285 Lafayette is an historic 5-story warehouse (originally The Hawley and Hoops Building built in 1886) with a 5-story addition that was added in 2002. During renovations in residential units it was discovered that the 5-story addition had numerous construction deficiencies that compromised safety and performance. The corrective work required a re-analysis of the structural frame and subsequent retrofitting- (in occupied spaces), of new steel framing components. The performance failures of the facade system suggested the uninspired brick veneer of the addition be abandoned. BLA saw the needed corrective work as an opportunity to imagine a new architectural identity. Working with the board BLA developed a plan to not only solve technical problems, but to transform the character of the building.