Sharing the Benefits of Energy-Efficient Design with GRPS
On May 7, 2012 Bob McGraw, AIA, LEED AP, President & CEO of Kingscott, presented a check for $21,000 to the Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Board of Education.
Bob McGraw of Kingscott presents a check for $21,000 to Grand Rapids Public Schools' Interim Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal and Board President Senita Lenear.
As Architects and Engineers for Cesar Chavez Elementary School, Kingscott qualified for the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) tax program. Kingscott’s sustainable design of the building’s envelope and mechanical and lighting systems exceeded code minimum efficiencies by more than 50%. The school district and the community made efficient, economical, and sustainable design a priority, so Kingscott wanted to share this benefit of implementing the energy-saving design with the district. Kingscott previously shared EPAct program funds with Gull Lake Community Schools.
New Tech Project Takes Shape at Meridian
Meridian Public Schools’ New Tech High School has been designed and is taking shape in this community near Midland. The remodeled facility includes project-based learning studios, small group work areas, and a student commons for team activities. View more of the 3D renderings here.
Progress on Senior Living Projects
Kingscott has several Senior Living projects in the works. Among the projects we’re working on:
Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility
Kingscott is working with a private developer on a new Assisted Living and Memory Care facility. The 80-bed residence contains 24 memory-care units. The balance of the Assisted Living units are split between studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. From a central ‘main street’, residents can access courtyards, and a dining room. Image courtesy of Post Associates.
Bronson Healthcare Group’s new Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Kingscott has completed design work and is finishing construction documentation for Bronson Healthcare Group’s new Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Mattawan, Michigan. The Center will replace an existing facility.
Senior Living Community Concept
Kingscott was asked to imagine a new Senior Living Community on a reclaimed site. In partnership with Viridis Design group and Erhardt Construction, we envisioned a community organized around a “Central Park”. See more of our concept here.
Three Recent Remodeling & Site Projects
We’ve added three new projects to our online portfolio. They include remodeling and an addition at Marshall Public Schools’ Gordon and Hughes Elementary Schools; a new Athletic Complex at Decatur Public Schools; and multiple improvements to DeWitt Public Schools. All three projects feature site and circulation improvements.
The projects at Marshall Public Schools are part of the district’s 2009 Bond program which will also include a new auditorium at the High School.
Decatur’s new Athletic Complex includes a new football stadium, baseball field, soccer field, softball field, and concession stand. Site lighting, playgrounds, pathways, and parking lots were included in the project that included remodeling to the district’s high school and elementary school.
Projects recently completed for DeWitt Public Schools include reconfigured traffic circulation, an addition at Fuerstenau Early Childhood Center, and improvements to the Athletic Stadium complex.
DeWayne Leppke, A Career of Service
DeWayne was always ready to share his enthusiasm for engineering with students, including this visiting Girl Scout Troop from Kalamazoo.
After nearly 50 years with Kingscott, longtime Senior Associate and trailblazing engineer DeWayne Leppke, P.E., has announced his retirement. While we are sorry to see DeWayne wind down his valued participation in the firm, we take great pride in his many accomplishments. His involvement included:
- Served as Principal and member of the Board of Directors
- Engineer for Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery, Oshtemo, MI, at the time, the world’s largest shallow-water solar energy system in the world
- Engineer for the (Gerald R. Ford) Federal Building in Grand Rapids, MI
- Engineer for Berkshire Hills Monument Valley Middle School (linked to page), Great Barrington, MA utilizing solar/photovoltaic and geothermal systems
- Mentor for NASA Robotics Alliance Project FIRST Competition and recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award
- Member of Board of Deacons at Bethel Baptist Church, Kalamazoo, MI
In addition to the numerous awards his projects have won for engineering and design, DeWayne was named a Thought Leader in Energy in 2010, reflecting the continuing innovation he brought to projects large and small. His mentorship and friendship to all of us at Kingscott will never be replaced. Good Luck in all you do, DeWayne!
New Projects in Calhoun County
We’ve added two new Calhoun County projects to our online portfolio.
