Page 14 - NY Cooperator May 2019

DESIGN I deas about architecture, design and the use means of egress, and that depends on popu- of space have changed over the years. Back lation size. By most codes, once you hit the in the first half of the last century when magic number of 50, you generally need two both developers and consumers had different means of egress, which can limit use.” What needs and agendas than they do today (not that means in real terms is that if a space’s per- to mention less advanced technology), giant mitted occupancy is in excess of 50 people, the boilers, elevator machinery, fuel storage tanks, space may require more adaptation than can and other mechanical systems were housed in be easily undertaken or paid for within a spe- building basements and sub-basements. To- day, many of these systems have been replaced by smaller, streamlined components and com- puterized controls that require far less space. ments. “You have to exhaust the air,” says Many buildings – prewar apartment buildings DeFilippo. “If you move into the building in particular – find themselves with unused system, you might require a fan change or a and underused spaces that with a little work small mechanical room that contains ven- can be converted into valuable amenity spaces tilation equipment. Some ‘H-’ and ‘U-’ plan for their residents’ use. The Technical Issues “Depending on what the intended use dows. In a basement, you might also be able to is, the space might fall under certain regula- tions,” says David DeFilippo, an architect with a separate circuit. Many times, split-type air Tsoi Kobus Design in Boston. “The concept conditioning units (condenser on one side of of habitable space is always a problem.” Hab- itable space is defined as a space for living, sarily outside) are used for these spaces. It’s a sleeping, eating or cooking. As such, in virtu- ally all jurisdictions there are requirements as rooms. In general, regardless of whether there to ventilation (windows, basically) and means are windows, gyms always require artificial of egress. “If a space is not used for living,” continues DeFilippo, “it can be adapted to other uses. Sometimes these spaces are completely or par- tially underground. Windows are a require- ment for habitable space. Otherwise, you can isting spaces. “More and more older buildings generally put anything else you want in these are undertaking projects like this to compete spaces. With some uses you may need two with new construction. One of the easiest cific budget. Ventilation is another major consideration in repurposing spaces, particularly in base- buildings have air shafts that can be utilized for exhaust. You might even have some win- tap into the existing heating system by creating wall, evaporator on the other, neither neces- great way to provide ventilation for individual ventilation.” What Are the Options? “It’s something I’ve done many times,” says Susan Lauren, Principal of Lauren Interior Design in Manhattan, about repurposing ex- Repurposing Unused Space Making Amenities Out of Nothing BY A J SIDRANSKY 14 THE COOPERATOR — MAY 2019 COOPERATOR.COM ISTOCKPHOTO.COM Providing Practical Legal Advice and Representation to Cooperative and Condominium Associations for More Than Forty Years • General Counsel • Residential and Commercial Real Estate and Leasing • Real Estate and Commercial Litigation • Mortgage Financing • Commercial, Corporate and Business Law • Comme • Mitchell-Lama Housing • Transfer Agent Services • Construction Law and Gas Conversions Jack Lepper: jlepper@kll-law.com Ronald Gold: rgold@kll-law.com Adam Finkelstein: afinkelstein@kll-law.com Fran Lawless: flawless@kll-law.com Fran L