Welathy Theatre LED conversion

“Historic preservation is a study in contradiction,” says Wealthy Theatre Director Erin Wilson. “While the fundament of Wealthy Theatre could withstand a hundred hurricanes,

much of it is not built to last, like the decorative wood in our facade. So we mend it, and we honor and preserve it by replacing those things exactly as they were, with ephemeral materials.

“To value authenticity more than convenience is true love,” adds Wilson.

The mending has begun in earnest at Wealthy Theatre, in partnership with Rockford Construction and Paradigm Design, thanks to the overwhelming support of the community – who helped to successfully complete theatre’s ambitious Centennial Sustainability Campaign.

“The community through its support said this history was worth preserving, and so the future looks brighter than ever,” Wilson says. “Not just because we have a rebirth underway; but because we are a community that cherishes its history.”

Grand Rapids Community Media Center (CMC) re-opened Wealthy Theatre in 2005 at the request of community leaders, who considered the theatre essential to a recovery of the long-challenged Wealthy Theatre Historic District – a recovery jeopardized in 2004 when the theatre closed its doors, after having been renovated in the 1990s.

“As (CMC) approaches a full decade as stewards of Wealthy Theatre, we’ve seen the hoped-for comeback blossom into a full-on renaissance,” he says. “The Centennial Sustainability Campaign represents our commitment to the long-term well being of this city landmark that we all love so dearly.”

Painting in nearly all first-floor spaces is underway. The majority of the improvements will be realized through mid-July.

Wilson said the Sustainability Campaign, first drafted in 2007, has been adaptive.

Painting Wealthy Theatre

“Our timing (in completing the campaign) was a blessing, because suddenly we had a rapidly deteriorating roof – and water damage to the facade accelerated exponentially with heavy rains and late freezing temperatures, this year,” Wilson said. “The first thing we did was replace the roof, and at the end of June we will restore the facade.”

Construction through July includes beautification and greening of the back parking lot, comprehensive efforts to reduce energy loss and significant upgrades to the facility’s technologies.

Wilson notes that the city’s Historic Preservation Commission recently approved two major components of the campaign: the addition of a structure around the loading dock to contain heat, and the installation of a solar panel array on the southwest rooftop.

Wilson says the mission statement of the Sustainability campaign, itself, may have seemed like a contradiction, stating that the entire project was to “embrace the future to preserve the past.”

“But (Historic Preservation) Commissioners saw the design as a possible model for historic districts nationwide, praising the way the design maximized potential energy capture while largely concealing the solar panels,” he says.

Wilson says Grand Rapid City officials have played a significant role in the success and survival of Wealthy Theatre, noting that Mayor George Heartwell served as an advisor on the campaign’s steering committee, and the Grand Rapids Fire Department helped the theatre to improve its fire prevention procedures and pass a comprehensive series of inspections.

“The City of Grand Rapids has a vision for the future that includes its history,” Wilson says. “They’re diligent with respect to proposed changes, protective with regard to inspections, and their support and concern for this gathering space is unequaled.”

Wilson says nearly all improvements will be complete before Labor Day, with all construction completed in July.

Additional updates and images will appear in The Rapidian throughout the summer.

“This is a very exciting time, especially for the community that attends and produces events at this storied theatre, thanks to the resounding investment by the community,” Wilson says. “We can’t wait until the community can see what’s been planned to mend and improve their theatre, all of which is now underway.”

Wenger's Bowling on Loenard

Bowling Outing 2013

Bowling Outing 2013

Pizza, Pins, and Funny Shoes. Yesterday we closed up shop early and were treated to a couple hours of bowling at Wenger’s Bowling on Leonard.

Every year we go out in teams for some good old fashioned competition. Wenger’s has that old school charm, with gravity fed ball returns, and a split level alleys.

Wenger’s Bowl

Muskegon Farmers Market Birds Eye

Muskegon Farmers Market Aerieal Eye

Muskegon announced the possible plans for a new farmers market in downtown Muskegon. The new market would have over 145 larger, better lit stalls, which would be fully equipped with electricity. Our preliminary renderings and plans are being discussed by the community, so the market plans can be optimized for all those involved.

MLIVE: FEB 12

MLIVE: Feb 13

MLIVE: Feb 15

Muskegon Farmers Market Street View

Current Goodrich Saqinaw 12

Goodrich Quality 10 Saginaw Rendering

Goodrich Announces Saginaw Theatre Rebuild. Here is the story from Mlive.