The Bedford Valley Golf Course at Gull Lake View sports a new clubhouse, including lower-level cart charging stations. The Craftsman-style building houses a pro shop, dining room, bar, kitchen, and changing rooms for patrons.
The new Battle Creek home of Family & Children Services is a former American Automobile Association office on Columbia Avenue. The building was transformed by Kingscott for use by this community service agency. A drive-through garage was turned into a new conference room.
Happy Retirement, Brooks!
After more than 45 years with Kingscott, Brooks Godfrey, AIA is retiring. While with Kingscott, Brooks held many positions, including Senior Principal and member of the Board of Directors. Brooks’ service to the Kalamazoo community includes the recent award-winning Chenery Auditorium improvements. He served as President of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo and Chair of the Kalamazoo Cultural Center Board. Kingscott wishes Brooks and his wife Mary a happy retirement. We will miss you!
Chenery Auditorium
Here are some of his many notable projects:
- Chenery Auditorium remodeling, Kalamazoo, MI
- Monument Valley Middle School, Great Barrington, MA, a school partially powered by alternative energy – solar and geothermal
- Epic Center, Kalamazoo, MI, a catalyst for downtown development and a home for many of the arts organizations Brooks has supported over the years.
- Woodland Elementary, Kingsford, MI
- East Middle School, Holland, MI, winner of several national education awards
- Holland High School Additions & Remodeling, Holland, MI
- Glen Oaks Community College Addition, Centreville, MI one of the first green-roofed buildings in Michigan
- Perry Child Development Center, Ypsilanti, MI, a groundbreaking Early Childhood Learning Center and winner of the William W. Caudill Citation
- Orr Elementary, Washington, D.C.
- Newton High School, Newton, KS
- Parker Hannifin, Office Building, Richland, MI
- DeChaine Residence, Eugene, OR
Epic Center
Kingscott Presents Gull Lake Schools with a $53,000 Check
On Monday September 19, 2011, Brendon Pollard, AIA, Principal, and Susan Einspahr, Chairman of the Board and Senior Principal presented a check for $53,000 to the Chris Rundle, Superintendent of Gull Lake Community Schools.
As Architects and Engineers for the new Gull Lake High School, Kingscott qualified for the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) tax credits. Kingscott’s sustainable design of the building’s envelope and mechanical and lighting systems exceeds code minimum efficiencies by more than 50%. The school district and the community made efficient, economical design a priority, and Kingscott wanted to share with them the benefit of implementing an energy-saving design.
InterAct Celebrates a New Beginning
from left: Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell, Executive Director Claudia Wink-Basing, and Roger Hinman
InterAct officially opened their new home on July 28 with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by local officials and community members. Executive Director Claudia Wink-Basing cut the ribbon held by Mayor Bobby Hopewell and Roger Hinman of The Hinman Company.
Kingscott worked with The Hinman Company to design the building to earn LEED Silver certification. Photos of the interior are shown here. A video of the ribbon cutting is posted on our Facebook page.
ROI begins a Capital Campaign
Residential Opportunities Inc. (ROI) is the largest nonprofit mental health organization in Kalamazoo County and serves more than 400 people each month.
In partnership with Western Michigan University’s Department of Psychology, ROI is developing the Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment and Research. It will be a residential resource and program for children with severe autism and serve as a home for up to 12 children between the age of 7 and 17. The Dr. Sidney Heersma Outpatient Clinic for Children will share the remodeled building and serve up to 100 children per year. The Clinic will focus on developing skills and tools to help children and their families improve the quality of their lives.
Kingscott assisted ROI in site and facilities assessments as the organization began a search for a new home. With a site selected, and a capital campaign underway, Kingscott is working with ROI to design a home for these programs. Here’s a conceptual plan for the new facility.
ROI has set as goal of $2.5 million for the campaign and has secured 25% of the goal (as of April 2011). To contribute, contact Ross Hamilton at 269.343.3731 extension 234.
Residential Opportunities Inc. website
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