New Housing Will Help Fulfill Demand in Downtown Kansas City

Rosemann & Associates, Architects recently completed design, and construction has begun on the conversion of the 17 story historic 1006 Grand building into 134 apartment units to be called Grand Boulevard Lofts. This project, with an $18 million construction cost, will be a bright spot of development in a downtown that has experienced tremendous growth but has seen many projects stall in the current economic times.

"The downtown area has experienced revitalization and there is now a great demand for quality affordable housing inside the downtown loop," says Donald Rosemann, NCARB, AIA. "Our team is confident this project will help fulfill this need but there is still more work to be done." This seventeen story building at the corner of 10th Street and Grand Boulevard has been vacant for 10 years and is about to receive the historic preservation it deserves.

Developed by Sherman Associates, of Minneapolis MN, Grand Boulevard Lofts will provide much needed affordable housing to serve the downtown workforce. Financing for the project is provided by the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the City of Kansas City, MO, various private institutional lenders and equity investors. Rau Construction Co. is the General Contractor for the project which is scheduled for completion at the end of 2010.

Rosemann's design concept preserves the historic context of this building. 1006 Grand was originally built in 1909 as a five story building known as The Gates Building. Over the next twenty years additions were completed to expand the building to its current seventeen story height and became known as The Homes Savings Association Building. This conversion will maintain the integrity of the historic qualities of this building, while offering all modern apartment amenities.

Rosemann & Associates Wins 2 Awards in One Week!

1st Place – Neighborhood Redevelopment

Rosemann’s project, the 14th Street Mall, won 1st Place Honors in the Neighborhood Redevelopment category. The awards were presented at a gala celebrating the 40th-Anniversary of Construction News and Real Estate Magazine, and were featured in its Nov/Dec 2009 issue.

3rd Place – Historic Residential Renovation

Rosemann’s project, GW Lofts, won 3rd Place honors in the Historic Residential Renovation category and was featured in the sponsors Nov/Dec 2009 issue of At Home St. Louis.

Thank you CNR and At Home St. Louis for sponsoring these ceremonies.

(Pictured from left to right are Gary Rogowski, Architect; Jarrett Cooper, Principal; Rob Wagstaff, Architect)

Rosemann Project Wins "Kansas City Beautiful Award"

On Wednesday, September 16, 2009, Parkway Apartments, LP was awarded a Kansas City Beautiful Award for the Parkway Apartments in Kansas City, Missouri. This project was designed by Rosemann & Associates, P.C. in conjunction with the landscape architecture firm of Michael Ashley & Associates, LLC. The Kansas City Beautiful Awards are jointly sponsored by the Kessler Society and the Kansas City, Missouri Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners.

These annual awards are presented to properties who have demonstrated the best efforts to beautify their site and community. The purpose of the these awards are to reward and encourage Kansas City property owners to continue to landscape and aesthetically improve their site. This year is the second year that the Parkway Apartments have been awarded this prestigious award!

The Parkway Apartments is a 40-unit, low-income housing project in Kansas City, Missouri consisting of two buildings. The two buildings are located on Paseo Boulevard, which is a major Kansas City thoroughfare. The importance of the project location led the design team and the property owners to make a concerted effort to create a beautiful and inviting landscape plan, and exterior elevations. This award demonstrates the effort was well received and that the property owner and manager have continued to make the appearance of this property a priority.

Rosemann Hosts Green Drinks KC's Eco-Tour of the Crossroads

On Thursday, September 17, 2009 Rosemann & Associates, P.C. was one of the hosts for an “Eco-Tour of the Crossroads” which was organized by Green Drinks KC. This tour was organized to visit several sustainability minded businesses in the Crossroads District of Kansas City. Rosemann was asked to host so that the attendees could experience all of the wonderful things that our rooftop garden has to offer.

Green Drinks KC is a group of people who are interested in environmental issues. The group meets once a month for a drink and an informal session on various topics. The Eco-Tour event was very well attended with almost 50 people participating. The highlight of the Rosemann tour stop was enjoying a gorgeous Kansas City day from our roof top.

As one of the first historic renovations in Kansas City to obtain LEED Certification, the entire office provides a positive and pleasurable working environment for staff, while significantly incorporating sustainable design principles. For more information on Sustainable Design and Construction you can contact our Kansas City office at 816.472.1448, or our St. Louis office at 314.678.1448.

Rosemann Illuminates Main Street Connections

Rosemann & Associates, P.C. were presenters at the inaugural revitalization conference Missouri Main Street Connections in Kansas City Missouri on August 19, 2009. Jarrett Cooper and Rob Wagstaff presented Illuminate the Fun in Downtown Living focusing on adaptive reuse of historic downtown architecture and the surrounding urban environment.

