Guardian

[onthestrip]

I'm referencing people who take on rehabilitation of a historic structure and who think it is a good idea or even the only option to remove historic windows (in this instance casement windows, which were fortunately NOT removed) and replace them with modern ones. In the case of the Guardian they painstakingly re-glazed the historic casements, and the payoff was obviously immense. The character is far better than it would have been with single-light aluminum windows. If someone disagrees with that I would say with all due respect that they don't fully appreciate old buildings.

By the way, when replacing with fully-sealed, fixed windows the energy efficiency trade-off is that if you cannot use cross-ventilation for climate control during nice weather but are instead forced to use your HVAC system in all conditions. So the energy efficiency of new windows is overstated. Besides, there is modern glazing - even gas-filled double- and triple-glazed panes - that can go into the historic frames and replace the old glass. When the frames have been re-worked and everything is well-sealed, it rivals the modern windows for energy-efficiency. I believe that is what transpired in this case.

I say tragic, because once the historic windows are removed, it would be cost-prohibitive to come back again and replace them with casements. It is a forever decision, and one that is taken lightly by too many people - most who do not have HP experience - when rehabilitating old buildings.

I like historic buildings and fully appreciate them but windows IMO isn't as big as deal. If a developer wants to go through some process that brings them to a decent level in effeciency, great. However, I don't get upset if old windows are replaced. And you can put in new windows that can have an opening for cross ventilating, even though I think you overestimate the amount of people that would actually take advantage of it and open them.

[Urban Pioneer]

I toured these last Friday with a young lady who works for me. The windows in that first picture are amazing, however there is a serious privacy issue with that unit as it is on the ground floor of the southwest corner. If you remember, that is where the outside mall space is going.

That is the 2nd floor SW Apartment. Not the ground floor. Underneath it is to be the restaurant. So much more private.

Also, the windows are unbelievably double-paned! I couldn't believe it! I think they might by Lexan as well with argon gas. There not going to be ideally efficient as there will be energy transfer through the exposed metal frames, but the individual window panes seem very well done.

I got to walk through it and talk to Chris Fleming about it yesterday afternoon.

[HangryHippo]

Oh, I see now why you asked the question. The post I was referencing was either deleted or changed. I should have quoted it. The poster said that they personally had no problem with ripping out casements and replacing them with modern single-light windows in aluminum frames.

Ah, gotcha. Well, if it's any consolation, I agree with pretty much everything you said and support your case. Now to convince everyone else...

[Urban Pioneer]

That is the 2nd floor SW Apartment.

I meant SE. Lol

[soonerguru]

I meant SE. Lol

Drunk?

[Urbanized]

You can find some good info on why retaining historic windows is important in historic buildings, and why the oft-stated "green" or "energy efficiency" claims associated with replacement windows (or more accurately, with the replacement OF windows) are mostly myth by visiting this link and this link.

[wschnitt]

Ground floor store front windows were going in today.

[wschnitt]

I really love that garage door.

[Pete]

From the MidtownR Facebook page:

We still have a few units available at The Guardian Lofts, slated to open January 15, 2013. Prices range from $1000-1500/mo. Call today to schedule your appointment!

[Pete]

Photos from Urban Pioneer:

[CaptDave]

That is looking very nice. I love the view of the church across the street.

[Spartan]

That's a remarkable setting

[Urbanized]

Wow, the one with the church view...

[Architect2010]

RIGHT?! Are these even in OKC? The surroundings seem so incredibly urban and foreign to me from that unit. LOVE IT, WANT IT!

[Bellaboo]

Wow, the one with the church view...

Thought I was in Rome when I saw that.

[CaptDave]

Got to tour the building today with UP. They are doing a very nice job with this renovation. The corner units feel larger than they are and the lofts are very well done.

[Pete]

From a week ago; tenants should be moving in within a week or two:

[skanaly]

This is looking veryyyy cool, I can start to picture this alley all lit up!

[metro]

pretty freakin sweet, anyone know how much the Guardian Lofts are going for?

[Chadanth]

There are a couple different sizes of the lofted style, I went and saw a few. They were 1400-1500, depending on size. Don't know about the studios. They were outstanding, just didn't fit my needs.

[Skyline]

I saw the Alley the other day and it looks like something from another city like NYC or somewhere outside the US, words or pics don't truly depict this scene.

[BoulderSooner]

just FYI tenants started moving in this week .. and i have been told that they are very close to leasing the retail/restaurant space

[jeff.]

I'm moving out of the 1212 property into the guardian this week. I'm sad and happy because our corner unit facing walker was legit but my fiance is really excited and Jana offered it this week only. So when we move in I'll post some furnished pictures. We are in one of the 1400 a month units, its around 1100 square feet I believe.

[Urban Pioneer]

Wow, the one with the church view...

Thanks! It's a ridiculously incredible living space. I'll take new pics when all of the furniture is in. Also probably have people over but would like to get settled first.

Apparently they are "close" to signing a deal for the restaurant downstairs. They are finishing the curbs and sidewalks out front now. Also installing the lights down the alley.

[Anonymous.]

PLEASE take more photos. The interiors are so interesting...




Does anyone else think 3 million was cheap considering all the changes to interior and exterior? This seems like a very efficient investment.