By Karen Gentry | MiBiz
kgentry@mibiz.com

Sustainable green building is here to stay, with more U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System LEED-accredited professionals, more Energy Star homes and more green features in commercial and residential projects. Regional design/build professionals believe that sustainable building is not a passing fad, but a far-reaching trend.

“In the past year or so, virtually every client wants to talk about incorporating sustainable principles into the design,” said Tower Pinkster President and CEO Arnold Mikon. “All of our clients are much more interested in sustainability. Whether they want LEED certification or not, they’re still interested in sustainable projects.”

St. Joseph-based Allegretti Architects is designing more green homes and an increasing number of homes with solar power. Allegretti Architects Principal John Allegretti believes the construction industry is going to be based on sustainability and the reduction of carbon emissions.

“When it comes to building, I think it’s going to go back to less is more in terms of size,” Allegretti told MiBiz. “We should look at doing more renovation instead of tearing down and building new.”

Backing up his claim, Allegretti states that his firm has done a lot more upgrades and insulations, window replacements and upgrades to more efficient mechanical systems.

Hooker DeJong Inc. President David Layman said that sustainable design is a powerful trend.

“We see more and more clients saying ‘LEED,’ and I think that’s great. What we like to promote and sell is sustainable design. LEED has its place in the commercial sector, and a version of it applies as well to housing,” Layman said.

Muskegon-based Hooker DeJong is certainly going green. The firm has done work with wind turbines, ground source heat pumps and photovoltaic systems.

Rockford Construction President Mike Van Gessel said the economy is forcing more businesses to think about sustainability to avoid rising fuel and labor costs. He said there is more attention to building in modules, with many components built off-site and pre-assembled in an effort to expedite projects and minimize labor expenses.

Technology continues to define the construction industry’s future.

A three-dimensional modeling tool, called building information modeling (BIM), is a new technology that is making construction jobs easier, according to Granger Construction Co. President Gary Granger. BIM allows designers to describe projects in detail and helps avoid construction problems.

“(In the coming years), I think the good service providers will be problem solvers and won’t worry about bricks and mortar,” Granger said.

Flat year ahead

There are two challenges in 2008 for builders and contractors – finding work and making money once they find it, according to Associated Builders and Contractors Western Michigan Chapter President and CEO John Doherty.

Although there are many large projects around the Grand Rapids area, “a lot of contractors are not a part of those jobs,” Doherty said.

He said most design and build professionals expect 2008 to be similar to 2007 and its stable employment.

Doherty said about 20 percent of ABC members are taking projects outside the region. They may go to other parts of Michigan or states like Utah, Texas or the Carolinas, where the economy is better.

“That is getting preferable to taking a local project for no profit,” Doherty told MiBiz, noting that in West Michigan contractors often bid with up to 10 competitors to get a job.

Layman said 2007 was a more normal year for Hooker DeJong, and 2008 looks to be a decent one. Hooker DeJong has experienced considerable growth in the last several years, jumping from 13 to 21 employees. In 2006, the company completed design work for the $20 million waterpark and hotel for Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, which fueled a great year.

In 2008, Rockford Construction will complete a large project for the Diocese of Grand Rapids and part of the Grand Landing project in Grand Haven.

“We look forward to doing what we’ve always done and doing it well by taking on challenging real estate projects and developing turnkey solutions,” Van Gessel told MiBiz.

Rockford Construction does 50 percent of its business in West Michigan, but is now licensed and registered in 28 states, with plans to do business in all of the lower 48 by 2011.

Coming off two very high-profile projects – the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the JW Marriott Hotel – Rockford continues with forward momentum.

Although Granger expects some business contraction in 2008, there have been a surprising number of RFPs in December that he believes is a “pretty good indicator” for his company.

“It (2008) is going to be kind of mixed from my standpoint. It will be a decent year, but not great,” he said.

In 2006, Granger constructed the concrete frame and the parking deck for the JW Marriott Hotel and completed a science center for Hope College. The company is currently working on a clean drinking water plant in Wyoming that will serve West Michigan, as well as continuing work on projects for Western Michigan University and Ferris State University.

“We grew in volume, but actually our sales were down,” Granger said about 2007.

Tower Pinkster grew 15 percent in 2007 and expects to grow a more modest 10 percent in 2008. Tower Pinkster has enjoyed a lot of success in K-12 projects.

“Our success rates in getting bonds passed has been excellent,” Mikon said.

The company is working on several projects for the Kalamazoo Public School District, including a new elementary school that is under construction and a new middle school that is currently out for bid. In early 2008, the company also plans to finish a new student center for Kalamazoo College, a new jail in Midland County and courthouse renovation in Washtenaw County.

COPYRIGHT 2007. MIBIZ.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This article appeared in the Monday, December 24, 2007 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who are employed in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz, visit www.mibiz.com.