Downtowns big and small are usually graced with an excellent stock of historic buildings that are often underused. Jarrett and Rob’s talk had two different elements:

The first part focused on reusing the existing buildings for their maximum potential. Often older buildings have been modified over the years and appear as eyesores to the community. However, irreproducible qualities make them too valuable for demolition and the historical significance makes a valuable connection to the past. Jarrett demonstrated how over the years Rosemann has been able to remake these buildings into valuable contributing economic assets to downtown. They can lead to excellent living, commercial and retail spaces that have a unique vibe and contribute to downtown’s authenticity.

Rob spoke on the importance of the surrounding environment and the necessity of providing good walkable context to compliment rehabbed buildings and ensure their re-fit in the urban fabric. Good urban environments require places that are safe, easy to navigate, comfortable, adaptable or varied, and attractive. These elements when combined with rehabbed historic architecture create the kind of vibrant downtowns that visitors and citizens alike can enjoy. This in turn generates economic activity spurring the ability for more regeneration and new development

After Rosemann’s presentation, a representative from the State of Missouri Department of Natural resources spoke on the different financial tools the state had available for rehabbing historic structures, followed by a tour of Rosemann projects in Kansas City’s Crossroads District. The Conference was well attended, and Rosemann looks forward to attending Missouri Main Street next year.

Ronald McDonald House Family Room "Snack Food Drive"

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis is requesting in-kind snack donations to fill its Family Rooms. Many times, families do not leave the hospitals at all while their child is receiving care. This leaves hospital cafeterias and RMHC's Family Rooms as their only options for grabbing a bite to eat.

To help fulfill the need, Rosemann & Associates has begun a "Snack Food Drive" to provide a convenient drop off location for those interested in making a donation.

Starting today (July 22) participants can bring in snack food items to the St. Louis Design Studio at 1221 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103. Our office is open Monday - Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. The last day to make a donation will be Friday, July 31st at 3 pm.

Suggested donation items: Pre-packaged snack foods (chips, cookies, soups, easy mac, breakfast bars, etc.)

To find out other ways to make a contribution visit http://www.rmhcstl.org/donate/index.php or for those interested in volunteering visit http://www.rmhcstl.org/volunteer/index.php

Thank you in advance from all of us at Rosemann and RMHCSTL!

Rosemann's Newest Architect!

This week Rosemann & Associates' Gabe Vogl passed his final ARE exam to become a licensed architect in the State of Missouri.

Gabe graduated from Kansas State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. After graduation, Gabe began his career working on large retail commercial projects.

In the summer of 2004, Gabe joined Rosemann as an intern architect quickly becoming an important part of Rosemann's design team. He is responsible for project development, construction documentation coordination and construction administration.

Over the years, Gabe has worked on the award winning Parkway Apartments, the D.A. Holmes Senior Living II project, Murphy Lake Apartments, Pine Ridge Estates and the historic renovation of Kansas City's HD Lee Building (aka Piper Lofts) and parking garage.

New Senior Villas Will Help Fulfill Demand in St. Charles County

Rosemann & Associates, P.C. recently began construction on an independent senior living development in Wentzville, Mo. called Villas at Peruque Hills. The $3.8 million project is part of a larger development including single family homes called Peruque Hills Estates.

Developed by GHL Development, an affiliate of Gundaker Commercial Group who serves as the General Contractor, the Villas will be mixed affordable and market rate senior housing with funding provided by the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) and Bank of America. Construction is scheduled for a winter 2009 completion.

With 23 townhomes and 11 garden units, the Villas will provide needed affordable senior housing in St. Charles County which is currently named a disaster county by MHDC due to severe flooding in 2008.

"The Wentzville area is vastly expanding and there is a great demand for quality affordable housing in the region," says Andrew Koenig, AIA. "Our team is confident this project will help fulfill the need but there is still more work to be done."

Rosemann's design concept coincides with the Universal Design methodology. According to the Universal Design Alliance's website, UD is a "user-friendly approach to design in the living environment where people of any culture, age, size, weight, race, gender and ability can experience an environment that promotes their health, safety and welfare today and in the future."

For the Villas, unit entries, bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and first floor bedrooms are fully accessible by wheelchair. All units include an oversized, attached garage allowing for someone with a physical disability to more easily access a vehicle. According to Koenig, the garages are a unique amenity not often found in affordable housing.

"Being an independent senior development, ease-of-use was extremely important," says Koenig. "With minor changes such as changing out some cabinetry and countertops and adding some grab bars we can easily convert units to be fully accessible. The townhouse unit staircases were also designed wider to accommodate a lift if necessary."

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Rosemann's Director of Interior Design Becomes LEED AP

The Director of Interior Design for Rosemann & Associates, P.C. recently became a LEED Accredited Professional for Commercial Interiors. Vickie Stewart, ASID, LEED AP serves as President of the American Society of Interior Designers' Missouri West/ Kansas Chapter and has a 32 year long career of creating design solutions for a multitude of project types.

