The Herbert

The Herbert" stands as a testament to adaptive reuse, a discreet yet impactful revitalization of a 7,790-square-foot structure at the crossroads of Main St. and Gass Avenue in Las Vegas. Originating as the Western Cab headquarters in 1985, the building, bearing the moniker of the developer's grandfather-in-law and the company's founder, underwent a comprehensive metamorphosis. This ambitious renovation is beyond cosmetic enhancements, and includes significant structural work. Stripped down to its bare exterior walls, the building underwent the replacement of roof trusses, an addition of enclosed egress stair, and the fortification of existing masonry with a steel-framed endoskeleton. Select segments of the façade were in-filled, while new openings were created in other areas to align with the new functional requirements. The infrastructure received a complete overhaul, with entirely new plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. Windows were replaced, and a new continuously insulated roof system, coupled with interior wall insulation, brought the building up to current energy code standards. A striking steel-framed, wood-clad canopy now envelops the public side of the building, offering shaded respite from the summer sun. Inside, the renovated space accommodates three ground-floor offices, each under 1,000 square feet, featuring hydraulic swing doors that seamlessly connect workspaces to the outdoors. The second floor unveils a spacious 2,600-square-foot open office with access to a rooftop deck boasting panoramic views of Fremont and the Arts District. Skylights generously infuse natural light into the second-floor offices, currently housing the City of Las Vegas Innovation Center, a hub fostering tech startups in launching their pilot programs. The northern "L" shape of the building now hosts a branch of the local restaurant chain, the Great Greek. Las Vegas, often criticized for its tendency to favor demolition over preservation, witnessed a departure from the norm with "The Herbert." The prevailing sentiment in the city leans towards quicker and more cost-effective demolition, making it a rarity for developers to invest in renovation projects. However, this project challenges the status quo by showcasing the environmental responsibility inherent in preserving existing structures. The embodied carbon footprint of demolishing an existing building far exceeds that of renovating an established structure. Beyond the short-term energy gains of new construction, older buildings contribute to a diverse urban fabric, irrespective of their historical significance. While "The Herbert" may not have started as anything extraordinary and presented challenges in its renovation journey, the end result transcends its humble origins. It emerges as a captivating addition to the Arts District, simultaneously underscoring the significance of sustainable construction practices by sparing one more building from an unceremonious fate in the landfill.