Historic Preservation Archives - R. E. Dimond and Associates, Inc.

Revitalization of The Stutz Building

October 6, 2023 by

The new gateway entrace at the Stutz Building

Location: Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana
Total Number of Buildings: 7
Overall Square Footage: 450,000 SF

SomeraRoad, leveraging its innovative approach to urban development, is reimagining The Stutz Building in downtown Indianapolis, endeavoring to infuse life into the historic facility. This project aspires to create a multifunctional hub, integrating elements like the Stutz Car Museum, food & beverage outlets, co-working spaces, artist studios, retail areas, and fitness centers, contributing to a vibrant urban fabric.

A project vision for historic adaptive reuse

This redevelopment is inspired by a vision of historic adaptive reuse, blending unique architecture and rich history to foster an ambiance of authenticity. The project seeks to materialize a modernized, mixed-use urban campus, employing a micro-neighborhood strategy to curate distinctive and enriching spaces.

The Stutz was inspired by projects across the US

Ponce City Market in Atlanta: A historic structure transformed into a vibrant community hub, hosting a diverse array of culinary, retail, and entertainment spaces, reflecting a harmonious blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.
Industry City in NYC: A reimagined industrial complex, fostering innovation and creativity through a dynamic mix of workspaces, retail, dining, and cultural experiences, reflecting the energy and diversity of urban life.

A century of history behind the Stutz

The Stutz Building serves as a monument of the Stutz Motor Company’s innovative spirit, established in 1911, and has been pivotal in defining Indianapolis’s automotive landscape. The redevelopment seeks to honor and amplify the legacy of this iconic entity.

Engineers and crews tackle significant challenges

General Challenges:

Reconciling the absence of historical information and integrating contemporary enhancements with historical preservation and tenant-centric improvements.
Navigating through financial constraints, development phases, and unforeseen challenges induced by the COVID pandemic.

Specific Challenges:

Plumbing, Fire Protection, and Telecommunications face intricate challenges like modernizing outdated systems, integrating new technologies while maintaining historical value, and ensuring operational continuity amidst extensive renovations.

Three primary goals for the revitalized Stutz

Preservation and Innovation:

Emphasize and maintain the architectural and historical essence of the building while integrating advanced amenities and infrastructures.

Inclusivity and Sustainability:

Develop diverse and inclusive spaces focusing on environmental conservation through energy-efficient systems.

Telecommunications and Operational Goals:

Ensure seamless operation of existing systems and optimize space and functionality in alignment with telecommunications standards and tenant requirements.

The engineering solutions and MEPT scope of work deployed by R.E. Dimond and Associates

Solutions:

Design compact, efficient, and flexible systems, assuring operational continuity and optimizing space and functionality across different engineering domains.

MEPT Scope of Work:

Elevator Design, ADA Upgrades, Centralized HVAC Infrastructure, Electrical Services Enhancement, Plumbing & Central Restrooms Installation.

The revitalization of The Stutz Building stands as a symbol of the harmonious integration of history, technology, and modern lifestyle. Drawing inspiration from iconic projects and driven by a vision of adaptive reuse and authenticity, this project aims to be a beacon of cultural and industrial innovation in Indianapolis, offering a multifaceted urban experience.

Indiana State University

May 12, 2022 by

Over ten years of sustainable, leading-edge building renovations and facilities

Indiana State University first turned to R.E. Dimond and Associates in 2009 for a College of Education renovation with featuring skylights, an interior courtyard, and 200,000 square feet of learning and lab space.

Since then, R.E. Dimond and Associates has developed a close working relationship with Indiana State University and its facility teams.

Our work over the last decade with ISU has included:

Indoor and outdoor facilities
Student housing
Classroom and lab space
Underground and rooftop MEP systems
High-tech sensors and equipment
Athletic facilities
LEED silver certified buildings
And historic preservation and renovation projects

3D models help ISU and R.E. Dimond & Associates forecast renovations and system needs

The 35,000 square-foot dining hall at ISU was ready for a 5,000 square foot addition. The Sycamore Towers, long a residential hall for students, was combined with the dining hall for more efficient operation for 1,000 students.

