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Objective:
Convert a 1926 power plant into luxury loft apartments ...
without sacrificing the historical appearance of the
structure.
Challenge:
One of the main architectural features of the plant is its
windows, which consist of hundreds and hundreds of panes of
textured wire glass. A large number of these panes are
broken and must be replaced, but matching glass is no longer
available. Furthermore, some windows need to be clear
to allow residents to see out.
Solution:
1) Each opening has a specific pattern mapped out by the
architect indicating which windows will be "clear" and which
will have the "original" glass. The "clear" glass was
chosen by the architect to look similar to the original from
a distance.
2) Remove intact pieces from the windows that need to be
"clear" and re-use them where the "original" glass is
broken. Then install "clear" glass where specified.
3) Mammen Glass will also fabricate and install the mirrors
and shower doors in the apartments.
John Mammen and Phil Francis discuss the best way to
tackle this project. Phil will manage the job
from our Austin location.
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The Comal Power Plant was built in 1926. It was
leased to the LCRA in 1942 and produced power until
1974. It was once the largest power plant west
of the Mississippi and supplied 100% of San
Antonio's power!
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