail and residential building.  The original Knapp's Centre used a historic, prismatic glass block to create four floors of ribbon glass block windows.  The original glass block allowed for light to be projected into the showrooms while distorting views to the outside.  GBA helped in the development of mock-up glass block window panels, keeping with the appearance and intent of the original design.  Approval was received to replace the original prismatic glass block with a clear glass block to allow new residents a view to the outside.  

The Fox Building in Baltimore, MD

Formerly known as Noxzema or most recently Fox Industries, The Fox Building in Maryland has been transformed into an unique mixed-use building.  Noxzema Chemical Company produced two of America's most recognized brands: Noxzema Skin Cream (the so-called "Miracle Cream of Boston") and Cover Girl make-up.  Due to the marketing and brand efforts at the time, production increased making Noxzema relocate to a new factory nearby.  The Fox Building is home to residential apartments and art spaces with restored features such as the original maple wood plank flooring, glass block windows, 15' factory ceilings, and so much more!  The renovated historic building design met the requirements of both National and State Historic tax credits.  The Fox Building now includes 96 loft and studio style apartments with original floors, studio art space, and common areas such as a fitness center, pool, and theater.  

Pioneer Tower in Fort Worth, TX

In 1936 architect Wyatt C. Hedrick designed three buildings for the Texas Centennial Celebration: an auditorium, a coliseum, and 208 foot tower sitting between both buildings.  Each building was designed using the classical revival and moderne styles.  Pioneer Tower was originally designed with columns of glass block on each side, which were illuminated at night.  In the late 1970's metal plates were placed over the glass block leaving the tower dark.  Elements of Architecture, architect of the restoration project, reached out to GBA to help find a glass block solution suitable for this historic renovation.  It was important that the glass blocks were as physically similar to the original glass blocks of the tower.   Pioneer Tower used 6,210 pieces of SEVES' 6x6x4 Argus Glass Blocks which were custom-manufactured to match the original, historic glass block.  The historic renovation of Pioneer Tower was completed in 2019, and the city hosted a relighting ceremony highlighting this iconic, Texas tower. 

Youngstown Museum of Industry and Labor in Youngstown, OH

In this glass block renovation project, GBA was sought after to procure all the damaged glass block and replace them.  We met lead architect from the Ohio Historical Society, Meta von Rabenau, on site to collaborate on the upgrade plans and end goal of the renovation project.  GBA procured and replaced all damaged glass blocks, removed and repointed any necessary mortar joints, and upgraded them to a new, better performing modern sealant.  "Maintenance on the glass block to update and improve the system now, allowing another 30 years of peak performance seemed like a good investment," said Rabenau.