Stewart earned accreditation by demonstrating a thorough understanding of the USGBC's green building practices and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System.

"For interior designers, LEED accreditation is extremely important,” she says. “We often have a vast knowledge of materials and products making us essential in helping project teams obtain their green building certification goals.”

With Vickie's success, Rosemann now has LEED Accredited Professionals on staff practicing architecture, interior design, engineering and planning. This will ensure from schematic design to construction completion that our projects be competently and effectively guided through the process enabling projects to obtain the level of LEED certification desired.

LEED Revamps Accreditation Program

According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), more than 75,000 people have earned the credential since its inception in 2001. Established in Jan. 2008, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) currently administers the accreditation program in conjunction with the USGBC and provides a third-party outlet in recognizing excellence in green building performance and practice for project certification and professional accreditation.

Beginning July 1, 2009, the LEED accreditation program is undergoing some major changes. The first change will identify three levels of green building knowledge for professionals. The basic knowledge for professionals desiring a non-technical accreditation will be known as a LEED Green Associate. The next level is LEED AP signifying an advanced understanding of green building practices and the final, most extensive accreditation is LEED Fellow.

The GBCI is still working on the credential system for LEED Fellow but according to it's website, "LEED Fellows would become part of an extraordinary class of leading professionals distinguished by their years of experience and contributions to the standards of practice and body of knowledge for achieving continuous improvement in the green building field."

Other changes to the LEED accreditation program include eligibility requirements for all levels of the exam system and the maintenance of credentials to ensure LEED professionals maintain a current knowledge base and understanding of green building practices. For more information visit http://www.gbci.org/.

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Rosemann Wins Design Excellence Award

On Friday, June 26, 2009 Rosemann & Associates, P.C. won an award at the Design Excellence Awards for its work on the Boulevard Apartments Clubhouse in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City Home Design and CJ-Midwest magazines hosted the second annual event which honored the best architectural and interior designs created in the past year.

Rosemann's design won bronze in the Interiors category for "Best Use of Art" as the design highlights works created by Jeffrey Owen Hanson. Hanson's contemporary creations provided Rosemann with inspiration to create a bold, urban "art gallery" design.

"Walls were painted a pure white making them the perfect background for Jeff's modern art," says Vickie Stewart, ASID. "His story is such an inspirational one that we really wanted his work to take center stage."

Since the age of twelve, Hanson has lived with a genetic disorder known as Neurofibromatosis leaving him with limited sight. Now at the age of fifteen, Hanson creates vibrant, colorful works which he sells and then donates earnings to various charities such as Children's Tumor Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America and KC Blind All Stars Foundation.

With Hanson's art and other modern works on the walls, Rosemann's design needed to ensure the overall "art gallery" concept remained while providing each space with its own unique identity. With multiple spaces such as a theater, exercise facility, café area and leasing office, flexibility and durability were two core design requirements.

"We thoroughly analyzed functionality with the varying spaces because the building provides a single source for residents to interact and enjoy the offered amenities freely and comfortably," says Stewart.

The space also acts as a promotional tool for inquiring apartment tenants. "One of this property’s main selling points is its location," explains Stewart. "It's minutes from Downtown so we unified an urban, vibrant lifestyle backdrop with the contemporary art."

To convey this unification, Rosemann's designers chose stained concrete floors, track lighting, modern furnishings and finishes to complete the 5,428 sq. ft. building. "Overall the project team was quite pleased with the finished product," says Stewart. "Receiving the Design Excellence Award was sweet icing on the cake."

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NEW, 256 UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN PEVELY NOW COMPLETE

A $22 million workforce housing complex in Pevely, Mo. is now complete thanks to developer and contractor Gundaker Commercial Group and architecture firm Rosemann & Associates, P.C. The 256 unit project known as Pevely Pointe Apartments includes the new construction of eight buildings and sits on a 45 acre site visible from Interstate 55.

With funding provided by Pevely Pointe, L.P. and the Missouri Housing Development Commission, Pevely Pointe Apartments help fill a demand for quality workforce housing in Jefferson County.

The complex consists of one, two and three-bedroom units along with a community clubhouse with business center, swimming pool and fitness area. The clubhouse also provides community children with a venue for multiple after-school programs.

"This is a unique service offered by the property that I haven't seen at other developments," explains Rosemann's Andrew Koenig, AIA. "This is a great example of how Gundaker works to set their developments apart from others."

Rosemann designed the project to maximize square footage by keeping each apartment simple and efficient explains Koenig. "Units are open and inviting," he says. "The real challenge was making a difficult site with a steep drop in elevation usable; a great amount of time and money was spent prepping the site for construction."

Another hardship occurred just one month before completion. During the final structure's construction, a fire took place completely destroying it. "The project team was devastated by the setback," says Koenig. "But we persevered and now Pevely has an attractive, affordable housing community that they can proudly call home."

