St. Louis' Golden Opportunity

In MFE Magazine's January 2009 issue, Rosemann's G.W. Lofts project was highlighted in the publication's "FACE LIFT" section noting the project's colorful facade renovation. The article titled "Golden Opportunity," quotes Rosemann's Project Architect Gary Rogowski, AIA, LEED AP discussing the projects challenges and how the design was developed.

Rogowski, along with developer Nat Walsh, also provide helpful tips that designers and developers should consider when working on a historic renovation project. Here's what author Elizabeth Lunday wrote under the article's "Historic Hang-ups" section:

1. LOOK FOR THE HIDDEN TREASURES. Walking through the old Guth Complex buildings was a depressing exercise - it was dusty, dingy and dark. Yet a little investigation revealed the stunning gold brick underneath the exterior's white paint. The lesson: You never know what gift historic buildings are going to give you.

2. THINK OLD - SCHOOL. It's rare to find the original plans for historic buildings, so you won't always know what you're dealing with. The solution is to put yourself in the mind of an architect 100 years ago, says Rogowski. "You have to consider what it was like [and] what methods and means of construction were available then. Try to understand the history, not just of the building but of the people constructing it," he says.

3. CHOOSE WAREHOUSES, NOT OFFICES. One advantage of renovating warehouses instead of offices is the freedom of determining how to use your space - particularly when you're dealing with historic tax credits and the requirements of the National Park Service, says Nat Walsh, developer and founder of St. Louis based McGowan & Walsh Historic Renovators. The Park Service wants offices to retain a sense of their former floor plan, which restricts how you can lay out units. Warehouses have no such constraint.

To read the article in its entirety visit http://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=544&articleID=837413.

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J. TIMMY HISTORIC PRESERVATION HONORS GEORGIAN COURT APARTMENTS

Kansas City, Mo. – Last week the National Housing & Rehabilitation Association announced at its’ 2008 Fall Forum Awards Ceremony in Boston that the Georgian Court Apartments won the 2008 J. Timothy Anderson Award for Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation.

According to the NHRA’s website, the “Timmy Awards” were established in 2005 to recognize outstanding real estate projects throughout the country that use federal historic rehabilitation tax credits. Georgian Court Apartments was nominated in the Affordable Housing category along with four other projects from various regions across the country.

Rosemann & Associates, P.C. provided architectural and interior design while Eagle Point Company was the developer for the Kansas City, Mo. project.

“This award is a great accomplishment for the entire development team,” says President Donald Rosemann, NCARB, AIA. “It’s a humbling experience when you are recognized for bringing a great historic environment back to life by providing quality affordable housing.”

The Georgian Court Apartments is part of a three building renovation on East Armour Boulevard in Kansas City, Mo. The other two buildings include the recently completed Bainbridge Apartments and the Linda Vista Apartments for a total of 300+ units among the three facilities.

“These buildings were run down and quite an eye sore in the community,” says Rosemann’s Director of Interior Design Vickie Stewart, ASID. “Being able to bring them back to their original style and glory was a credit to the developer, the architects and affordable housing.”

Stewart explains renovation projects with historic aspects come with their own set of complexities and surprises. “You never know what historic element may be uncovered as a project proceeds,” she says. “You must be prepared to be flexible, innovative, and creative.”

The project team also included Straub Construction and E.M. Harris Construction. Stewart says the team worked hand in hand to address these discoveries, integrate them into the project, and stay within budget.

Earlier this year, the East Armour Apartments was also recognized as an honoree at the 2008 Kansas City Business Journal’s Capstone Award Ceremony.

About Rosemann & Associates, P.C.: Rosemann is a multi-disciplinary Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering and Planning 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. For more information visit http://www.rosemann.com/ or http://www.rosemann1.blogspot.com/

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Enjoying the Dining Experience with Good Design

In this month’s St. Louis Commerce Magazine, Rosemann’s interior designers Mickey Warriner, IIDA and Laurie Dowling discussed design trends in restaurant décor in an article titled “Ambience & Atmosphere.”