But updating the dining hall posed problems with the existing ventilation. R.E. Dimond and Associates engineers used 3D models to show how a precast T-band roof system would accommodate the piping, thermal envelope, and heating and cooling needs of the building.

Using this advanced 3D model, we were also able to design in void, data, security, A/V, fire, and interior and exterior lighting and power systems.

The result was a $14 million renovation project with advanced technology, heating, and cooling that provided on-demand and controlled ventilation with HVAC and other building systems.

This project, coupled with previous energy modeling projects to update energy efficiency and temperature controls, laundry rooms, connectivity, and alarm systems has made Sycamore Towers a safer, comfortable, and efficient space for students to live, study, and eat.

400 meters of track, 9 competitive lanes, and 4,000 safe, comfortable seating

R.E. Dimond and Associates was proud to provide design services for Indiana State University’s new Gibson Track and Field Complex. Design included event lighting, site lighting, and all mechanical, electrical and plumbing associated with building components for the locker rooms, coaches’ offices, meeting rooms, public restrooms and concession stand.

Electrical work included temporary security lighting, temporary power for temporary toilets, storage and track meet operations room including coordination of “future” power requirements with ISU staff.

R.E. Dimond also provided scoreboard and timing systems, wiring, cable routing and sound system wiring including power and speaker wiring for the $3.8 million project.

Mixed-use student apartments and commercial space at 500 Wabash

R.E. Dimond and Associates was selected to join the design team for the 500 Wabash Avenue project. The design features restaurants, shops, office space, an outside dining area and student apartments. The one, two, three or four bedroom units feature private bedroom/bathroom suites, along with a common area where students gather to study or socialize.

R.E. Dimond and Associates prepared mechanical and electrical plans, which included HVAC, fire suppression and plumbing systems, as well as power, lighting, and alarm systems.

The project was completed in Summer 2015 and included 64,800 square feet of apartment space and 16,200 square feet of retail space.

More projects completed at Indiana State University

ISU Arena Locker Rooms

Construction Cost
$765,000

Size

Size

6,300 SF

Construction Completed

Spring 2013

Indiana State University – Arena Locker Rooms Remodel

The Sycamore Basketball Locker Room is located in the ISU Arena Building as part of a renovation of the facility into a practice area for the basketball programs. This area gives the team an area to gather during the day and also to use as a study hall. The Sycamore Basketball Locker Room also allows the team to have an area to dress before and after practices held in the ISU Arena

ISU Welcome Center

Construction Cost

$2,500,000

Size

27,000 SF

Construction Completed

Summer 2012

Indiana State University – Welcome Center Remodel

R.E. Dimond and Associates designed a remodel which included complete replacement of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in the building. The Moore Welcome Center serves as the “front door” of the university. Designed as a living room, the main area of the newly renovated 22,000-square-foot building features 11 interactive transparent touch screens students and visitors can use to learn about the university’s history, academic programs and services. When not in use by visitors, those same screens are interconnected, displaying an ever-changing array of choreographed videos and photographs. Guests can watch an introductory video on a nine-section LCD screen in the center’s new 50-seat theater, equipped with a surround-sound system.

Erickson Hall

Construction Cost

$9,000,000

Size

81,000 SF

Construction Complete

July 2013

Indiana State University – Erickson Hall HVAC Renovation

R.E. Dimond and Associates provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design for the complete renovation of Erickson Hall, an 81,000 square foot Indiana State University residence hall. The facility includes student rooms with academic themes, classrooms, meeting and conference rooms, offices and public areas, and a central laundry facility. The design included air conditioning for the entire facility, the student rooms as well as technology and a complete dry pipe sprinkler system.

Pickerl Hall

Construction Cost
$8,400,00

Size

68,000 SF

Construction Completed

July 2011

Indiana State University – Pickerl Hall

R.E. Dimond and Associates provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design services for the renovation of Pickerl Hall, a 68,000 square foot residence hall. The facility includes 120 student rooms, meeting and conference rooms, office and public areas, and laundry facilities. Air conditioning was added to the double-occupancy rooms. Private restrooms were also added with this renovation. Construction was completed in the summer of 2011.