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Ribbon Cutting Marks Another Successful Project Completion

Yesterday, Mayor Sylvester Caldwell of Pine Lawn, Missouri along with members of the development partnership kicked off the grand opening of Stratford Manor by a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Recently completed by Gundaker Commercial Group and the Housing Authority of St. Louis County, the project was designed by Rosemann & Associates, P.C. and was provided partial funding through the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

The completion of Stratford Manor successfully integrates independent senior living apartments into an existing multifamily, affordable housing community. The $5.2 million project is the third and final phase of the C.S. Bond Apartments Redevelopment located in North St. Louis.

To read the project's formal press release click on this link.

Stratford Manor Photos

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Making Green Possible for All

by Nancy Rodney, AIA, LEED ® AP

Currently, sustainable development or “green” architecture holds a popular place in the developer imagination. Constructing better buildings that save on energy and operation costs, use fewer resources to build, and pollute less during construction and during use are often high priority goals. At the same time, the popular wisdom is that "building green" is expensive. Rosemann's goal is to educate developers and show how building green doesn't mean digging into one's pocket book.

While it's true many sustainable options are pricy, our research shows truly sustainable architecture is – at its heart – smart design. Careful selection of systems and materials go a long way toward providing energy savings, reduced maintenance, and less waste. For example, selective site development and reducing a building's impact on the land can result in a decrease of resource consumption as well as less time and money spent on building and site maintenance.

Careful selection of the appropriate sustainability methodology is also important. Aside from the USGBC's LEED program, there are numerous others that have been developed to assist developers in achieving sustainability goals. Rosemann has researched and reviewed many of these and in a recent affordable senior housing project had the opportunity to fine tune a selected sustainability methodology.

Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) was the first national green building program focused entirely on affordable housing. Its goal of making the transition to a greener future for affordable housing has offered assistance in the form of grants, loans, tax-credit equity, training and technical assistance. The program recognizes affordable housing developers have limited resources but desire a more healthful, economical and sustainable sense of place for their residents.

SUSTAINABILITY ON A SHOESTRING

Jennings Senior Apartments, located in the City of Jennings, is being developed by the Regional Housing and Community Development Alliance (RHCDA) in conjunction with the Alexian Brothers. The City of Jennings has seen developmental decline over the past 30 years and is filled with small homes occupied by older seniors of modest means. RHCDA is a not-for-profit organization specializing in neighborhood revitalization and was recognized by the City of St. Louis as "Developer of the Year" for the complementary development of North Market Place Apartments. Since then, RHCDA has continued development in the area specifically on the Crown Square project.

Nearing completion, the Rosemann designed project is a 27 building, mixed-use redevelopment of historic residential, apartment and commercial buildings anchored by the famous Crown Candy Company. Crown Square was financed in part by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. using New Market Tax Credits and providing predevelopment financing. This previous relationship provided a good foundation for review of EGC "green" funding options for Jennings Senior Apartments. RHCDA has developed many mixed income projects that embrace the qualities of EGC, but Jennings is the first where they have sought voluntary certification.

The development will create an "Aging in Place" campus by combining senior care services and affordable housing on one site. This master planned, phased campus uses the existing P.A.C.E. Senior Care Center as the site's focal point. Outside of the amenities offered by P.A.C.E., the apartments will be located in a mature neighborhood with a good walking relationship to various other community services.

The project was designed as a congregate-style independent senior living residence with 50 apartments and amenity space for group activities and family gatherings. Rosemann used mechanical and electrical solutions that minimized energy use and were supported by a carefully designed building envelope and chose materials that allow the best use of resources. The site's redevelopment plan meets the EGC's Smart Site goals and will create a "walk-able" neighborhood with multiple transportation choices, making it a perfect site for seniors who often no longer drive. When complete, Jennings Senior Apartments will be the first EGC community in Missouri.

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Winning Curb Appeal

Recently the Masonry Institute of St. Louis selected the Rosemann designed Stratford Commons to be displayed on the organization's website under the “Winning Curb Appeal" section in the Villas and Townhomes category. Project team members include Gundaker Commercial Group and Grant Masonry.

To view the listing go to http://www.homedesignstl.com/hero.php?project_id=43

-PROJECT DETAILS -

The multi-phased development at Stratford Commons in Pine Lawn located in St. Louis County is affordable living at its best.

Funded with 9% low income tax credits, these beautiful townhomes feature two, three and four bedroom units including ADA units, ample tenant parking, beautiful landscaping and a multi-purpose community center.

Phase one of this development featured 66 units and is 100% occupied, phase two features 48 units and was completed summer of 2005.

NEW "AGING IN PLACE" LIVING AVAILABLE FOR SENIORS

In May 2009, Rosemann completes Stratford Manor - a $5.2 million, new construction project built for seniors requiring affordable housing. The independent living community located in Pine Lawn, Mo. is the third and final phase of the C.S. Bond Apartments' redevelopment now named Stratford Commons.

