Bruner/Cott Architects has reimagined the Swift Gold Leaf Factory in Northeast Hartford into a 75,650-sf venue for generating opportunities for job creation and training, educating youth, improving resident health, and spurring economic growth.
Bruner/Cott, in partnership with Community Solutions, renovated and rehabilitated the former factory’s historical buildings and two homes, dating from 1887 to 1948. Architecturally, the project focused on repairing the neglected factory complex to its original character. Existing structures were gutted to make room for incubator kitchen space for fledgling local businesses, a community-based private school, and shared office space for local entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Opaque fiberglass windows, originally installed to block views of the gold leafing operation and to resist shattering, were replaced with black-framed glass windows. The factory’s brick facade was repaired and cleaned while new steel awnings clearly mark the entrances. Inside, new programs are identified with fresh signage among the building’s old columns and wood floors.
The new use of the historic Swift Factory considers the economic, health, social, cultural, and environmental conditions of North Hartford to create a sustainable, yet innovative model for improving the quality of life for the neighborhood’s residents.
Related Stories
Reconstruction & Renovation | Oct 7, 2019
Central Park’s Lasker Rink and Pool to undergo $150 million restoration project
The project will be the largest the Central Park Conservancy has ever undertaken.
Libraries | Sep 18, 2019
The $115 million renovation of Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library completes
Beyer Blinder Belle led the project.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Jun 5, 2019
The French Senate doesn’t want your Notre Dame restoration ideas
France’s Prime Minister Édouard Philippe originally wanted to hold an international competition to redesign the cathedral’s roof.
Reconstruction & Renovation | May 22, 2019
Foster + Partners converts historic D.C. library into an Apple store
The building was the city’s first public library.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Apr 24, 2019
Century-old hotel and bathhouse to be repurposed into a public park in San Antonio
Phase one of the project has recently completed.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Apr 5, 2019
Historic Corrigan Tower in Dallas becomes 1900 Pacific Residences
The 18-story Corrigan Tower in the Dallas’s historic downtown district is now a thriving 150-unit apartment residence community.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Mar 27, 2019
Interior restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House completes
The AIA designated the Robie House as one of the 10 most significant structures of the twentieth century.
Mixed-Use | Feb 21, 2019
An R&D-oriented innovation district is taking shape in the heart of Durham, N.C.
Its buildout has included converting old tobacco warehouses into offices and labs.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Feb 7, 2019
Restoration of Chicago’s Union Station Great Hall completes
Goettsch Partners designed the project.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Jan 2, 2019
Rebuild or renovate?
With some facilities, a little creativity can save money and salvage a building worth saving.