Originally designed by famed architect Albert Kahn, this 4-story, 100-year-old brick building, located at 5716 Michigan Avenue, initially served as the San Telmo Cigar Factory. In February 2011, O’Brien Construction completed extensive renovation on the structure to transform it into a state-of-the-art modern wellness center with historic elements that preserve the building's heritage. Today, this 50,000 square foot facility is the beautiful home of six partner agencies that promote physical and psychological health, education services and childcare for those who would otherwise not be able to afford it. Approximately 10,000 individuals from low-income families are projected to benefit from the services offered at 5716 Wellness each year.

The Detroit Historical Society outlined historic constraints for the project and early photographs of the building were studied to provide accurate architectural detail for the restoration. Special features of this project include complete restoration of the building’s existing exposed timber frame and ceilings, the ornamental parapet on the façade, and numerous window openings which had previously been infilled with block masonry.

The 5716 Wellness redevelopment was designed by SWHS to be an anchor for the promotion of further economic investment and development in the Michigan Avenue area. Southwest Housing Solutions and its Neighborhood Preservation Team are involved in plans to create a "Wellness Center Campus" around 5716 Wellness. Residents, local business, community organizations, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders are all part of this effort. The Detroit Collaborative Design Center at the University of Detroit Mercy has been engaged to facilitate the planning. To read more about the historic preservation of 5716 Wellness, click here.

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Lithuanian Hall
Detroit, Michigan

Developer: Southwest Solutions
Architect: Quinn Evans / Architects

Awards:
ACG Build Michigan Award 2007
LEED® Green Building System Certification

Renovated by O’Brien Construction Company, Lithuanian Hall is the first building in Detroit to be certified by the prestigous LEED® Green Building Rating System for Core and Shell construction. This 3-story, 12,200 square foot building, originally built in the 1920’s, required extensive gutting of the internal structure and complete restoration to historic requirements. Energy efficient systems were utilized throughout the entire renovation design.

The beautifully restored Lithuanian Hall now serves as the main offices of Southwest Housing, and also provides prime commercial space along Vernor Highway in southwest Detroit. O'Brien Construction's Detroit office is located on the street level of this magnificent building.

The energy efficient systems used in Lithuanian Hall have produced significant energy savings for the building’s owner. The radiant heat system alone has reduced energy consumption by more than 12%, according to Dan Pederson, senior director of business development at Southwest Housing. Factoring in the high ceilings and other design features, the savings is about 25%, Dan said. For more details on the renovation of Lithuanian Hall, click here.

Click on the thumbnails below to view a gallery of Lithuanian Hall: