Meeting Workforce Housing Demands

I’ve said it time and time again; affordable housing design does not mean sacrificing quality. When thoughtful, innovative design solutions are applied, each project can become a noteworthy success.

As an architect, I see it is the designer’s responsibility to work with clients in developing a plan that best suites their needs. Through each stage, Rosemann works to ensure that clients and their residents are satisfied with the end result.

Rosemann recognizes the Tax Credit Application process can be challenging. However, if an experienced designer is consulted during the early stages then the application plan has more focus, credibility and purpose.

With Rosemann’s experience, we know what reviewers look for and understand financial requirements giving our clients an aggressive advantage over the competition. Contact Rosemann today for more information on how we can make your workforce housing vision come to life.

-- Donald E. Rosemann, NCARB, AIA, DBIA

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New Hires at Rosemann

Scott Rosemann, PE, LEED ® AP recently joined Rosemann as a Structural Engineer expanding the firm’s services. Scott is a graduate of the University of Wyoming and is a licensed engineer and LEED Accredited Professional in the State of Missouri.

Ann Compton joined Rosemann’s Kansas City office as a full-time Intern Architect. Compton worked at Rosemann for two years while obtaining a Masters in Architecture and Urban Design from the University of Kansas.

Elizabeth Kneller recently joined Rosemann’s St. Louis office as an Intern Architect and is a recent graduate from Washington University.

Carissa Komar joins Rosemann as an Intern Architect for the Kansas City office. She holds a Masters of Architecture from the University of Kansas.

Crystal Bruton joins Rosemann’s Kansas City office as a Summer Intern Interior Designer. She currently attends Texas Tech University and plans to graduate May 2009.

Zach Sage was recently appointed a position in Rosemann’s Accounting Department and is located in the Kansas City office.

Brittani Cygan, LEED ® AP is a Summer Interior Designer for Rosemann’s St. Louis office. She currently attends Illinois State University and is attending classes in the fall at Lorenzo De Medici School of Design in Florence, Italy.

Sean Flanagan joins Rosemann’s St. Louis office as a Summer Intern Architect. Sean attends Washington University and expects to graduate in May 2009.

For Rosemann career information go to http://www.rosemann.com/about/careers.php

Greening Workforce Communities

Numerous studies conducted in which adding energy-efficient design concepts show greening workforce communities is not an unrealistic goal. Neighborhoods can be built green if a balance of social, economic and environmental needs is present.

Committed to make a difference, Rosemann establishes a minimum standard of green design in each project. By using local materials, responsible construction and waste management practices and adding water efficient systems, most developments can become socially and economically responsible.

These tactics work great for the initial development, but what happens when construction is complete? With quality green design, Rosemann encourages community residents to be green in how they live. Residents are provided with tools and strategies to continue green community practices.

Needing more for less, workforce housing developers should not overlook the idea of establishing a green community. A qualified designer can help identify green options and provide the developer with the best fit for their project’s sustainability.

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Workforce Housing - Why Does it Matter?

Lack of adequate workforce housing has created a demand that many communities are struggling to meet. This demand has stemmed from a recent influx of new housing which out-prices residents who provide necessary community services such as teachers, nurses, police officers, and clerks.

FOCUS St. Louis has recently created an initiative to raise awareness regarding the demand and identifies benefits to including workforce housing in local communities. FOCUS St. Louis’ research shows having affordable living close to work, residents become more connected and invested in the community.

Rosemann designs workforce housing that creates a sense of community ownership. A recent example of Rosemann’s commitment to affordable design is Gundaker Commercial Group’s Alton Pointe Apartments in Alton, Ill.

“The standard apartment complex had previously failed in this same location,” explains Project Architect Andrew Koenig, AIA. “It was evident that something different and innovative needed to be done.”

Resembling large homes, each structure consists of three units, two apartments and one townhome. The design established a charming suburban atmosphere where residents can interact and actively participate in their neighborhood. With occupancy nearly full, Alton Pointe was a great success for both Gundaker and Madison County.

