A modern wireless access control system allows you to retrofit your old or historical building with modern security upgrades — often without having to drill into the molding or tear up the original floor. This means you can give your tenants peace of mind and improve your building’s curb appeal without incurring huge renovation costs or, worse, having to tear anything down.
Modern Access Control Systems Are Important for Old Buildings, Too
An access control system is the network of devices you have in place to give yourself some say in who can get in and out of your building at a given time. While technically your ring of keys and deadbolts are part of an access control system, these days we are typically talking about electronic systems that can control your locks remotely through a local server or the cloud.
These systems allow you to use your phone or laptop to create and revoke credentials, lock and unlock doors, and arm or disarm your security system.
Older buildings pose definite challenges for security system upgrades, but that is no excuse for neglecting your access control system. In fact, older buildings can be attractive targets for thieves precisely because they are more likely to rely on physical locks only. A modern access control system tells thieves that people are paying attention to that property.
The Many Benefits of Electronic Access Controls for Old Buildings in Chicago
Of course, any security upgrade project will be expensive, and electronic access controls do cost more than your traditional mechanical locks. But there are many reasons it’s worth the investment.
Optimize your building’s lifespan
Retrofitted systems allow you to extend the life of your building. There’s no need to incur the costs of demolition and new construction, not to mention the waste and environmental impacts.
Improve your building’s efficiency
Electronic systems are much easier to administer than physical ones, saving you time and energy. No more physical keys to store and track or manual security checks; it’s all handled in the app.
Increase the property value
Up-to-date security systems, even retrofitted ones, make your building more future-ready and thus increase its value.
Lower your insurance
Some insurance companies offer incentives for installing modern security systems.
Scale and adapt easily
Networked access systems can change with your building’s evolving needs, often from the comfort of your desk.
Increase tenant retention
Commercial and residential tenants alike will feel more satisfied that your building is secure if you are using a modern system and thus will be more likely to stay put — which means a greater lifetime value for you.
Improve curb appeal
Prospective tenants will appreciate that your building has historic charm but modern security. In fact, about two-thirds of renters are willing to pay extra for features like keyless entry or video doorbells.
Challenges to Retrofitting Historic Buildings with Modern Security
Wireless electronic access controls have largely solved the two primary problems with retrofitting old or historical buildings:
- Lack of electrical infrastructure
- Desire to avoid damaging historical or original materials
Wireless components don’t require installing massive amounts of wiring in the walls. Wireless locksets, for example, can often be installed in the existing bore holes in your doors. This means you won’t have to alter your doors to upgrade your security.
Other challenges still exist, especially for historical buildings. These include:
- Thick walls or dense materials such as marble, plaster, tile, or brick that can block wireless signals
- Small spaces that can be difficult to work in or bring materials through
- Unique or intricate features that require customized solutions
- Aesthetic concerns
- Historical preservation guidelines
Retrofitting Solutions for Historic Buildings
An access control system professional can help you identify the challenges specific to your building and design solutions to address them. You may be surprised by how ingenious they can be, meaning you can get the security you want without compromising the integrity of your building.
Materials That Block Signals
You can ensure that all relevant devices stay connected by setting up multiple wireless routers or repeaters in key locations around your building, creating a mesh network that can be more resilient than a single-node network.
Tight Spaces
Some components can be pre-assembled if there is not enough room to assemble them near the installation site. Similarly, cables and wires can be pre-cut to required lengths. Devices like cameras that may need to have certain programming or code installed can be pre-programmed prior to delivery to the site.
Historical Preservation & Aesthetics
You will need to work with the relevant governing body to determine what modifications you can make, what materials you can use, what aesthetic concerns you need to consider, and any review processes you need to complete.
Today’s devices are often small, low-profile, and aesthetically pleasant. You can often find a lockset that complements your existing aesthetics. Many times, security cameras can be installed in discreet locations, and when they cannot, they at least are not garish and bulky like in earlier days.
Again, wireless solutions can make installation easy and unobtrusive, but in cases where you do need wiring, your contractor can help you find ways to conceal it.
Best Practices for Modernizing Your Old Building’s Security
With good planning and communication, you can give your old or historic building a security upgrade without undue expense or hassle.
Conduct a Security Audit
We always recommend beginning with a comprehensive security assessment. Identify all the entryways and doors that require locksets, panic bars, and door closers. Note specific vulnerabilities that you want to address.
Think About the Next 20 Years
Security isn’t just about locking things down now; it’s about what you’re going to need 5, 10, and 20 years from now. Are you planning an expansion? Will you be turning some spaces into data or sensitive document storage? Will you need a security system that can grow with you, or can you install a system that gives you room to grow?
Look at Your Whole IoT Picture
This upgrade may be about security, but when you’re talking smart networks, you want to think about all the devices that will use your network. This is called the internet of things, or IoT. In a given apartment or office building, you may have 2–3 devices per person, plus any security cameras and remote access points. Make sure you build a network that can handle all your users.
Consider What Data You Will Need
Electronic access controls can be simple or very complex. The most basic ones may only trigger fire doors to close or safety doors to lock down. More complex ones can tell you who entered which door at what time and a host of other information — if you need it. Talk with your access control professional about what data you need now and how your system can grow in the future.
Create a Phased Rollout Plan
Start with the most critical areas, and focus on one floor or department at a time. Besides minimizing the disruption to your people, this can also allow you to test components and make adjustments before a full rollout. When possible, schedule installation for off-hours.
Clearly Define Historical Preservation Guidelines
Make sure you know how to preserve the historical integrity of your building, then make sure your contractors and installers know, too. Discuss with them what they can do to protect historical features and materials, including drop cloths, barriers, and tool handling.
Communicate Clearly with Your People
You cannot avoid some disruption to your tenants or employees, but you can minimize grumbling by telling them what to expect in a timely manner and updating them on the progress of the project.
Preserve and Protect Your Old Chicago Building with a Retrofitted Access Control System
Modernizing your security in your old building does not have to mean a costly and destructive process. New technologies give you a lot more options for streamlining and enhancing security without compromising aesthetics or completely rewiring your building.
We at Anderson Lock have been around for over 60 years, so we have great respect for history. If it’s time to bring your old building into the 21st century, give us a call to learn more about your options.