Need help for Exterior (Multi-Family Apt. Building)

11 years ago

I am redoing this multi-family inside and out. Outside is an eye-sore and I want rip out existing siding and replace with stucco or vinyl siding (with some brickface on the bottom). The inside is going to be beautiful and this is an up and coming area where buildings are slowly being updated.

I have no idea what to do with this as I want a modern look but we have to keep the peaks and can't change them. Any ideas of doing some siding and brick combo or stucco. If it is stucco, I don't want something with a modern look. I have seen some big box patterns, etc. with stucco but at a loss for design and colors to use. I am partial to a dark gray/black look because we will likely need a fire escape on one side that's black. I have posted photos of the side and front. Note there is a building next to me that I have X'd out as this one has same look as our but we dont' own it. Any help would be appreciated as I am pulling my hair out. Most people will see the side when they first come there and the main entry will also be on the side.

Featured Answer

babbs50

11 years ago

No stucco. Hardie Plank would look great. If stucco is not applied properly with a vapor barrier eventually moisture will seep between. Two houses in our neighborhood recently had the stucco removed in favor of hardie plank. One home was only three years old.

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Comments (14)

apsuperman
Original Author
11 years ago
Sorry - I meant to say I WANT a modern look as inside will be more modern looking but anything really at this point that will help give this a better look will help.
apple_pie_order
11 years ago
The changes will be a major investment. You might want to hire a local designer who can work with your budget to get the look you want. Not all projects are big enough to warrant hiring a designer of course, but I suggest that this time would be worth it.
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bungalowmo
11 years ago
What is under the ugly siding? If it's brick...keep it. Tuckpoint where necessary. Done.
apsuperman
Original Author
11 years ago
@Bunglaowmo - Its Red Aluminum siding with shingles underneath. I wish there was brick. That would have been the easiest way to go.
apsuperman
Original Author
11 years ago
@apple_pie_order - I just wanted to get more opinions from some of the great folks on here. I've gotten so many ideas reading forums for my own house but these multi-family are so unique that its hard to even get designers that have done this. I may have to go with a designer though in the end as I am going to spend a lot of money no matter which materials I select so might as well get some expert advice.
Robin Yurk
11 years ago
Don't know where this is but i live near worcester mass, city of triple deckers. I've never seen a stuccoed triple decker, i'd do vinyl siding.
PRO
Cascio Associates - Site Planning - Landscape Arch
11 years ago
If this is truly an up and coming area, it would be prudent to get permission to install street trees under the pavement, with tree grates at pavement level.

I would recommend London Plane trees, but there are many others which have been proven to do well in these severe conditions, and live a long life, bringing nature to your facade, and an improved view from within the units as well.

If you need a construction detail in order to get some cost estimates, send your address to my email, below.

Good luck with this ambitious project.

cascio.offsite@gmail.com
apsuperman
Original Author
11 years ago
@cascio:Thanks but doing this with city is pain right now due to low wires,etc.

@Yurk - This is Jersey City, NJ -right across the river from NY city (15-20 minute train ride from this location to Manhattan)
apple_pie_order
11 years ago
Thanks for additional info. You might try more google streetview to "drive" around the area and find multifamily places that have a modern look you like. Sometimes in an up and coming neighborhood there are very good ideas already implemented by other developers.
PRO
Cascio Associates - Site Planning - Landscape Arch
11 years ago
Washington Hawthorne trees and others will do well under the wires. Bring nature to your doorstep. Governor Christie will approve.

cascio.offsite@gmail.com
lefty47
11 years ago
HI -- James Hardy siding is what you need for your modern look because they have many options and it comes in large panels etc. But you really do need an Architect to help you get it right .
miacometlady
11 years ago
The trick for me is to add that vibe of modern without moving away so far from original house that it looks ridiculous. These two Hardie applications may do the trick.
apsuperman
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks. I think based on all the input, I will go with the Hardie application and get design advice.