Quinn notes the addition of climate control to the building was another major challenge. Historically, 101 Spring Street was not air conditioned and had an antiquated heating system. “When we started with the project, the heating system was not in good condition,” he recalls. “A steam boiler was used for heating, but the system was incomplete. Sections of the heating system were missing.”
Several different strategies were studied for heating and cooling the building but few worked with Judd’s vision to leave the building unchanged. For the upper floors, a localized air-handling system was selected. A small, unobtrusive area on each floor was used to house the air handler, which has no ductwork associated with it. A chiller was placed on the roof to feed the air handlers; this presented its own issues. “Real estate on the roof of the building was at a premium,” Quinn states. “Not so much that it was full, but equipment had to be placed in areas where it wasn’t visible from the street to meet the requirements of the New York Landmark Preservation Commission.”
On the lower floors, a centralized air handler with a variable-air-volume system was employed. Ultimately, the heating plant was converted from a steam boiler to an efficient hot-water boiler system. Although no specific sustainability or energy-efficiency goals were specified by the foundation, the design team was careful to select equipment that had a reasonable initial capital expense and lower operating costs.
Judd’s Legacy
The restoration project began on what would’ve been Judd’s 82nd birthday, June 3, 2010. It took three years and $23 million dollars to complete. The Judd Foundation has moved its offices into the basement of the building while the upper floors of the studio and residence have been preserved as Judd left them. The studio and residence are now open to the public for tours to enjoy and appreciate the work of the master sculptor.
Preserving a 140-year-old building has unique challenges. Maintaining the building’s configuration as the former owner left it is even more challenging. Rooted in the ideas of Judd’s permanent placement of art, 101 Spring Street again showcases his artistic vision.
Online Buzz
Read a blog by this article’s author, Nathan M. Gillette, AIA, LEED-AP O+M, CEM, about the first time he was exposed to Donald Judd’s work.
Retrofit Team
Architect: Architecture Research Office, New York
Engineer: Arup, New York
Façade restoration consultant: Walter Melvin Architects, New York
Retrofit Materials
Custom windows: Artistic Doors & Windows
Low-E glass: PPG Solarban 60
Cast-iron components: Robinson Iron
Exhaust fans: Greenheck Fan Corp.
Emergency generator: Cummins
Air handlers: Enviro-tec and Buffalo Air Handling
Chiller: Carrier
Variable-air-volume system: Titus
Hot-water boiler: Hydrotherm
PHOTOS: Josh White, courtesy Judd Foundation