Muskegon, Mich. (October 17, 2007) – Hooker DeJong announces the addition of Brian Butkis, AIA and Eric Maring, Associate AIA, LEED AP to their architectural team. 

Brian Butkis has joined Hooker DeJong as a Senior Architect for the firm. Formerly with GMB Architects, he has extensive background in the design of governmental, educational, commercial and industrial facilities throughout the region. At Hooker DeJong, Brian will be a part of an integrated studio team focusing on a variety of projects within the firms’ core market sectors including educational, governmental, health services, financial and housing projects. 

“Brian is an extremely talented and seasoned architect with the experience and ability to carve out new niches for Hooker DeJong”, says David Layman, President & CEO of Hooker DeJong. “He has an excellent reputation for delivering on his promises and for delighting his clients. We’re very excited to be attracting this kind of talent to Muskegon”.

Eric Maring has joined Hooker DeJong as an architectural technician where he will work on an integrated studio team responsible for all aspects of project delivery from architectural design to construction administration. Formerly with Andrews Design Group of Tempe, Arizona, Eric has vast experience in the design of educational, governmental, commercial and industrial projects. 

“Eric’s attention to detail and strong work ethic will be a great asset to the Hooker DeJong team and its clients. He’s part of a new culture developing at Hooker DeJong that will have a great and lasting impact on our clients and the community.”

By Lisa Mackinder | MiBizMuskegon, Mich. (June 25, 2007) - Securing the right financing can make or break a development project. That is why Muskegon-based Hooker|DeJong not only provides traditional design services, but also assistance with the development of financing. The firm has a qualified staff that evaluates financial alternatives, maximizes tax incentives and suggests creative leveraging opportunities. Frank Bednarek, VP of development at Hooker|DeJong told MiBiz they help governmental agencies and not-for-profits secure funding through avenues like municipal bonds. Providing what Bednarek called a “total package of services,” is a great benefit to their clients. “We discover how the price can be spread out,” he said. The right financial assistance can also make a project run more smoothly. For instance, with downtown improvement projects, the firm has helped identify and secure funding by the municipality or funding matched by the municipality. Bednarek said they have also developed bond schedules.Hooker|DeJong also maximizes clients’ tax incentives by assisting with site selection. The marketing and use of tax and brownfield incentives has become very competitive. “With tax incentives you can save on the bottom line,” said Bednarek.Some of Hooker|DeJong’s projects include office buildings, banks, manufacturing facilities, hotels, governmental buildings, municipal parks, multi-family housing and healthcare facilities. The firm renovated the WaterMark Lofts & WaterMark Center in the downtown Muskegon Waterfront District. Formerly the Shaw Walker manufacturing facility, it has been converted into mid-rise condominiums. Shaw-Walker once created advances in office equipment like the “Built Like a Skyscraper” metal cabinets in 1913. Over 1 million square feet were made available.The firm has served the West Michigan area since 1936. Hooker|DeJong has strength in its design of municipal and educational facilities. Other projects include the Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS) and multiple projects for the Allegan County FIA and Public Health Building that totaled $6.5 million and encompassed 60,000 square feet. In 2002, the firm received the Steel Joist Institute’s Honorable Mention for Industrial Projects Design for the MATS facility.Hooker|DeJong was also charged with improving facility image and enhancing function of the L.C. Walker Arena. This included 50,000 square feet of renovation and 13,000 square feet of expansion with a budget of $8.75 million. Additionally, the firm worked with Grand Valley State University on the Annis Water Resource Institute, a multidisciplinary research organization committed to the study of freshwater resources.Bednarek expects Hooker|DeJong to experience modest growth in the coming years.Currently, Hooker|DeJong has 20 employees between its office in Muskegon and satellite office in Ada. The firm has worked on projects throughout the state, including Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven and several in the Detroit area.Although continuing to have good working relationships with GMB Architecture & Engineering in Holland and Angus Young & Associates of Janesville, Wisc., Hooker|DeJong no longer has an official partnership with these organizations.COPYRIGHT 2007. MIBIZ.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.This article appeared in the June 15, 2007 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who are employed in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz, visit www.mibiz.com.

Frank Bednarek, VP of development at Hooker DeJong has accepted an ownership position with the firm and joined the board of directors as treasurer. In his new role, Bednarek will be instrumental in all decisions relating to the overall strategic direction of the firm as well as continue his extensive work with public sector clients.Prior to joining Hooker DeJong, Bednarek served as the county administrator/controller for Muskegon County for 17 years and as the County’s CFO for 12 years prior to that. He has consulted with public and non-profit management in the areas of strategic planning, economic development strategies, community planning, development alternatives, planning for the future, financial assessments and evaluation of crosscutting issues in the public sector.Hooker DeJong President & CEO David Layman describes the move as critical to the firm’s future success. “Frank has always been instrumental in the strategic direction of the firm. Making him an owner of the company and board member was simply a way to formalize his role and to symbolize his importance on the leadership team. Without Frank, we would not have experienced the growth we’ve seen in the last few years despite the economic climate in Michigan. With Frank, our potential is limitless.”COPYRIGHT 2007. MIBIZ.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.This article appeared in the June 15, 2007 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who are employed in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz, visit www.mibiz.com.

