Adlib Center for Independent Living — Commercial Storefront & ADA Entrance Project
Pittsfield, Massachusetts | Completed 2023
Martino Glass Company designed and installed a new commercial storefront and accessible entrance system for Adlib Inc., Center for Independent Living, on North Street in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
The project began in 2022 when Adlib approached Martino Glass to evaluate its aging storefront, inefficient glazing and outdated commercial entrances. The goal was to create a more attractive, secure and energy-efficient commercial facade while improving accessibility, reducing drafts and heat gain, lowering long-term energy costs and minimizing future glass and door repairs.
Commercial Storefront Design for Energy Efficiency, Security & Accessibility
The existing storefront presented several challenges. Large sections of glass were vulnerable to damage from vandalism and snow removal, while the outdated entrances required frequent service and no longer met the needs of the organization or its clients.
Martino Glass worked closely with Adlib through months of design development, budgeting, redesigns and scope changes to create a new storefront system that balanced appearance, durability, accessibility and long-term operating costs.
The completed project included:
Thermally broken commercial aluminum storefront | Black anodized aluminum framing | Insulated Low-E glass with argon
Energy-efficient commercial glazing | Secure commercial entrance doors | Handicap-accessible automatic door operators
Push-wall activation switches | Remote door actuators | Improved storefront security | Reduced glass replacement and maintenance exposure
Improving Energy Performance
The new thermally broken storefront and insulated glazing system was designed to improve the building envelope and reduce the cold drafts and solar heat gain associated with the previous storefront.
Using insulated Low-E glass with argon helped improve thermal performance while maintaining the large areas of daylight and visibility expected from a commercial storefront.
For businesses and institutions throughout Berkshire County, upgrading older storefront glass and framing can help improve comfort, appearance and long-term building performance.
ADA & Handicap-Accessible Commercial Entrances
Accessibility was an important part of the Adlib project.
Martino Glass incorporated automatic handicap door operators into the new commercial entrance system, including wall-mounted activation switches and remote actuators.
The new entrances provide easier access for Adlib clients and staff while integrating the accessibility equipment into the overall storefront design.
A New Commercial Facade for Downtown Pittsfield
The project was designed not only to improve Adlib's building, but also to complement the ongoing revitalization of North Street and downtown Pittsfield.
The finished black aluminum storefront creates a clean, contemporary appearance while providing improved energy efficiency, security and accessibility.
This project demonstrates Martino Glass Company's ability to manage the complete commercial glazing process—from early design and budgeting through storefront fabrication, glass, commercial doors, automatic operators and final installation.
Project Team
Designer & Glass Contractor:
Martino Glass Company, Inc.
Engineer of Record:
Eseppi & Associates
Security:
Alarms of Berkshire County
Client Request
Design and install a new energy-efficient, secure and handicap-accessible commercial storefront and entrance system.
The final scope included thermally broken black anodized aluminum storefront framing, insulated Low-E argon glass, secure commercial entrances and automatic handicap door operators with wall switches and remote actuators.
Need a Commercial Storefront or Accessible Entrance?
Martino Glass Company provides commercial storefront installation, storefront glass replacement, commercial entrances, automatic door operators and architectural glazing throughout Pittsfield, Berkshire County and Western Massachusetts.
