Project Overview

The Brown Lofts features a full-masonry façade to create an old-world image for upscale apartments. To create the two levels of parking that serve as a base for the four-story, 64-unit apartment building, designers needed a fast, economical, durable material.

Precast Solution

Precast concrete components, comprising beams, columns, interior wall panels, and hollowcore were specified. “We looked at a lot of options, but after our cost analysis and the ease with which it could be installed, precast concrete was the clear choice,” says Shane Fry, architect/owner at Brownhouse, the architectural firm on the project.

Brownhouse worked closely with the construction team to optimize layouts and maximize effectiveness of precast concrete components. “There are many unique beam shapes, in part because of the zero lot lie, which created some site issues.”

Precast also aided in designing interior tall walls due to its economics and ability to cast long pieces.

Architect

Brownhouse

Engineer

Cold Spring Design

General Contractor

H. Findorff & Sons Inc.

Owner

Steve Brown Apartments

Precast Specialty Engineer

Mid-States Concrete Industries

Precaster

Mid-States Concrete Industries

Key Project Attributes

• Four-story, 64-unit apartment building.
• Two levels of below-grade parking.
• Masonry façade to evoke old-world ambiance.
• One- and two-bedroom apartments include wood floors, 10-foot ceilings, kitchen islands, modern finishes, and private patios or balconies.

Project/Precast Scope

• Precast concrete components comprise:
• 51 wall panels (7,497 square feet)
• 26 columns (588 square feet)
• 103 beams (3,113 square feet)
• 46,032 square feet of hollowcore