Fordham Market

The primary challenge was to transform a familiar commercial icon into a safe, comfortable, code-compliant mixed-use building while preserving the very features that make Fordham Market special: thick historic brick walls and large heavy timber framing members. The unreinforced multi-wythe masonry and original timber floors were not designed for modern mechanicals, egress requirements, or partitioning for multiple residential units, and selective repair was complicated by the building’s downtown location and by the need to maintain the retail operation during parts of construction. Balancing preservation with new performance requirements—insulation, fire separation, plumbing, electrical and HVAC—required careful sequencing, material choices, and structural interventions that would not erase the building’s character.

The renovation team pursued a conservation-forward approach that repaired and reinforced where necessary while making new work clearly contemporary and reversible. Masonry repointing and selective stabilization of the multi-wythe brick restored the weatherproof envelope and maintained the original wall profiles. Heavy timber members were conserved and patched with new timbers where decay required replacement; where additional capacity was needed to meet modern floor loads and partitioning, discreet steel reinforcement and supplemental framing were introduced and detailed to minimize visual disruption. The lower level was reconfigured with a refreshed retail layout, repaired storefronts and upgraded finishes that honor the building’s history while meeting modern retail standards. The upper level received a complete systems upgrade—new plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and fire protection—routed carefully through non-character-defining spaces and chases so exposed timber and masonry surfaces remain the visual focus. New residential unit layouts were designed to maximize daylight and circulation while respecting existing beam spacing and floor framing patterns.

The project delivered a fully modernized retail ground floor with upgraded storefronts, accessible entry points, and finishes calibrated for downtown foot traffic. On the upper floor, the renovation provided a set of well-appointed residential units with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, code-compliant egress, and modern mechanical comfort. Structural improvements and supplemental framing increased the building’s load capacity and longevity without obscuring exposed timbers and brickwork. Moisture management and flashing were upgraded around openings to protect the historic masonry; insulation and targeted thermal improvements were added to improve energy performance while preserving interior character. Life-safety systems—smoke detection, fire suppression where required, and improved egress—were integrated to bring the building up to current standards for mixed use.

Fordham Market was reactivated as a vibrant mixed-use building that preserves the community’s visual memory while giving it new life and utility. The updated retail space created a refreshed storefront experience that drew foot traffic and supported downtown commerce, while the new residential units added housing stock that benefits from downtown proximity. The project extended the useful life of the historic structure through careful stabilization and selective reinforcement, reduced future maintenance risks by addressing moisture and envelope vulnerabilities, and demonstrated that sensitive adaptive reuse can both honor heritage and meet contemporary needs. The end result is a building that reads as authentic—exposed timber, textured brick and historic proportions—yet functions comfortably and safely for modern occupants.