Background
The project involved the renovation of a high-rise property built in the 1920s. The 13-story structure comprised two separate buildings that had been combined over the years, creating a challenging egress layout. Due to changes in code requirements, the egress distance no longer complied with code, and it was physically impossible to create a shorter path of travel.
Services Provided
Rimkus code compliance experts recognized the issue early in the renovation process. Collaborating with our in-house engineers, we developed an alternative approach that utilized the building’s life safety systems to provide notifications and directions to occupants during an emergency. This solution satisfied the code authorities and allowed the renovation to proceed.
Based on our innovative solution, the building layout was approved by the city building official and the tenant’s move-in stayed on schedule.