AIA - Grand Valley Chapter

Design Plus purchased the old 12,000 SF freight depot on the corner of Cherry and Ionia, added 11,000 SF to the existing structure, and completely renovated the existing building to create our new corporate offices. The renovation included removing the existing roof, retaining many of the existing timber columns, and adding a new metal roof at increased pitch. Additional window openings were added in keeping with the original design. The existing brick façade was soda-blasted to remove the many layers of paint and graffiti on the interior and exterior of the building, and new landscaping was installed around the perimeter, including installation of a snowmelt system around all entrances. Designed as a speculative office building, the newly refurbished building included enclosed offices, conference rooms, large open office spaces, upper mezzanine, restrooms, and large commons area. The project construction was completed in 2000, and received the Associated Builder and Contractor Award in 2001 for best Historical Renovation.

Design Plus

Design Plus purchased the old 12,000 SF freight depot on the corner of Cherry and Ionia, added 11,000 SF to the existing structure, and completely renovated the existing building to create our new corporate offices. The renovation included removing the existing roof, retaining many of the existing timber columns, and adding a new metal roof at increased pitch. Additional window openings were added in keeping with the original design. The existing brick façade was soda-blasted to remove the many layers of paint and graffiti on the interior and exterior of the building, and new landscaping was installed around the perimeter, including installation of a snowmelt system around all entrances. Designed as a speculative office building, the newly refurbished building included enclosed offices, conference rooms, large open office spaces, upper mezzanine, restrooms, and large commons area. The project construction was completed in 2000, and received the Associated Builder and Contractor Award in 2001 for best Historical Renovation.

Triangle Associates

Design Plus played an instrumental role in the development and administration of the contracts involving the renovation of their new corporate headquarters. The architectural firm had purchased an old train depot located on Ionia Avenue in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids and enlisted Triangle Associates as the general contractor. Their plans were to restore the once functioning train depot to a unique office building that they could call home.

The outdated building was in need of a complete overhaul of the electrical, heating, and ventilating systems as well as an entire roof structure replacement. Once these updates were completed, the major restoration could begin. One of the challenges faced was how to construct a 9,700 square foot addition and make it appear to be part of the original 12,000 square foot abandoned structure.

To keep with the historical feel, carpenters and labors used conventional stick framing and custom-fitted 12"x12" timbers and 42-foot long, 9"x26" glue-lam roof rafters. From utilizing recycled timbers to finding the perfect match with new timbers, Triangle successfully matched the old with the new for a unique and uniform interior. The end product resulted in an open and spacious concept with rich timbers giving the office a warm and comfortable feel. New windows, roofing and drywall were also added to the new office building. 

Awarded the 2001 Associated Builders and Contractors Award of Excellence for Historical Renovation.