“4/4 was vital in realizing the project to its fullest. Gary is good at turning my own words into design. Any ideas along the way that I could not articulate visually, 4/4 could translate into tangible representation and eventual application.”
– Zac Lytwyn, owner of Lytwyn Construction and developer of Bangor Apartments
4/4 FAST FACTS
| Project Type: | Adaptive Reuse and Renovation |
| Use: | Mixed-Use – Apartments and Commercial Tenant |
| Location: | Bangor, PA |
| Construction Manager: | Lytwyn Construction |
Previously an auto parts store with industrial storage, Bangor Apartments reimagines a commercial building through a combination of adaptive reuse and renovation, maintaining a commercial space on the first floor while reconfiguring and expanding the residential component. After sitting vacant for more than six years prior to acquisition, the deteriorated structure required extensive rehabilitation, with much of the building effectively rebuilt from the inside out to restore functionality and support long-term occupancy.
Prior to the project, the two-story building housed four dilapidated residential units on its second floor and a vacant commercial space on the ground floor. The second floor was reconfigured into four up-to-date residential units, with four Type B accessible units added to the first floor. The design incorporates updated life safety features, including a new sprinkler system, a tenant parking area located along the side and rear of the property, and an ADA-accessible space. The project required careful coordination with Borough of Bangor to align with local zoning and land-use requirements.
Approach
- Adaptive reuse: Modernize and create new apartment buildings by adaptively reusing old warehouse space
- Accessibility considerations: Provide new Type B units for accessibility on first floor
- Site planning: Add tenant parking areas along the side and rear of the property to improve access and usability.
- Interior reconfiguration: Redesign floor layouts to efficiently accommodate additional market-rate units into the existing space.
Before, the first floor was a series of dark and dusty warehouse spaces prior to renovation. The rear portion is now four market-rate, accessible apartments, and the front is maintained as a commercial space.
After, each of the eight units feature a full kitchen and full bathroom. There is a shared space for laundry utilities. Though modest in size, the units are functional and accommodating.
RESULTS
- Strong residential demand: All eight apartments are fully occupied, helping to alleviate demand for affordable apartments in the area
- Positive tenant experience: Residents have responded favorably to the efficient layouts, updated finishes, and affordability of the apartments compared to older housing options in the surrounding area.
- Strengthening existing vibrant downtown: the proximity of the project adds to the vibrancy of Bangor’s walkable downtown