Gundaker Commercial Group and the Housing Authority of St. Louis County led the development team with funding assistance provided by the Missouri Housing Development Commission. The previous two phases provide a total of 114 townhomes for low-income families while Stratford Manor includes 52 one and two bedroom garden-style apartments.

A ribbon cutting is scheduled for June 11, 2009 when the project team will successfully integrate seniors into the existing family campus. "We wanted to provide residents with a safer, more secure housing option while keeping them connected with the Pine Lawn community," says senior living design expert Nancy Rodney, AIA, LEED ® AP.

Rosemann based its design on the idea of "Aging in Place" or the ability to continue living independently while being in a familiar environment where seniors can participate in family and community events. Stratford Manor's closeness to Interstate 70 and availability to community amenities supports this autonomous lifestyle often increasing the residents' quality of life and wellness.

"More and more seniors are living in homes which require maintenance they are no longer able to provide," explains Rosemann's Vice President Jarrett R. Cooper, AIA, LEED ® AP. "With the production of housing options such as Stratford, we reduce this burden while increasing home availability to families who can then move in and help re-energize the community."

Building features include large bay windows and upgraded cabinetry, countertops and flooring in units with a public living room, library, fitness center and outdoor terrace for all residents to share. Rosemann provided both architectural and interior design services in order to complete the project.

Rosemann Project Breaks Ground

Yesterday a crowd gathered in Wentzville, MO to celebrate the groundbreaking of Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe - a new senior, assisted living community. The two-story, 50 unit provide is being led by development team Hertitage Pointe Partners. Rosemann & Associates is providing architecture and interior design services while Gundaker Commercial Group is the contractor.

The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is assisting with funding and construction is scheduled for a March 2010 completion. Unit layouts include 10 one-bedroom apartments and 40 two-bedroom apartments with community amenities including a sunroom, salon, chapel, movie theater, fitness center and spa.

GW Lofts Wins Most Enhanced Award

On Friday, May 15 the Landmarks Association of St. Louis honored the Rosemann designed GW Lofts at the Most Enhanced Awards Ceremony for being one of the best historic renovation projects in the St. Louis region to be completed in the past year.

The awards ceremony was part of Landmarks 2009 Preservation Week. This year from May 9-16, Landmarks put together a jam-packed week of events, tours, lectures, and films to help raise awareness on the importance of historic renovation and how it impacts our communities.

-PROJECT DETAILS-
The historic renovation of G.W. Lofts is located at 2615 Washington Avenue in St. Louis. With 60 rental units, G.W. Lofts’ surprising colored facades liven up the community and provide residents a unique urban living opportunity.

TWIN OAKS ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY BEGINS CONSTRUCTION

On May 21, 2009 a groundbreaking ceremony will initiate a new senior living community in Wentzville, Mo. known as Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe. The first phase is a two-story, 50 unit assisted living complex estimated at $4.6 million. Tim and Kathy Blattel of Heritage Pointe Partners lead the development team while Rosemann & Associates, P.C. is providing architecture and interior design.

Twin Oaks Assisted Living is part of a greater overall site which will eventually include multiple levels of long-term senior living options. Rosemann's design recreates the home environment for residents while providing a place in which the services they need will be easily available.

"One of the most difficult things for seniors is moving out of their own homes and into supportive living," explains senior living design expert Nancy Rodney, AIA. "Twin Oaks will allow St. Charles County seniors to remain nearby, close to family, friends and the history they've created, making this transition easier."

A large part of the design concept was ensuring residents' freedom of independence by providing a small kitchenette and private living area in each apartment. The design also offers residents multiple community living and dining options throughout the facility.

"With senior design, the key is to cater to a wide range of interests as well as abilities," says Rosemann's Andrew Koenig, AIA. "We've created an oversized, mall-like area on each floor that is flexible in use so residents can be creative with the space and utilize it for a number of activities."

The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is assisting with funding and construction is scheduled for a March 2010 completion. Unit layouts include 10 one-bedroom apartments and 40 two-bedroom apartments with community amenities including a sunroom, salon, chapel, movie theater, fitness center and spa.

"With this project we want to maintain our philosophy of having a close, family atmosphere where residents feel valued and appreciated," says Tim Blattel. "Our success has been due to creating environments where residents can keep participating in daily tasks and social activities."

The groundbreaking will begin at 3:30 P.M. and is located at 250 Savannah Terrace, Wentzville, Mo. 63385. For more information contact Kim Bauer at 636.240.6152. Other project team members include contractor Gundaker Commercial Group, William Tao & Associates and Larson Engineering.

Rosemann Project Wins Property of the Year Award

The St. Louis Apartment Association recently announced the Rosemann designed Alton Pointe Apartments as a winner of a 2009 Rising Star Awards for Property of the Year in the Affordable Housing category. Development company Gundaker Commercial Group accepted the award for the project team.

