SWBR was recognized by the New York State American Institute of Architects (AIA) with 2015 Excelsior Awards for DePaul Carriage Factory Apartments. Both projects received honors for Historic Preservation. The Excelsior Awards honor the best examples of public architecture, focusing on neighborhood transformation, urban revitalization, site planning, exterior and interior design, and sustainability.
The project consisted of converting the five-story former Cunningham Carriage Factory (that served as one of the oldest manufacturing plants in Rochester) into 71 affordable and supportive apartment units. Construction began on the building in April 2013 and it celebrated its grand opening in December 2014.
SWBR preserved much of the existing building and transformed the historic factory into a new, functional living space by adding a fully renovated central entry, new doors, windows and elevators, and a centralized community room for the residents. The rehabilitation restored many of the defining elements of the building, including exposed brick, natural light and original ceiling heights. The former atrium in the center of the building, long since tarred over, was re-glazed to create a bright and welcoming community space. Industrial pollution was reversed through brownfield remediation and a once-decaying building now serves as a welcome reminder of Rochester’s craftsman heritage.