Re-imagining old office towers

[newsposter]

Interesting story related to "renewing" mid-century office buildings below, and more here: http://reimagine.ca/ Interesting idea, but np has some concerns about "reskinning" buildings that have historic/architectural value. This isn't for every building...

Restoring old towers extends lifespans
Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald
Published: Thursday, November 11, 2010

With a number of Calgary's high-rise towers aging, it's time to reimagine these skyscrapers for the next 50 years -- particularly now that vacancy rates continue to increase in the older office buildings.

As newer office structures in the downtown have been completed in the past few years or are nearing completion, there has been a flight-to-quality in Calgary's office market.

"As those old buildings sort of reach the end of their life, they really need to be recapitalized and dare I say reimagined," said Vivian Manasc, principal architect with Manasc Isaac Architects. "These buildings need to be given a new lease on life. And it's a shame to tear them down when they're still perfectly good buildings...

Read more:
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/ne ... 7b977fb276

Also:

[Chris E]

I think when it comes to reskinning older buildings, particularly 50s and 60s, it just is a matter of making sure they're evaluated. Once that's completed you'll end up with some deemed to be of historic value, and others less so. The less so ones, skin away!, at that point where it's decided tearing the building down won't damage the city's historic inventory, reskinning it at least keeps a building that still has life in it out of the landfill.

[EmanuelM]

I think most of the buildings that they want to reskin really have no value as far as historical or architectural value. It seems many of the buildings of that time were very unimaginative and bland which is probably why businesses choose other buildings to lease and occupy. I think reskinning old buildings is a great idea as long as it doesn't destroy history.

Emmanuel - Looking for a company.