The article highlighted some of Rosemann’s past restaurant work. Specifically, the soon to be organic themed boutique hotel in Clayton, Mo. known as the Hotel Indigo, the Irish inspired restaurant and bar known as The Dubliner and the Italian dessert parlor on Washington Avenue known as The Gelateria.

The author discusses new trends in décor, what patrons like, green design and enjoying the ambience to receive a full dining experience. With this article, restaurant patrons receive a crash course in restaurant design. This bit of knowledge can really enhance the dining experience.

To read the entire article go to: http://www.stlcommercemagazine.com/archives/november2008/ambience.html

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ROSEMANN WINS FIRST PLACE FOR THE GREEN HOUSE ® DESIGN CHARRETTE

Earlier this month at the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging Conference in Philadelphia, the American Institute of Architects and the IDEAS Institute announced Rosemann & Associates, P.C. and Mount Carmel Senior Living as the first place winner of THE GREEN HOUSE ® Design Charrette in the Urban Design category.

Supported by the not-for-profit NCB Capital Impact organization, a “Green House ® Project” is a design concept for group residences where frail seniors live independently in a “home-like” environment while simultaneously receiving skilled nursing care. According to NCB’s website, this innovative concept is a radical departure from traditional care communities as its design intent is to offer more privacy, autonomy and community support.

“The theory is that providing more choices and an intimate, ‘home-like’ atmosphere supports an active living environment which can lead to a sense of meaning and fulfillment in one’s life,” says senior living design expert Nancy Rodney, AIA, LEED AP.

The GREEN HOUSE ® Design Charrette involved teams from all over the country, categorized into professional and student teams. Each team was assigned one of three site types: Urban, Suburban, or Rural. Rosemann was assigned the Urban site and provided a design entitled “Garden in the City.”

“Our design creates a connection to nature and community activity that is welcoming and familiar to senior residents,” says Rodney. "For frail seniors that are unable to get outside every day these connections are necessary for mental health and personal interest.”

Each design category received roughly 20 entries and was judged based on creativity, feasibility and its ability to capture the spirit of the Green House model. According to the IDEAS Institute’s website, the jury consisted of design professionals, an elder, a “Shabaz”, a family member of an elder living in a Green House ® home and care providers who are familiar with the concept.

Though Green House ® homes are a fairly new concept among design professionals and care providers in the Midwest Rodney says the idea is spreading. Currently, there is one Green House model community in Kansas, one in Ohio and three in Michigan. At the same time, the cost to participate in the Green House ® Project is moving out of reach for many senior care providers.

“I do think that we will see a Green House ® community soon in our part of the Midwest,” she says. “This is because there are providers who feel the support offered by the program to develop a community is worth the cost.”

But the Green House ® idea is bigger than the program. Rodney says she feels it has already affected radically the way design professionals and care providers think about new skilled nursing projects.

“It will continue to spread influence not only over the physical arrangement of spaces but the concept of care and caregivers in skilled nursing homes,” she says. “This benefit will be felt in the entire community.”

For more information contact Pam Boelhauf at 314.678.1448.

To read an article written for Multi Housing News click on this link: http://www.multihousingnews.com/multihousing/content_display/industry-news/e3i2998df2f8111f6a83be409e1fabd2336

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Community Praises Alton Pointe Project

In today’s St. Louis Post Dispatch, the Rosemann designed Alton Pointe Apartments was given praise by the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the City of Alton's Mayor Donald Sandidge as “the best thing to happen in Alton for a long time.”

Rosemann worked with Gundaker Commercial Group and Madison County Housing Authority in developing the $12.4 million, 84 unit apartment complex.

In the article, Project Architect Andrew Koenig, AIA discussed Rosemann’s dedication to affordable housing design.

“We like to do affordable housing because we’re serving a demographic that needs great housing but doesn’t have much of it,” he said.

To read the entire article visit: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/business/stories.nsf/developmenteconomy/story/2721CFE575018807862574EC001CC9E6?OpenDocument

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SENIOR LIVING DESIGN HAS BIG IMPACT ON WELLNESS

Kansas City, Mo. – Rosemann & Associates, P.C. recently completed the historic renovation of Newton Place Apartments, an affordable, independent senior living community located in Neosho, Mo. Originally constructed in 1906, Newton Place Apartments provides seniors, age 62 or older, with an independent living option in a location that encourages an active lifestyle.

