Environmental and sustainable efforts in new construction are expected; however, evaluating and implementing those practices into a historical facility can be challenging. As cities, districts and neighborhoods evolve, it is increasingly important to balance modern amenities with respect to the past during renovation and sustainability-focused construction projects.

For an overview of the process and considerations taken to transform a historical building into a modern, commercial office environment — while embracing the impact on the surrounding community, neighborhood, and historical registry — attend the DesignColumbus presentation, “Preserving a Community Landmark: A Historic Factory Becomes a Modern Office” by Shaun Holloway, Association of College and University Housing Officers-International and Sallie Traxler, Association of College and University Housing Officers-International.

Attendees will gain an understanding of how to guide a renovation project for a facility that is on a historical registry and evaluated by local area commissions, as well as how to identify practical ways to leverage historical construction to create an accessible, sustainable, and highly-functional collaborative office space. The presenters will also focus on recognizing opportunities to cooperate with community leaders and local organizations in supporting commercial renovation projects. Their case study shares the challenges faced in executing environmental remediation and sustainability efforts in a commercial building that is more than 85 years old.

DesignColumbus will take place on April 20th at COSI.

This year’s keynote speaker, Doug Kridler, is sponsored by The Columbus Foundation’s Green Funds.