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Solutions for Workforce Housing: Community, Design & Financing

On August 19, 2008, Rosemann & Associates along with FOCUS St. Louis, Enterprise Bank & Trust and CPDC/DRG are sponsoring an event entitled, "Community, Design and Financing: Solutions for Workforce Housing." With this event, we hope to raise awareness and encourage development of Workforce Housing in the St. Louis region.

Located at the RCGA's conference center, Joseph Cavato, Peter Benoist and Jarrett Cooper, AIA will provide the audience with their expertise on different Workforce Housing components.

Cavato has been a consultant for numerous workforce housing communities throughout the St. Louis region. Peter Benoist is the CEO of Enterprise Financial Services Corp and has provided affordable housing debt and equity instruments for community development. Cooper is the Principal-in-Charge of Rosemann's St. Louis office and has managed the planning and design for thousands of workforce housing units in communities all over the Midwest.


For more event information or to attend contact FOCUS St. Louis at 314.622.1250 ext. 101 or email beccae@focus-stl.org by August 13, 2008.

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Pro Bono: Not Just for Lawyers

Recently, Jarrett R. Cooper, AIA was named in the St. Louis Post Dispatch as a source for the article, "Pro Bono: Not Just for Lawyers."

As the Principal-in-Charge of Rosemann & Associates,' Cooper discussed how architecture firms get involved with pro bono work:

"They (employees) bring us a project because they feel strongly about it and want to work on it, and we encourage them to do it," Cooper said. "We allow them time during regular work hours or maybe build a team in the office to help them."

In the past, Rosemann has donated time to Old North St. Louis Restoration Group for the Mullanphy Emigrant Home, a 140 year old building on St. Louis Landmarks Association's "Most Endangered" list.

To read the entire Post Dispatch article click here.

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ROSEMANN COMPLETES $14 MILLION G. W. LOFTS RENTAL PROJECT

St. Louis, Mo. - The historic renovation of G.W. Lofts at 2615 Washington Avenue in St. Louis is now complete thanks to the support of architecture and interior design firm Rosemann & Associates, P.C. With 60 rental units, G.W. Lofts’ surprising colored facades liven up the community and provide residents a unique urban living opportunity.

The colorful design arose after a golden glazed terra cotta brick was exposed during preliminary planning. According to Project Architect Gary Rogowski, AIA, this inspired a Miami art deco color scheme breathing new life into the property. The transformation, he says, encourages development and advancement to the west along Washington Avenue of Downtown.

Originally home to the Edwin F. Guth Lighting Company, the century old complex consists of 6 buildings. “Each building had a separate, historic identity,” explains Rogowski. “The varying colors help the individual buildings remain unique, just as the floor plan does for the interiors,” says Rogowski.

Rosemann’s floor plan design situates public spaces and residential units around especially large windows allowing natural light to span entire units. “The windows reveal a captivating view of the Downtown skyline,” says Rogowski. “It was important for us to keep the view while maintaining a certain degree of privacy for residents.”

Complicated in nature, historic renovations require constant attention throughout the construction process. G.W. Lofts was particularly challenging as remodels on all six buildings had occurred in the last fifty years.

“It’s always difficult when modernizing a building’s use,” explains Rogowski. “But with bright exterior colors, a modern floor plan and a dedicated project team, this once monotonous structure has been transformed into a fun, aesthetic gem.”

Project team members include developer George E. Walsh Building, LLC, HBD Construction, Inc., KPFF Consulting Engineers, C.E. Jarrell Mechanical Engineers, Dickherber Electric Inc. and Bi-State Fire Protection. Rental units range from 1241 SF to 877 SF with 28 two-bedrooms and 32 one-bedrooms. Two units on the second floor meet ADA compliancy.

Producing high caliber design since 1987, Rosemann is noted across the Midwest as a leader and innovator of Architecture, Interior Design, and Planning. Some of Rosemann’s current projects include Crown Square (14th Street Mall Revitalization), Ft. Leonard Wood Party Barracks Phase 2, MacKenzie Place at Deer Creek, Ballpark Lofts 8 and the Hotel Indigo in Clayton, Mo.

To read articles involving GW Lofts follow these links:

Colorful G.W. Lofts on Washington Completed

Developer Completes $14M Renovation of Historic Warehouse

Rosemann & Associates Completes Historic Renovation in Downtown St. Louis

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