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The 1890s-era Midtown Community Court in New York City—a New York Historic Landmark—is currently undergoing a five year, $18 million renovation that includes a 9,650-square-foot addition for a new elevator, lobby and stairwell featuring fire resistive glass and curtain wall. The system consists of SAFTI FIRST®’s SuperLite® II-XL 120 IGU in GPX® Curtain Wall System.

Adaptive reuse, or the process of taking an old building or structure and repurposing it for something other than what it was originally designed for, has gained a lot traction with developers and architects alike – and for many good reasons. For one thing, it is more economical and sustainable to work with an existing structure than to demolish an old building, clean up the site, and rebuild with entirely new materials. It also helps preserve historical structures that add character to the community, as well as reduce urban sprawl. For the multifamily sector, we’ve seen adaptive reuse applied to old schools, government buildings, warehouses, etc. because these structures are usually centrally located in many downtown areas.

Crosstown Condos, a landmark development in Toronto’s Don Mills neighbourhood, represents the future of modern urban living, blending quality construction, sustainability, and thoughtful design. Set adjacent to the upcoming Eglinton Crosstown LRT Line 5, the community offers seamless transit connectivity alongside state-of-the-art amenities.At the core of its expansive outdoor terraces and rooftop patios lies Envirospec’s Canadian-made PAVE-EL Pedestal system, a solution that proves smart infrastructure can deliver long-term value.Challenge:The project included large outdoor amenity spaces across multiple residential towers. These spaces required a raised pedestal system that could ensure perfect levelling, long-term durability, effective drainage, and performance in all seasons — all while being cost- and material-efficient.Solution:Envirospec’s PAVE-EL Pedestal system was selected for its precision engineering, durability, and ease of installation. Unlike screwjack systems that require full pedestals throughout, PAVE-EL’s modular approach allowed installers to use half pedestals along patio edges and quarter pedestals in corners, reducing material requirements significantly.This not only cut material waste but also reduced installation time and labour costs, with installation completed in approximately one-third the time compared to traditional systems. Backed by a 40-year track record of zero product failures and a 25-year warranty, PAVE-EL offers peace of mind along with proven long-term performance. Outcome:Material Savings: Smart use of half and quarter pedestal sizes reduced overall pedestal material needs.Cost & Time Reduction: Faster, simpler installation led to lower labour costs and project efficiency, allowing construction teams to move on to the next stage of the project more quickly.Performance: Patios achieved perfect levelling and drainage, enhancing resident comfort, enjoyment and outdoor usability.Sustainability: The polyethylene-based system is designed to last over 100 years, with a 25-year warranty, aligning with the development’s long-term sustainability goals and reducing environmental impact. Withstands all natural temperatures on Earth. Made in Canada: Supporting local innovation and supply chain reliability.By leveraging the versatility and durability of the PAVE-EL system, Crosstown Condos showcases how innovative construction solutions can elevate both form and function in modern developments.