Acquired by Common Ground, this 6-story cubicle hotel built on Manhattan’s Bowery circa 1900 was extended to 9 stories to accommodate 146 First-Step housing units, while partially occupied by ground floor tenant and residents on upper floors. The original building was not a likely candidate for augmentation due to the Bowery’s soft soils, cast-iron columns, lack of existing documentation, known assemblies and present condition. DRPILLA thoroughly investigated the building and, with specific consideration of construction phasing, created a cost-effective design and program to meet the project’s ambitious goals.