Buckhead Centre

Kristina Kuehn, Director of Property Management for Wilson & Nolan Management Corporation, was faced with a difficult challenge. One of her properties, the popular Buckhead Centre located in Atlanta was constructed in 1964 with high-end materials and finishes. The windows were more than adequate for the period, however with increased energy costs and increased traffic the insulating qualities of the windows were not up to the challenge. Sirens and traffic noise, high utility bills and discomfort due to air infiltration were becoming unacceptable to tenants and owners alike.

Kristina conducted extensive research for a solution that would match the demands of the buildings’ image, the comfort and convenience of the tenants and the budget of the owners. The initial search investigated total window replacement. However concerns arose regarding cost of replacement windows, installation noise, scheduling, and potential damage to the high tenant finishes. “Due to the fact that we were 100% occupied, the process of removing the windows and replacing them would have been a logistical nightmare.” It became clear that total replacement was not the best solution.

Kristina’s research led her to a creative solution that would address the energy, comfort, and noise problems, without creating difficult installation issues that would disrupt and disturb the tenants. Maine Glass, a nationwide provider of window and energy solutions, was doing an interior insulating window installation at the nearby Piedmont Hospital. Kristina visited the facility to view the installation for herself. With this Maine Glass installation, the single pane exterior window was left in place, and an attractive interior window was custom retrofit inside of the existing prime windows. This solution upgrades the existing window beyond the energy efficiency available from replacement windows, without the necessity for total window replacement. After coming away impressed with product aesthetics and the ease of installation, Kristina contacted Maine Glass and together they were able to address all the problems faced by the Buckhead Centre for far less cost and hassle than total window replacement.

The installation “went very smoothly” states Kristina. “The disruption was minimal, especially compared to what would have occurred for full window replacement.” Having investigated both window replacement and the Maine Glass solution, Ms. Kuehn knew, “full window replacement was more expensive and would have caused major disturbance to our tenants. The interior windows cost less, look great, are very clean and fresh looking, and the energy savings have been huge.”

One of the unique features Maine Glass was able to provide the Buckhead Centre was Between-Glass blinds. According to Kristina, “The interior blinds are great. Tenants cannot yank them up or cause damage. In addition our cleaning of the blinds has become obsolete.” The blinds are operated by a “damage proof” cycle tested, slip clutch mechanism. Beyond the improved appearance and reduced maintenance, these between-glass blinds also provide significant solar heat gain reduction.

The solar heat gain reduction is just one aspect of the energy savings Maine Glass delivered. When asked what was the biggest surprise associated with the installation? “I did not expect such large cost savings in regards to power and gas. The windows are quickly paying for themselves.” The ‘Utility Costs’ graph demonstrates the utility costs at the Buckhead Centre both before and after the installation of the interior windows and between-glass blinds.

For more information about interior glazing options, contact Maine Glass at (888) 825-6975 or info@maineglass.com.