Kelton Station

Kelton Station

Kelton Station is located in a very populated area, making it within walking and biking distance to a lot of shops, restaurants, and even a grocery store.  Since there is so much potential for bicycle uses, we added two enclosed bike houses to store the bikes on-site, unique features like these are what sets the Kelton Station apart from other Earthcraft certified multi-family buildings and head and shoulders above those that are not certified.

When working on multi-family projects our goal is to create unique places for future residents while also delivering an efficient project for our client. In this project, we wanted to focus on outdoor living and community space to create welcoming and comfortable homes.  We designed porches that are oversized and screened them in to provide comfortable spaces to enjoy the fresh air while still being protected from insects.  The clubhouse has a large “front porch” with lots of community seating, and a large enclosed screen porch in the back for gatherings overlooking the pool.  There are large gathering spaces around fire pits, and a large outdoor gathering space with grills called the pavilion all giving residents plenty of places to gather.  We were also able to preserve existing trees on the site keeping a large area of the site undisturbed as green space. 

These homes are comfortably sized without having wasted space. The gathering spaces are roomy and the units each have a laundry room, walk-in closets, and large bedrooms.  
The full cut-off lighting used in the design was strategically selected to reduce light pollution. We also used local materials where possible, and utilized materials with low or no VOCs throughout the project.  The high-efficiency and energy star-rated equipment and appliances, along with WaterSense plumbing fixtures will keep utility bills modest making the units more affordable. 

Binge-Worthy TV Shows: World Television Day 2021

Binge-Worthy TV Shows: World Television Day 2021

#worldtelevisionday exists to bring awareness and acknowledge the power television has, in 1996 when this holiday was first created it was to bring attention to the effect television had on decision-making by spreading information. While television is important to understand what is happening in society, we decided to look at the fun side of television.

In honor of #worldtelevisionday our team is sharing their most binge-worthy shows to get you through the weekend! Through the pandemic, television has become a more crucial part of our lives, no one can say they haven’t spent an entire night binging their new favorite show. The pandemic highlighted just how important media is to people, and how it can actually work to keep us sane through hard times. While we are all one cohesive team we have very different tastes in what television shows we watch in our free time. Deborah love spooky mysteries, and of course, Charles is all about the classics.

From spooky murder mysteries to sweet baking shows we all define binge-worthy in our own way. Maybe our favorite shows will be your next weekend obsession?

Deborah: Sleepy Hollow

Charles: Seinfeld

National Sandwich Day 2021

National Sandwich Day 2021

In honor of #nationalsandwichday our team is celebrating by ordering takeout from Lola’s and enjoying a delicious lunch together! While national sandwich day exists to honor the inventor of the sandwich (John Montagu) we are taking this time to take a breather and enjoy quality time with one another.

And if you are curious about some of the best sandwiches in Harrisonburg, we have attached our Lola’s order for those who would like their own piece of #nationalsandwichday.

Deborah: Smoben

Matty: SOS

 

Eastern Mennonite University: U2 Romeo & Juliet

Eastern Mennonite University: U2 Romeo & Juliet

Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) is paving the way in theatre productions with their creation of ‘U2 Romeo and Juliet under the direction of Justin Poole with musical direction by Jerry Holsopple featuring Prince Bellerose. This original performance features a classic story with a twist, utilizing the intense music from the legendary band, U2.

The show was excellent according to Charles’s summary, saying “as always the students at EMU have shown that they have exceptional acting skills and musical talents.”

We could not be more proud to have been a sponsor of this amazing performance and thrilled to sponsor many more art-focused events such as First Friday, featuring Matty Tesch and Andrew Stronge. Supporting the arts community is a primary focus for our firm as we believe beauty in all forms builds a better community for all.

theater seats at Eastern Mennonite University

While you might have missed out on viewing this season’s performance, community members know to expect another amazing theatre experience next year featuring Eastern Mennonite University’s talented ensemble. For those yearning for an immersion in the arts, stay tuned for the upcoming EMS High School Musical, Alice in Wonderland, the SVCC Choir Christmas performance, and for those seeking a little more adventure, the Any Given Child as we root for Nathan May (who has an amazing singing voice that he will not get to use in this competition).

Books and Brews

Books and Brews

We at the Gaines Group are beyond excited to sponsor another WMRA “Books and Brews” Night at Pale Fire. On Tuesday, November 9th, Joel Salatin will be discussing his latest book, Polyface Micro: Success With Livestock on a Homestead Scale.

stack of books on a shelf with a plant next to it

Books and Brews is an event that is very near and dear to our hearts and something we believe needs to be incredibly crucial not only for authors and creatives but for entire communities. This event allows authors to speak about their works and encourage community connection through reading. These past few months have been strictly digital but this upcoming November 9th event will be the return of in-person books and brews.

This event is amazing because we not only have the opportunity to support authors and local businesses but we get to support our local radio station WMRA. Supporting local radio is not only beneficial for staying up to date on community events and news but keeps us connected as members of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Public radio also doesn’t discriminate, it is a major form of media that is accessible to almost everyone. At a time when prices are rising and certain forms of media are less and less accessible, local public radio remains a key factor for inclusive connectivity.