Perry Knitting Mill
Affordable Housing Project for the City of Perry, NY
When DePaul Properties, Inc., a New York-based non-profit, received state funding to provide affordable housing within the region, the restoration of the historic Perry Knitting Mill was a top priority.
The goal of the $10 million conversion and renovation project was to transform the previously vacant, deteriorarting mill into a LEED-certified apartment building with 48 affordable and supportive units.
Mayor Rick Hauser highlighted the importance of the project to the community in a Daily News article, saying,
”So many families’ lives were touched by the knitting mills and I know they are heartened to see that piece of history secured, celebrated and put to good use for the next 100 years.”
PROBLEM:
The Perry Knitting Mill project involved adding a two-story, 21,000 SF addition to the existing three-story 36,000 SF brick building. Stakeholders wanted to preserve the historic charm of the 19th-century building while meeting contemporary energy efficiency standards and staying within budget.
Renovating any neglected, historic building poses challenges: limited budgets, disruptions in the supply chain, and rising material costs, to name a few. For the Knitting Mill Apartments, DePaul needed to source energy efficient windows that harmonized with the design features and stayed within the established budget.
CHALLENGES:
SOLUTION:
Kas-Kel windows provided an ideal solution for the restoration of the old factory into a modern assisted living facility. The project required converting large, non-standard brick openings into usable windows, and Kas-Kel offers a range of products capable of doing the job.
DePaul opted for a combination of multiple Single Hung and Picture Windows that not only ensured optimal performance but also enhanced the overall aesthetics of the building. The windows were equipped with structural mullions, WOCD Safety Locks, and tamper-proof latches, meeting safety requirements while providing peace of mind.
In addition, ADA safety locks were installed where necessary to ensure accessibility for all residents. The windows featured a white interior combined with a commercial bronze exterior finish, offering a visually appealing contrast. With grills between the glass, the windows provided architectural design enhancement without the need for regular maintenance.
Moreover, the concealed locks and keepers maintained the streamlined appearance of the bronze exterior. Overall, the Kas-Kel windows proved to be a reliable and efficient choice for this adaptive reuse project, blending performance, safety, aesthetics, and low maintenance requirements seamlessly.
