by Charles Hendricks | Aug 22, 2018 | architecture, Commercial Architect, Harrisonburg Architect, School architect
Eastern Mennonite Elementary School construction has started. The first round of demolition over the summer removed interior finishes and asbestos. You could tell something was going on by the workers around the building and the dumpsters, but from the outside it was hard to see progress. The flooring, walls, ceilings, wiring, and insulation were all removed to make way for the new Elementary school layout to fit perfectly into the existing space. Plans have evolved as pricing has been developed by the contractor and design has continued through the pricing phase. Often in renovation work we don’t have the chance to see behind the walls before design documents are finished. This preliminary demolition opened up the structure and we have been able to see actual conditions and plan the correct solutions for any issues that have been identified.
Now phase two of the demolition has started for Eastern Mennonite Elementary School. The trees along Rt 42 are being taken down. They have been deformed by power line trimming over the years. They also are in the space of the new stair and elevator tower needed for circulation in the new elementary school. While we hate to lose these mature trees, we will bring back landscaping once construction on the building is complete. Planning will be done to select and locate trees that can better coexist with the power lines. The wood is being saved for use around the school as benches and play structures.
The next big change will be the removal of the recording studio that is attached to the warehouse. This will be a dramatic change to the existing building. Stay tuned for updates.
by Charles Hendricks | Oct 12, 2017 | Charles Hendricks, citizen architect, Commercial Architect, community, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership, Local Leaders, Office Culture, Rotary
Polio still cripples children around the world. With your help, we can wipe this disease off the face of the earth forever. Join us for a sweet Pints for Polio event at the Harmony Square Dairy Queen on October 24, 2017 from 5pm – 9pm.
Polio is a crippling and potentially infectious disease. It is caused by the poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis.
Harmony Square Dairy Queen is located at 1755 Virginia Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.
History of Rotary
Rotary International is an international service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business professionals in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. It is non-political and non-sectarian organization open to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference.
by Charles Hendricks | Nov 18, 2016 | architecture, Commercial Architect
30 things you can do to make your commercial building Earth Friendly
How do you start? How do you create a commercial building that is sustainable? Here are 30 things you can do to make your commercial building Earth Friendly. Click the links and learn more.
by Charles Hendricks | May 3, 2016 | Commercial Architect, project update
Chesapeake Western Depot project updates
Over the last few week there has been an amazing amount of progress at the Depot job site. The electricians have almost finished wiring the entire building. The drywall crew has done an amazing job putting the building back together and repairing the plaster. The insulators have made the building more efficient than it has been in 103 years. The painters are bringing color back into the spaces. The HVAC crew from Excel have installed an efficient comfort system in all the spaces. Maust Excavating has cleaned up the site and installed the sidewalks. Bryan Nesselrodt Construction has most of the framing complete. Our move in date is still not set, but we are getting closer to the finish line.
Want to see more, check out these posts HERE,HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE,HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.
by Charles Hendricks | Mar 30, 2016 | Commercial Architect, project update
A fast-food restaurant is not often thought of as a “green” building. However, when Jane and Michael Blackburn approached their future Harmony Square Dairy Queen, that is exactly what they asked for from us. Mike said, “this is a locally owned business, we care about our community, and we want to impact the community and the environment in a positive way.” This Harmony Square Dairy Queen is in its second generation of ownership. The store is run by Jane Blackburn who grew up in the business with her late mother Josephine Musser. Jane’s goals were simple, “make a store that will be energy-efficient and durable – we have lots of loyal clients and we want them to love this new store and for them to know that we love them.” Working with a standard Core 72 Dairy Queen design, we had to convert the design package to reflect local code and also boost the efficiency. This is a delicate balance that would have to meet local standards and also be approved at the state and national corporate levels of the chain.
Harmony Square Dairy Queen – Jane and Mike have now created a Dairy Queen that is very energy-efficient.
Opening in early January 2016 the loyal customers have shown their appreciation for the efforts after only one month of data. With a 46% increase in business over the same month last year, a larger store footprint, two additional cake freezers, three additional reach in freezers, a chain broiler, site lighting, and additional exterior signage, there is a higher energy demand. Even then, the store is trending at 50% of the national average for energy usage per square foot for a fast food chain store. The energy-efficient features used at the store are:
- high performance air tight insulation package to reduce wasted energy and increase occupant comfort
- Energy-Efficient LED lights
- Skylight tubes to provide natural daylight deep into the space
- 5 Kw Solar Photovoltaic Array on the roof
- On demand water heating
- Low flow water fixtures
- High efficiency heating and cooling system
Harmony Square Dairy Queen – Using innovative building science systems, they have created a store that is very likely the greenest Dairy Queen in the state if not the country.
by Charles Hendricks | Mar 29, 2016 | architecture, Commercial Architect, project update
Chesapeake Western Railroad Depot project updates
Work on The Chesapeake Western Railroad Depot continues and Jim and the guys are making tremendous progress. The electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-ins are all done. The structural flooring repairs are done. The insulation is installed in the attic. The warehouse roof is being rebuilt and brick cleaned from the fire damage.
Chesapeake Western Railroad Depot in the News
These past few weeks the project was newsworthy for WHSV and the Daily News Record. It was a busy time doing hard hat tours and making final decisions.
Tours of the Chesapeake Western Depot
Michael Sheeler a talented young photographer in Harrisonburg joined one of the hard hat tours to document the event. His work enhances the beauty of the buildings.
Michael Sheeler photography
Michael Sheeler photography
Michael Sheeler photography
Michael Sheeler photography
Michael Sheeler photography
Michael Sheeler photography
Michael Sheeler photography
Michael Sheeler photography
Want to see more, check out these posts HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE,HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.