The $12.4 million, workforce housing project located in Alton, Ill. fills a much needed demand for affordable housing in Madison County. To learn more about the project read these published articles:

Alton Pointe is fresh departure from old public-housing complex

Alton Completes New Workforce Housing

84-Unit Workforce Housing Project Completed

At Rosemann, Even Our Roof is Green!

On Friday, May 1, 2009, Rosemann & Associates' Kansas City Design Studio hosted an event to welcome in the Spring season by re-openning its rooftop garden to friends and guests.

With nearly 100 people in attendance, the Rosemann staff prepared an array of "going green" exhibits highlighting modern materials used in green design today. One exhibit (pictured here) identifies the various layers used to complete Rosemann's rooftop garden.

The event was also held in conjunction with Kansas City's Crossroads Community Association's First Friday walks. Rosemann featured works by Michael "Wolfie" Wolfe of RU4REAL Photography. For more information about Wolfe's work visit www.ru4realphotography.com.

As one of the first historic renovations in Kansas City to obtain LEED Certification, the entire office provides a positive and pleasurable working environment for staff. For more information about Rosemann's Green Design Consulting Services contact the Kansas City office at 816.472.1448.

HISTORIC ST. LOUIS MUNICIPAL COURTS BUILDING SELECTED FOR REDEVELOPMENT

Heisman Properties, LLC announced today a City of St. Louis selection committee selected the Company to redevelop the historic Municipal Courts Building (to be renamed 1300 Market) in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.

Heisman is working closely with EVS Realty, Friedman Group, REALTORS and the City of St. Louis to redevelop the century old building. Rosemann & Associates, P.C. will provide architectural design and BSI Contractors are providing construction costs.

St. Louis Comptroller, Darlene Green said, “We are very excited about the development of the Municipal Courts Building and its prospects as part of St. Louis' downtown’s revitalization."

The 160,000 sq. ft. renowned courthouse is located at 1300 Market Street and was constructed in 1911. Heisman Properties will spend $40 million to redevelop the building. Plans include ground floor restaurant, retail and office space, first floor cultural/gallery and office space with second and third floor office space. In addition to the interior, Rosemann's design calls for several walkways, courtyards, plazas and terraces to surround the building.

“Once completed, this project will tie recent downtown developments together," says Senior Vice President of Acquisitions with Heisman Properties Chad Forrest. "It will be the centerpiece of a destination area featuring the Scottrade Center, soon-to-be-redeveloped Kiel Opera House, Sheraton City Center Hotel and Condos, MetroLink, the Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center and the revitalized mall.”

With a projected completed date set for 2010, the building will not only house office tenants, but will act as a conduit between both the civic and cultural communities. “Being in such a desirable location we anticipate not only servicing our core tenants, but will offer the ability to provide locations for cultural events and meeting places with those who want to share in this extraordinary redevelopment,” notes Heisman Properties Principal Curt Schroeder.

Plans are also underway development for a 600 car parking garage directly adjacent to the property. To service the area, plans call for retail tenants and one or more restaurants to be added along 14th Street catering to daytime users and community events at the neighboring Scottrade Center and the soon coming Kiel Opera House.

LEED certification and green efforts will be a cornerstone in Rosemann's design and construction efforts. “Ample parking, great transportation and freeway access is key,” notes Forrest. “But let’s not forget the fact that we will be adjacent to the MetroLink and City’s Multimodal Transportation Center. Rider-ship will increase as a result of this convenience, which is better for all of us."

For more information visit www.1300marketstl.com.

Take Your Kids to Work Day!

Today, the Rosemann & Associates team participated in the annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day program. According to the foundation's website, this program is designed to be more than a career day and goes beyond the average "shadowing" of adults.

By exposing children to what parents or mentors do during the work day, the kids receive a way to value their education. It provides them with an opportunity to share how they envision the future in a hands-on, interactive environment.

At Rosemann, the kids participated in a scavenger hunt for various architectural elements throughout the office, used toothpicks and marshmallows to learn about structural elements, worked on a colorful art project as an interior design exercise and got to visit a job site currently under construction. As you can see - everyone involved had a great time!

Crown Square on Living St. Louis

Rosemann & Associates' project known as Crown Square (formerly known as the 14th Street Mall) is highlighted in this special video created for KETC, LIVING ST. LOUIS. The show's Producer Ruth Ezell visits the Crown Square development project in North St. Louis City. The area located on 14th Street in the Old St. Louis Historical District was a once popular commercial area that lost its prominence, but is now being restored.

Life-long resident John Bratkowski shares the streets history, and Ezell speaks to community members and developers alike who are working together to help re-make the area, including Stephen Acree of the Regional Housing and Community Development Alliance, the organization that put together the funding for the project and is overseeing the construction.

