Demolition completed for Tiffany Manor plan - Controlled Construction Inc. submits plans to convert Tiffany Factory into residential rental development in Newark, New Jersey

Real Estate Weekly, Sept 16, 1992

Controlled Construction Inc. (CCI), a construction company based in Wayne, New Jersey, recently completed demolition work at the historic Tiffany Factory in Newark to set the stage for the $15 million residential rental development of Tiffany Manor, announced Eugene L. Polster, president of CCI.

The conversion of this century-old silvermaking factory into housing was cited by Mayor Sharpe James as one of the most exciting projects in Newark because it is preserving one of the city's oldest landmarks and the nation's first electrified factory, while it is providing 130 quality, affordable housing units. Occupancy is scheduled for the spring of 1993.

The project's developer, Franklin Building Corporation, is restoring the abandoned Tiffany factory based on architectural plans by Dassa/Richardi, Architects and Planners of Montclair, New Jersey. Controlled Construction is working closely with the architects in transforming the original structure into a unique design of 130 two-bedroom duplexes stacked two units high, while maintaining the architectural flavor of its Romanesque-style.

Although Tiffany's factory was the nation's first factory to use electricity, there was no proven track record that adequate levels of light would be accomplished. Therefore, the building was built in the shape of the letter |E' with narrow wings and two central courtyards to maximize the natural light for the silver craftsmen.

The architectural plan of Tiffany Manor calls for a complete interior reconstruction to create a livable space within the massive, masonry and timber structure -- without removing the roof and without the need for costly scaffolding. To accomplish this, the construction team completely gutted the interiors, including removal of the entire second floor. To prevent any weakening of the building's structure, CCI first had to remove all of the existing windows, which reduced pressure on the walls from the wind. CCI had to then transfer the weight of the building to the exterior column lines. Several miscellaneous buildings within the complex were demolished to widen the courtyard space.

The construction firm is now proceeding with framing the individual units, which will average 1,100 square feet in space. Several of the units will contain 2,000 square feet of space. New wiring and plumbing is also being installed. The exterior renovation plans include cutting openings into the roof and adding dormers, restoring and repairing the red brick and brownstone walls of the facade, and replacing the existing wood-framed windows with approximately 2,000 wood vinyl clad windows. Private parking lots will be provided on the site.