“KOCHVILLE TOWNSHIP, MI — The 10-screen movie theater proposed to replace the Saginaw 12would open by Christmas and include wall-to-wall screens, motion effect seats and private party rooms.

Goodrich Quality Theaters Inc. owns and operates the existing theater, at the intersection of Bay and Tittabawassee. If the plan to build a new theater and demolish the Saginaw 12 is approved, the company aims to break ground in mid-April, according to a Goodrich Quality Theaters Inc. news release.

Goodrich aims to debut its first large format, or “Giant Digital Xperience,” auditorium at the new theater, the release states. It would include a 70-foot wide screen with floor-to-ceiling viewing.

It would be the largest screen and auditorium north of Flint, according to the release, and would include all-digital projection, 3D movies, motion effect seats, and stadium, high-back seating.

Grand Rapids-based architectural and civil engineering firm Paradigm Design Inc. recently applied for a site plan review.

The proposed 50,000 square foot multiplex would be built adjacent to the current theater. Paradigm Design and Wolgast Corporation are contracted for the $12 million theater project, the release states. After the new theater is built, the existing theater would be demolished.

“The new Goodrich theater is obviously a very exciting development for our community, and fits beautifully with the growing restaurant and shopping options available on the Tittabawassee and Bay Road corridors,” said Kochville Downtown Development Authority Director Steve King. “This project will result in one of the nicest new theaters in Michigan, right here in Saginaw County.”

Adding, “Goodrich Theaters has been a mainstay of our business community for literally decades, and it’s terrific to see this investment to keep their theater a dynamic attraction for years to come.”

CEO Martin Betz told MLive.com customers can expect to see a modest price increase at the new theater, but that the company offers competitive prices.

The new theater would also offer a frequent moviegoer card, an e-newsletter for discounts and deals, the theater’s longstanding free spring and free fall movies, $1 kids’ summer movies, and live special events, according to the release.

The release also states that current management and staff would be transferred to the new theater.

“We are thrilled that we can build a brand new theater in Saginaw, Michigan,” CEO Martin Betz stated in the release. “This is where our company got off the ground to expand to other cities. The Quad is where I started my career and it will always have a special place in my heart.”

The theater, built in 1974, originally had four screens and was called The Quad.

Betz told MLive.com he got his start as an usher at The Quad.

“That was my first job at a movie theater, back in 79,” he said.

Betz said there has been some outcry from customers over the proposed plan. He said customers have made many memories there over the years, including first kisses and first dates, and he intends to have some sort of memorial event before it is gone.”

Mlive Article

Womans Resource Center

Paradigm Design is a proud sponsor for the 2013 Woman’s Resource Center Pillar Awards.

“Women’s Resource Center improves workplace and economic opportunities for women in transition by supporting their career and life goals, teaching skills for success, and encouraging the confidence to pursue their dreams.” Each year the WRC honors West Michigan Businesses who empower women in the workplace.

The awards ceremony will be held March 21, 2013 at 11:30am at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

Pillar Awards: Sponsors

Meijer Knapps Corner

Meijer Knapps Corner

Meijer Knapps Corner: New Starbucks

It was announced earlier this week that that Meijer will be remodeling five, and building six new stores in 2013. The largest focus of the announcement is on the Grand Rapid’s Knapp’s Corner , which will get a new experimental flagship remodel. We are proud to be the designer of the project and have included some links to the news stories along with renderings of what the new Meijer will look like.

Mlive Article: Knapp’s Corner

Mlive Article: 2013 Plans

New Knapps Corner Facebook Page

Photo Courtesy of Google Maps

The Urban Defense training facility is designed by Paradigm Design to replicate an urban environment with commercial and residential buildings, roads, maneuvering approaches, and staging areas.  The training range consists of nine single and multi-story buildings, tunnel/sewer system, simulated power poles, over 200 meters of barrier walls, chain link perimeter fences, and pedestrian and vehicular circulation systems.  The fences are located to enclose residential yards and create barriers to go over or around.

A 3D BIM model of the city is used to provide tactical analysis of buildings and site layouts for the initial design.  This same 3D model will be used by the Military for mission preparation and After Action Review.

An interesting aspect of the design process for this project is in the way the designer has to think. Instead of a pretty facade, one thinks of where someone could hide a gun or IUD. The designer also has to think of what the soldier does or does not see as they round the corner.

For full coverage on the race check out the MLive Story