Sandison Hall

Construction Cost:
$9,400,000

Size:
63,000 SF

Construction Completed:
July 2010

Building Project Summary:

Sandison Hall is an eight story, 63,000 square foot residence hall on the ISU campus. The building’s interior spaces were completely remodeled in 2010.

The hall will house 229 students in air-conditioned, double occupancy rooms with private baths. Sandison Hall has many features geared toward students majoring in nursing and healthcare professions including the McKee Nursing Center which is equipped with the latest technology. R.E. Dimond and Associates provided the design for all new mechanical, electric, plumbing and fire suppression systems in the entire building.

College of Health and Human Services Pool Renovation

Indiana State University’s CHHS houses a natatorium for its academic programs, its women’s intercollegiate athletics, and student recreation. Since the dated pool and decking did not meet current building codes or today’s or esthetic standards, ISU included a complete pool area renovation as part of the CHHS facility renovation which included major upgrades to improve temperature control and air quality with complete replacement of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems.

Chilled Water Plant

Construction Cost:
$6,000,000

Design Team:
RE Dimond & Associates, Ratio Architects, and Lynch, Harrison, Brumleve, Inc.

Building Project Summary:
RE Dimond was chosen to design a central chilled water plant with thermal storage and a complete chilled water distribution system to fifteen (15) campus buildings for Indiana State University.

Measures Implemented:
The Indiana State University campus needed to replace many old and inefficient steam absorption boilers. A new central chilled water system was the answer the university was needed. RE Dimond designed a campus wide system with a cooling capacity of peak 5275 TONS utilizing electric centrifugal chillers and thermal ice storage. The project included analysis of existing load and distribution systems to optimize the capacity of underground chilled water piping, plus a phasing plan to allow for continued operations during construction of the new facility.

777 N. Meridian – Indiana Veterans Center

September 14, 2021 by

777 N Meridian Street exterior in Indianapolis

Renovating and modernizing the neoclassical buildings at the Indiana War Memorial Plaza

The American Legion’s national headquarters was originally located on a five block plaza in Indianapolis, Indiana. Built entirely with Indiana limestone, the historic 777 N. Meridian building was included in the headquarters and renovated as part of an Indiana War Memorial Plaza development.

The redevelopment finished in early 2020 when the original American Legion National Headquarters building at 777 N. Meridian reopened as the Indiana Veterans Center.

Overview

Project: Indiana Veteran’s Center
Location: 777 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis
Client: Indiana War Memorial and State of Indiana
Project size: 34,000 SF
Goal: Renovation and modernization

Creating a new space for the Indiana Veterans Center in a historic building

The larger War Memorial Plaza project, funded in part by the State of Indiana, introduced new ADA-accessible ramps, restrooms, elevators, and other modern amenities at 777 N. Meridian. The building is now also home to all divisions of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.

R.E. Dimond and Associates was challenged to renovate and modernize this historic neoclassical structure with:

Updated and energy efficient heating and air-conditioning
Efficient lighting
Resouce-saving plumbing
Modern, scalable telecommunications to create centralized office space for Indiana’s Veteran Affairs organizations

Modernized to include energy-efficient heating, cooling, lighting, and more

Interior of historic 777 N Meridian Street building — *Men listen to a speaker inside the American Legion Headquarters, ca. 1960*

To achieve the building’s goals, save taxpayers money, and set the building up for long-term success, our teams used innovative techniques and design solutions.

The building utilizes steam and chilled water from Citizens Thermal Energy for building heating and cooling.
Four-pipe fan coil units, piping, electrical and telecommunication systems were concealed in ceiling bulkheads to minimize necessary alterations to the historic building.
Electrical design included new building electrical service and an integrated LED lighting control system for energy savings.
Advanced technology networks provide security, video and intrusion surveillance of the building.
The building also has a fully automatic sprinkler system.

