Kirkland Apartments Historic Rehabilitation - Columbia, SC

Working with USC and the Department of Justice, Pond designed the renovation to this apartment building (eligible for individual listing on the National Register of Historic Places).

Pond conducted extensive research of the building’s community and design history, including the original owner, architect and contractor; the research led to the discovery of original architectural drawings. Pond also conducted developed a complete code compliance study, analyzing and designing remediation for compliance with governing building codes, including life safety, International Building Code, and accessibility regulations. Pond successfully balanced incorporation of governing building with preservation of historic elements and character.

Where possible, existing architectural elements were repaired and reused, including all windows, 5 built-in hutches, the staircase and roofing tiles; where reuse was not possible, reproductions were created based on the original drawings (e.g., screened porch doors, 1 hutch, roofing brackets).

The floor plans were updated to reflect contemporary lifestyles, increasing the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and adding laundry facilities to each unit; one unit was designed to ADA standards.

To meet accessibility standards, the rear entrance was modified to include a handicap ramp and an elevator was added into the existing structure at the rear lobby.

Because the DOJ is the tenant of the building, GSA design standards were incorporated; these include requirements for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable elements, such as environmentally responsible products.

Pond created the interior design, including furniture selection, specification and installation oversight, all according to GSA procurement contracts; the design also included selection of artwork and accessories appropriate to the era and usage of the facility.

The project received two (2) awards, the 2006 Excellence in Preservation (Historic Columbia Foundation) and the 2006 Design Award (AIA Greater Columbia).