“When we get older our world tends to shrink and it becomes harder to keep up with old friends,” says senior living design expert Nancy Rodney, AIA, LEED AP. “By providing housing in centralized locations we keep seniors engaged, benefiting the community and their own health and well-being.”

Newton Place Apartments is one of the tallest buildings in the town and has a prominent position in its downtown square. “Its location allows the residents to take full advantage of community amenities while having a safe, comfortable place to retreat,” says Project Architect Suzanne Regier, LEED AP.

A few building amenities that encourage social well-being include a first floor community room and computer lab, a secured, outdoor patio and common areas for group activities. “Because of the building’s intimate setting and connected amenities the residents can easily form friendships,” says Regier.

Rodney explains intimate, home-like settings often create a family atmosphere which assists in the transition from a single family home to senior living. “Contrary to expectations, it is much harder for seniors to make new friends than for younger people,” she says. “Small group settings that allow individuals to shine ease the process of becoming part of the group.”

Once known as the Newton Hotel, Rosemann developed an updated design to reflect the building’s hotel era. By removing the 1970s additions, restoring the facades and highlighting the exteriors with an outdoor lighting scheme and fabric awnings, the building is similar in style to a boutique hotel.

Creating a cohesive boutique style, Rosemann’s interior designers selected upscale lighting fixtures, new furnishings, and a warm color palette. Director of Interior Design Vickie Stewart adds, “We chose original oil paintings and traditional furnishings to create an old world feel that is familiar to the residents and something they can relate to.”

One design challenge was optimizing natural light while maintaining the building’s historic fenestration. Rosemann’s designers solved this issue by creating openings above the kitchen cabinets to borrow light from the bedrooms. “Seniors like everyone, respond well to natural light,” explains Rodney. “It is important for their physical and psychological well-being.”

Working as the architect and interior designer for owner Newton Place, L.P., Rosemann teamed with the City of Neosho, the Missouri Housing Development Commission, Fairway Construction Co. Inc., Straub Construction, Inc., Bob D. Campbell & Co. Inc., and PKMR Engineers, LLC to complete the project.

With four stories and over 13,000 sq. ft., the design includes 11 one-bedroom units and 4 two-bedroom units in a small floor plan typical of historic buildings.

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Rosemann Announces New Engineering Service

Rosemann & Associates, P.C. is now offering structural engineering services in addition to architecture, interior design and planning consulting. Rosemann’s service expansion plan strategically places it in the position to provide clients with a single source for design collaboration.

“By adding structural engineering, we enhance our ability to create design solutions in-house,” says Partner David E. Hendrikse, AIA. “We now offer a level of coordination, responsiveness and thoroughness not previously available to clients and contractors.”

Having a licensed structural engineer involved during schematic design and planning phase decreases the chance for construction delays explains Hendrikse. With an integrated delivery of services, Rosemann’s project teams can coordinate more efficiently to control the overall finished product.

Scott Rosemann, PE, LEED ® AP is the firm’s first structural engineer on staff and is licensed in both Missouri and Kansas. “One of the biggest areas of benefit to our clients will be the combination of all our disciplines,” he says. “A more accurate, fully coordinated set of drawings will translate to better constructed projects.”

With upfront communication between architect and engineer, there is a higher probability of maintaining the original design intent explains Rosemann. By including a structural engineer early in the process, the amount of time and effort on re-design is reduced.

Rosemann holds a Bachelors of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Wyoming and brings design and management experience on project types such as multifamily housing, senior living, student housing, education, health and wellness, parking garages, commercial shopping centers, and historic renovations.

About Rosemann & Associates, P.C.: Rosemann is a multi-disciplinary Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering and Planning 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. We tap into our clients' vision by carefully examining what ignites their passion. Vision requires understanding of sustainability, marketability and financial requirements of each development. Whether multifamily or urban planning, our studio approach creates a positive community impact.

For more information visit http://www.rosemann.com/ or contact Pam Boelhauf at pboelhauf@rosemann.com.

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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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