Green/LEED Projects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The property at 505 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, New Jersey was built in 1928 as retail and then housed numerous banks throughout the years. In May 2015, Investors Bank donated the building to become the permanent home for Montclair Film. Since the building had been vacant several years, it required significant renovations to meet the expanding needs of the organization. In June 2015, Montclair Film engaged The Bravitas Group to lead the adaptive reuse project. In November 2015, the team presented to the Montclair Historic Preservation Committee to restore and renovate the building following historic preservation guidelines for multipurpose use. The conversion maintains its wonderful character while simultaneously enhancing it to offer modern, creative space. This innovative adaptive reuse of the historic building aligns with the town of Montclair’s commitment to maintaining its historic downtown while working to retain its thriving business district. Construction began in February 2016 and the grand opening was April 2017 just in time for its 6th annual film festival.

 

INTERIOR FEATURES

 

The bank has great architectural details and the team is fastidious about honoring that past. They have preserved and showcased the unique attributes of the building such as the original vault, exposed brick, and the lovely front façade while converting the building to the year-round multipurpose facility that meets the needs of the expanding organization. 

 

The interior renovations include converting:

 

1st floor to event space/screening room 

2nd floor to administrative offices 

Concourse level to educational classrooms 

 

Additionally, the interiors are completely modernized with all new infrastructure and ADA compliant, including a new non-hydraulic elevator.

 

EXTERIOR FEATURES

 

The exterior renovations include bringing back the front façade brick and balusters while modernizing with large frameless glass windows and steel awning and blade signs. The rear façade stucco was repaired, and the entrance has a paver patio. 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT 

 

LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council

Low or no VOC paints and finishes

Adaptive re-use of an existing building

Location in a walkable neighborhood, nearby mass transit

Bike rack