Reimagining Harbor House as a mixed-use building with multi-family housing required major construction, as well as upgrades to structural and building systems. While the original building dedicated nearly one-quarter of its space to common areas for exercise and socializing, Omgivning needed to carve out room to accommodate 100 new residential units, including ten low-income housing units.

The historic spaces were thoughtfully reused as common areas, while non-historic spaces, particularly the ground-floor back-of-house areas, were modified to maximize rentable square footage by creating residential units, making the project economically viable. Omgivning carved in a one-story light court to provide access to these units, enhancing natural light and airflow. By working with the existing structure and utilizing skylights, they optimized the potential of dwelling units, even creating unique two-story spaces that extend into some basement areas.

Upper floors in the original building consisted mainly of tiny sleeping rooms with shared bathrooms. To meet historic preservation requirements, Omgivning maintained double-loaded corridors on most floors which meant that residential units are only 11’ deep which was initially met with concern, however, the design solution meant that all units were long and thin, but on the window line. Most units are now one or two-bedroom, with ample light and creative layouts to make them feel spacious. They also removed non-required stairs and other spaces to maximize residential square footage.

As with many of its other adaptive reuse projects, the team’s strategy was to design for the flexibility of existing conditions while creating unique, beautiful, and functional dwelling units. They designed typical kitchens and bathrooms that are smaller, size appropriate for smaller apartments, leaving the remainder of the unit flexible to grow, shrink, or switch closet locations based on existing conditions which could include window, door, column, or joist locations. This also allowed speed of construction by giving the General Contractor direction but building in flexibility for these existing conditions at each unit.

Amenities

Tasked with creating additional revenue-generating spaces, the team designed Harbor House with blended first-floor common areas that could be opened to the public, allowing the local community to experience the century-old building. The main lobby will serve as the connection between public and private spaces, complete with a courtyard and newly planted trees.

The original basketball court was restored for play again, while the running track above was preserved as a historic element– Community sports, classes, and special events in this gym area will be open to all and bring in additional revenue, and tenants will be able to join as well as play basketball any time they want.

Private amenities were also created for tenants, including a private lounge equipped with distinct seating areas for multiple groups to work, relax, and gather.

Coming Soon

While Harbor House residences and community spaces are already open, a new restaurant, bar and pool are planned to open in 2025, and will all be available to both residents and the larger community for use.

The building's historic images with what the building looked like pre-construction.