Honeywell Corporation Eagles Theatre, Wabash, IN

September 26, 2018 by

Inside the main theater at Eagles Theatre

Originally built in 1906, the historic Eagles Theatre in Wabash, Indiana, underwent an extensive renovation completed in 2020. With the help of krM Architecture and teams from R.E. Dimond and Associates, the Theatre benefited from several improvements:

An additional movie screen
Rentable entertainment space
A full commercial kitchen
Classrooms and educational programming space

New ADA accessibility ramps inside the Eagles Theatre

Modernizing systems without sacrificing character or historic value

R.E. Dimond and Associates provided expertise in preserving the historic status and character of the building. Our strategy included the replacement of several old, outdated, or energy-hogging systems like:

A residential-grade gas-fired furnace
Abandoned steam boilers
Old or inefficient window air cooling units

Our teams modernized the HVAC system with AHU and fan coil units. Our Technology and Plumbing design teams helped update the building’s lighting, electrical service, plumbing, fire alarm, and fire suppression systems.

Second screen inside the Eagles Theatre — A new, second screen in previously unused space in the Eagles Theatre

Reception area inside the Eagles Theatre

The top-to-bottom transformation of the historic theater won Indiana Landmarks’ 2022 Cook Cup award for outstanding restoration.

Indiana State House

May 6, 2015 by

Construction Cost

Phase I – $2,487,000 | Phase II – $10,370,000

Size

360,000 SF

Construction Completed

Phase I – 2006 | Phase II – 2009

Monumental Affairs Achievement Award HVAC Replacement Indiana State House

Challenge

Installing air conditioning in a 100 year-old building that was never designed for cooling systems. Design included routing of piping and duct work through solid limestone walls up to 40” thick.

Strategy

Designed energy efficient replacement systems including space conditioning and dehumidification. Innovative installation of supply and return grilles within existing architectural features minimized alterations to the historic building.

Indiana War Memorial

May 6, 2015 by

Renovation of the Indiana War Memorial

Over the years, the Indiana War Memorial has gone through several renovations. R.E. Dimond and Associates was honored to be a part of several of those projects which included a number of architectural firms. R.E. Dimond was selected to design and oversee the installation of air conditioning in the Indiana War Memorial which previously was not air conditioned. There are many challenges to retrofitting an existing historic building with new air conditioning, including but not limited to space restrictions, condensation control in uninsulated inaccessible ductwork and keeping the historic fabric of the building intact.

In addition, auditorium lighting was refurbished in ceiling as well as aisles. A dimming system was also added to the auditorium lighting. Electrical work in the auditorium and AV room included addition of power receptacles and data cabling for AV equipment. Also, R.E. Dimond was involved in a later remodel that included the restrooms. Fixture selection was critical to maintaining the character of the building. Roof drains were also replaced and rerouted as needed for this project.

Revitalization of The Stutz Building

A project vision for historic adaptive reuse

The Stutz was inspired by projects across the US

A century of history behind the Stutz

Engineers and crews tackle significant challenges

Three primary goals for the revitalized Stutz

The engineering solutions and MEPT scope of work deployed by R.E. Dimond and Associates

Indiana State University

Over ten years of sustainable, leading-edge building renovations and facilities

3D models help ISU and R.E. Dimond & Associates forecast renovations and system needs

400 meters of track, 9 competitive lanes, and 4,000 safe, comfortable seating

Mixed-use student apartments and commercial space at 500 Wabash

More projects completed at Indiana State University

777 N. Meridian – Indiana Veterans Center

Renovating and modernizing the neoclassical buildings at the Indiana War Memorial Plaza

Overview

Creating a new space for the Indiana Veterans Center in a historic building

Modernized to include energy-efficient heating, cooling, lighting, and more

Honeywell Corporation Eagles Theatre, Wabash, IN

Modernizing systems without sacrificing character or historic value

Indiana State House

Construction Cost

Size

Construction Completed

Monumental Affairs Achievement Award HVAC Replacement Indiana State House

Indiana War Memorial

Renovation of the Indiana War Memorial

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