The Lowenstein Building at University Center in Knowledge Park, Rock Hill, SC: Breathing New Life into a Community’s Core

As part of the redevelopment of Rock Hill’s core —known as Knowledge Park—the $22M renovation of the Lowenstein Building transformed the former Rock Hill Printing and Finishing (Bleachery) property into a 238,000 SF office space, civic, and retail property that targets investment of knowledge economy businesses.

Since the project’s inception in 2013, the J.M. Cope team has regularly assisted the project owner and architects, beginning with budget development in the early phases of design. The physical work began three years later in 2016 with asbestos and lead paint abatement and the demolition of the building’s mezzanines. Extensive unforeseen challenges —such as permitting issues and the misalignment of the building’s pre-existing concrete beams —also arose, delaying the project’s schedule. To help mitigate these challenges, J.M. Cope worked with the owner and developer while also leveraging their working relationship with the Historic Tax Preservation Office to navigate the Historic Tax Credit process.

Throughout the project, J.M. Cope focused on retaining the existing features of the building while also revitalizing it for modern use. During demolition, the team took extra care to preserve the original windows, calling-on long-standing relationships with local vendors to duplicate any that were damaged.By innovatively adapting the existing materials, J.M. Cope made the building energy efficient while still closely resembling its original appearance.By retaining the existing building, the project honors Rock Hill’s rich history with the once-booming textile industry while the more modern entrance speaks to Rock Hill’s future and its ability to adapt and thrive in changing economic times.

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