accessible units, especially for grant writing and receiving funds. We had to work around the existing interior structural walls while keeping the exterior intact.” One of the key goals is to retain as much of the original structure as possible. This includes preserving the large windows that offer stunning views of Lake Superior from the second and third floors.“We weren’t interested in changing the look of the building on the outside,” Komas adds.“The large windows are a signature feature of the building, and they provide a lot of natural light, which we wanted to preserve.” To address the space constraints, the team employs several innovative solutions. For instance, they’re using thick walls for mechanical and HVAC systems, minimizing the need to alter the building’s original structure. Communal spaces, such as living rooms and dining areas, will be placed along the exterior walls to take advantage of the natural light, while for creativity and innovation. Reflecting on the project, Dahl emphasizes preserving the building’s historical character. “The Ondossagon School is not just any building; it’s a landmark in the community. We wanted to ensure that our modifications would honor its history while making it functional for modern use,” Dahl says. One of the primary challenges was fitting the desired number and type of housing units into the existing structure. While a testament to the building’s solid construction, the thick walls limited the available space for new rooms and amenities.The design team had to carefully plan the layout to maximize the use of every square foot while maintaining the building’s structural integrity. LAYOUT AND DESIGN Komas, who leads the design efforts, explains the complexities of the project: “It was a bit of a struggle to get all the unit types we wanted, including some Rendering by Carly Rosendahl, C&S Design & Engineering 85 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09 C&S DESIGN ENGINEERING
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