Project Activity Posts

Catalyst Development Completed

Posted by: TowerPinkster | Sep, 23rd

Project: Catalyst Development

Client Challenge
Dating back to the 1860’s, “Corporation Hall” went though several renovations and no longer fit into the context of the surrounding urban neighborhood in downtown Kalamazoo. Originally constructed as a fire station, the building was converted into the first City Hall, then into library, a government building, and a department store which closed in 1956. The building was then leased for several years and sat vacant in the middle of the Kalamazoo Mall; a street filled with vibrant shops, restaurants and condos.  
Reaching the end of its useful life, the building was in need of a complete transformation. That’s when Catalyst Development turned to TowerPinkster to fulfill its vision of  creating a mixed-use development that would serve as a model for sustainable design in a vibrant, urban setting.

TowerPinkster Solution
The revitalized building features two floors of retail and five single-stall garages to accompany one and two-story residential lofts. Each unit also has access to a private rooftop terrace with a cedar pergola and a modular roof paver system.  
The building also features a green roof, a geothermal system, high-efficiency mechanical units, low consumption light fixtures and skylights. Materials from the existing structure were repurposed, and several resources were locally sourced. The building’s energy model shows that it will save more than 60% on energy costs as compared to a minimally compliant building.
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Northview Public Schools Finished

Posted by: TowerPinkster | Sep, 23rd

Project: Northview Public Schools

Client Challenge
Northview High School expanded over the years from its original construction in 1961 to include additions on both ends of the facility in 1971 and 1998. While the newer portions of the building were in fair condition, the original building consisted of outmoded spaces connected by long, narrow corridors. 

TowerPinkster Solution
TowerPinkster conducted a facility assessment and determined that the best solution would be to demolish the middle third of the 270,000 square foot building and construct a new, two-story 100,00 square foot addition. Features will include a new entry, offices, a district-wide copy center, kitchen and cafeteria, locker commons, science and computer labs and new classrooms with shared learning space. A 600-foot long curved glass feature wall connects the two existing portions of the building, enclosing the interior student concourse. 
The facility assessment also identified the need to replace the high school’s natatorium and make several improvements to athletic facilities.  TowerPinskter transformed the existing pool into a new fitness center and designed a 13-lane new pool with expanded bleacher seating, locker rooms and a wet classroom. Other athletic improvements include renovations to the existing gymnasiums, a new athletic director’s suite, locker rooms, an aerobics studio, batting cages, restroom facilities, an indoor track and a school spirit store.  
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East Lansing MacDonald Middle School Completed

Posted by: TowerPinkster | Sep, 23rd

Project: East Lansing MacDonald Middle School

Client Challenge
MacDonald Middle School currently serves seventh and eighth grade students. Through districtwide consolidation efforts, sixth graders will soon join the school, but several improvements and upgrades are necessary to accommodate the curriculum and create a true middle school environment.
TowerPinkster Solution
TowerPinkster’s team is designing several additions and renovations to serve students at all levels. A new main entrance will offer added security while creating an identifiable and memorable experience that helps transform the image of the school. The existing natatorium space will be transformed into a second gymnasium, and several classrooms will feature the addition of open, collaborative project areas.  
A two-story addition is also planned to house a sixth grade wing with more classrooms as well as areas for teaching flexibility and hands-on learning opportunities. The additions and renovations will acknowledge that learning environments evolve and change over time, so long term adaptability and flexibility was key in creating a design solution.
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