In honor of the #NYSAFAH conference starting today, a quick nugget for those doing HPD Preservation deals:
Over the last few years, HPD has reworked and tightened up their Preservation Design Guidelines, and drawn a clear line in the sand between Moderate ('Mod') and Substantial ('Sub') Rehabilitation.
Any job which checks the following three boxes must follow the Sub Rehab track:
1️⃣ Complete heating system replacement. That means boiler, risers and terminal units.
2️⃣ Doing work in 75% of the units. Yes, even just fixture replacements.
3️⃣ 'Significant' work on the envelope. For example, replacing 50% or more of the windows.
This decision must get made early on in the project, because any Sub Rehab has to provide a host of sustainability upgrades, starting with full electrification of heating systems, as well as green building certification.
In fact, the City's mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions drives this process as much, if not more, than any other factor. If they plan to invest a large amount of capital into a building, then in addition to securing affordability they also have to guarantee a signification improvement in its performance.
Make sure that you have a clear discussion with your HPD project manager which track you fall into, because it drives the entire approval process, and you don't want to have to go back and do things twice.
#zoninghacks
Meltzer/Mandl Architects., P.C.
Great organization with great people and stunning showrooms!