From now on it will be known as Crown Square, named after the old and popular Crown Candy store that is located there. Though the process had been long, neighborhood residents and developers are equally enthusiastic.

If you're having difficulty viewing this video go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS9v1VkNwTA

ELEMENTARY STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT GREEN DESIGN

In honor of Earth Day, the students of Green Pines Elementary School participated in the 2009 Young Learners' Conference known as "Gators Go Green" where speakers from all over the region discussed various environmental issues that have global impact.

As part of the conference, guest speaker Nancy Rodney, LEED AP with Rosemann & Associates, P.C. provided expertise into green building design and how it differs from traditional construction.

Her presentation was based on the U. S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles and what community builders are doing to change the way people think about "greening" built environments.

"In the future, 'green' won't be an added feature to projects," Rodney says. "When these kids are grown it will simply be the way we build."

Sponsored by Partners in Education, the organization assisted the Rockwood School District in compiling a list of experts in resource conservation and recycling to present at April 21-22, 2009 conference.

For more information about Rodney's presentation contact 314.678.1448 or visit Rosemann's website at http://www.rosemann.com/about/design.php.

Bethel Ridge - Part Deux

With Bethel Ridge Estates in Columbia, Mo. now complete (photo), Affordable Equity Partners has selected Rosemann once more as the designer for Bethel Ridge II, an independent senior living community with 42 units.

With all the amenities of luxury senior living, the new construction project will be designed based on a 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit budget. Rosemann is providing Architecture, Interior Design and Engineering services. Contact the Kansas City office at 816.472.1448 to learn more.

Bainbridge Wins Capstone Award

On April 3 at Sheraton Overland Park, the Kansas City Business Journal honored the project team of Bainbridge Apartments with a 2009 Capstone Award in the Multifamily Category. The Capstone Awards celebrate major successes in real estate by honoring projects, companies and individuals that greatly impact the Kansas City community.

The $17.5 million, historic adaptive reuse of 166 affordable apartments located in was completed in Oct. 2008 by Eagle Point Companies, Rosemann & Associates, P.C., Straub Construction and E.M. Harris Construction.

“For us, this is a very important honor because it allows us to recognize and showcase the great work of the entire project team,” says Eagle Point Companies’ Managing Director Todd Alexander. “This is an award that our partners can really share in and enjoy.”

The "Extra Mile"

In times of economic crisis, it becomes essential to portray a message of strength in position.

Rosemann’s committed staff adds value to our clients’ projects by combining two decades of successful experience with a wide variety of services including Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Planning, LEED and Financial Consulting.

Having created solutions for multiple project types, Rosemann has the expertise to move your project forward. Simply put, we go the extra mile, and take our services to new heights giving you what is needed to get the job done.

- Donald E. Rosemann, NCARB, AIA, DBIA

RACE 4 THE CURE - TEAM ROSEMANN!

It’s time once again to register for this year’s Komen Race 4 the Cure. This is Rosemann’s third year as a team and with your participation we hope to make it our biggest year yet!

Sign up today and on June 13, 2009, you could be one of the 60,000 participants to walk the streets of Downtown St. Louis. It truly is a remarkable site to see and it’s fun for the entire family!

To join our team click on this link and register - The Rosemann & Associates Team Page. As team captain, I will coordinate t-shirt pick up, organize a meeting time and place as well as keep you updated on our team’s progress.

If you are unable to attend we ask that you please join us in the fight against breast cancer by making a pledge in support of the Rosemann & Associates Team. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund innovative outreach and awareness programs for medically underserved communities in St. Louis and national breast cancer research.

It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make a donation online by simply clicking here. If you would prefer, you can also send your tax-deductible contribution to P.O. Box 790129, Dept SKSt. Louis, MO 63179-0129.

Whatever you can give will help! If every Race participant raises $100 - 10 friends donating $10 - the Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure will raise more than $6 million towards the fight against breast cancer!

We truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on our progress. Thank you so much for your time and support in the fight against breast cancer! Every step counts!

ROSEMANN & ASSOCIATES EXPANDS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

St. Louis, Mo. – John Gray recently joined the Rosemann & Associates, P.C. professional staff as Business Development Manager in its St. Louis Design Studio. With 25 years experience, Gray’s industry leadership reinforces Rosemann’s commitment to establishing strong business relationships in the communities it serves.

“It’s encouraging that our team is still growing,” says the firm’s president and founder Donald E. Rosemann, AIA. “It’s only a matter of time before this recession is over and when things are turned loose – we’ll be ready.”

With design studios in Kansas City and St. Louis, Mo., Rosemann is a multi-disciplinary Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Planning and Sustainability Consulting firm committed to creating community design solutions. Since 1987, Rosemann has focused on designing the backdrop for life by actively studying how people live in the built environment.

“I have a great appreciation for excellence in design, but only if it means the project was a success for my client,” says Gray. “Rosemann and I had this in common from the start.”

Aside from his professional career, Gray is a U.S. Army Corps Veteran, an alumni member of University of Missouri – Columbia, has two sons currently attending Eureka High School and plays in two bands called Benefit Blues Band and Pat Stevens Trio.

About Rosemann: Nearly 80 percent of Rosemann’s revenue comes from the housing industry. Its award-winning portfolio is filled with multifamily, senior living, historic renovation, military housing, student life, infill housing, luxury and workforce housing design.

Some of Rosemann’s past award-winning projects includes East Armour Apartments, Parkway Apartments, Stratford Commons, Bentwood Townhomes, Columbia Square Apartments, Ridgeview Heights Apartments, Packard Lofts, Parkway Apartments, and The Monarch Apartments.

MISSOURI PRESERVATION HONORS EAST ARMOUR APARTMENTS

On March 5 at the 2009 Preservation Honor Awards in Jefferson City, the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation (MAHP) will honor the project team of East Armour Apartments with the Preserve Missouri Award. This historic renovation project of affordable apartments located in Kansas City, Mo. was completed by Eagle Point Companies, Rosemann & Associates, PC and Straub Construction.

According to its’ website, MAHP annually honors individuals, groups and organizations that have contributed to the preservation of Missouri's diverse collection of historic resources. Awards are given to outstanding projects in commercial and residential rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, landscape protection and archaeology.
“This is truly a great honor and a pleasure for the entire team,” says Don Rosemann, AIA. “The project created interesting challenges to uncover and provided us with a chance to restore the beauty within these buildings that had been lost for decades.”

The East Armour Apartments includes the renovation of 300+ one- and two- bedroom units. With five buildings in three sites, the project is a historical landmark that has played a large role in the community’s urban renewal efforts.

“We believe the preservation or reuse of historic structures typically results in a better long-term outcome for the community,” says Eagle Point Companies’ Managing Director Todd Alexander. “If you're willing to put in the time and effort, you can usually find a way to adaptively reuse or reposition a property, rather than just tear it down.”

East Armour Apartments has also been recognized as an honoree at the 2008 Kansas City Business Journal’s Capstone Award Ceremony and won national recognition with the J. Timothy Anderson Historic Preservation Award in the Affordable Housing category.

“Preserving our historic buildings will create a lasting history of our neighborhoods, our communities, our cities and our very being for future generations to enjoy,” says Rosemann.

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ROSEMANN COMPLETES NEW SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

Kansas City, Mo. – The construction of a 42 unit, independent senior living community in Kansas City, Mo. known as D.A. Holmes II Senior Apartments is now complete and 100 percent occupied due to owner D.A. Holmes Senior Housing II, L.P. and architectural and interior design firm Rosemann & Associates, PC.

“We exceeded our occupancy projections for three reasons – facilities amenities, management and location,” says Donald Rosemann, NCARB, AIA, DBIA.

Located at 3020 Benton Boulevard in Jackson County’s Sante Fe Place Historic District, the project was funded by 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits provided by the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

Rosemann designed the new building to compliment its historic surroundings by pulling elements such as a cast stone base and varied roof heights used on the existing school structure located on the same campus. In 2004, the school was renovated into elderly apartments during phase one by a separate ownership entity.

“The existing school provided us with an opportunity to create a larger senior campus where residents have more green space to socialize and interact,” says Rosemann.

The $4.9 million, affordable senior housing project also contains common areas, office space, a craft room, a fitness center, laundry facilities, a media library, a hair salon, and a home theater for residents.

For more information about this project contact the Kansas City office at 816.472.1448.

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Inspiring Green Community Design

The City of Santa Fe, New Mexico recently held a design competition in conjunction with GreenWORKS challenging designers to create an affordable housing development that incorporates sustainability principles in a cost-effective and realistic manner.

In their submittals, design teams needed to provide a site design that allowed as many as six homes, determine a realistic development budget, comply with a green building checklist, create a replicable development model, integrate the historic character of the neighborhood, and incorporate community input into the design process.

Along with 23 other submittals, Rosemann’s team created a community inspired design entitled “Zocalo Alto.” Zocalo is a word used in 19th century Mexico meaning the central square where civic activity took place. “Alto” pays homage to the actual development site.

The integrated design team contained members with experience in Green Communities as well as LEED sustainability systems. With members from Rosemann and EM Harris Construction, long-range goals for market, sustainability, usability, and maintenance were integral to the design and budget decisions.

An addition to the team of neighbors and potential buyers of the property helped upgrade the goals of the design while identifying real world ideas that people care about. At Rosemann, we see an Integrated Design Team always as an opportunity to produce a design that is vital and authentic.

To view Rosemann's team submittal as well as other team submittals visit http://santafenm.gov/index.asp?NID=1651.

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