Muskegon, Mich. (June 15, 2007) - Buddy Huyler, AIA , has joined Hooker DeJong Architects & Engineers as a Lead Project Architect for the firm. Formerly with Beta Design of Grand Rapids, Buddy has extensive background in the design of governmental, educational, recreational, and corporate facilities throughout the region. At Hooker DeJong, Buddy will lead a studio team focusing on a variety of projects within the firms’ core market sectors including educational, governmental, health services, and housing projects.“Buddy is an extremely talented and seasoned architect with an impressive portfolio”, says David Layman, President & CEO of Hooker DeJong. “He also has a keen understanding of the importance of client service and a knack for building trust and long-term relationships which aligns perfectly with the core values of the firm. I’m thrilled that Hooker DeJong was able to attract his kind of talent”.

 By Mark Sanchez(June 14, 2007) - The $5.9 million rehabilitation of one of Muskegon’s oldest structures is among six projects statewide recognized for historic preservation.HDC Construction Co. in Novi transformed the 102-year-old Muskegon Boiler Works Building near downtown into what’s now known as Art Works of Muskegon. The project recently received the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation.Art Works, on East Eighth Street across from Muskegon Lake, includes 26 loft apartments and offers 3,000 square feet of space to local for artists to work and exhibit their creations.Working with Muskegon Construction Co. and Hooker DeJong Architects and Engineers in Muskegon, HDC Construction “demonstrated real vision and commitment to rehabilitating one of Muskegon’s important industrial sites,” the Michigan Office of Historic Preservation stated.”They recognized a need in Muskegon for creative artist live/work spaces and saw the potential in the gritty former factory building. They have returned an important historic resource to productive use that is spurring additional reinvestment in Muskegon’s downtown area.”The state estimates the project had an overall economic impact of $13.2 million and created 153 jobs. Created in 2003, the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation recognizes individuals, developers, corporations, academic institutions and local governments for rehabilitating historic structure and implementing policies that promote preservation.Historic preservation tax-credit projects in 2006 stimulated more than $165 million in private investment in projects across the state, resulting in a direct and indirect economic impact of $353 million, according to the Office of Historic Preservation.”You work to preserve the valuable historic resources that are an integral part of our past, present and future makes our cities more vibrant and our neighborhoods more comfortable,” Gov. Jennifer Granholm wrote in letters to 2007 award recipients.Built in 1905, the brick building originally housed Muskegon Boiler Works, a company formed in 1865 and previously known as Turnbull Boiler Works, which produced boilers and repaired machinery for Muskegon’s lumber industry. The company continued operations until 1998.HDC Construction bought the property in 2005.© 2007 BDW© 2007 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.

By Karen Gentry | MiBizRothbury, Mich. (January 22, 2007) - The design and construction of Double JJ Resort’s new five-story, 60,000-square-foot waterpark that opened late last year was a new experience for the West Michigan companies involved in the project.The waterpark’s design was coordinated by Muskegon-based Hooker DeJong Architects & Engineers and constructed by Rockford Construction Co. It’s the first waterpark for both companies.Although Rockford Construction and Hooker DeJong have built and designed pools, the waterpark presented numerous challenges, according to Rockford Construction Project Manager Pete Michell and Hooker DeJong Project Architect Alan Majeski.“It was a very aggressive, fast-track schedule,” Michell told MiBiz.He said the design of the waterpark was evolving while under construction and because it was a pool environment, everything had to be either galvanized or epoxy coated.Majeski said all connections were designed to be bolted together and 10-foot trusses were used every 100 feet to eliminate the number of posts.“The biggest challenge was all the different levels, one built into the ground with slides weaving and curving through the building,” Majeski told MiBiz.Mechanical aspects were complicated, with the park requiring a very large dehumidification system. Controlling temperature and humidity in a structure that is 50 feet high is complex.Hooker DeJong also coordinated the work of other designers, inclu-ding Boston-based waterpark designer Northeast Aquatics and Toronto-based Proslide, a tube designer. A kitchen consultant and an interior designer also were part of the team.Majeski said he has been involved in the project for about three years, with the first year- and-a-half spent in planning, budgeting and design.“It was a unique experience that took a lot of coordination. I don’t think a lot of architects have done waterparks,” Majeski said.Rockford Construction was putting the finishing touches on the Double JJ project the first week of January, including wrapping up work on a new Italian restaurant.“It (the waterpark) went over fantastic. We were really full. It’s nice to have an indoor activity where the whole family can have a great time,” Double JJ Co-owner Joan Lipsitz told MiBiz.Last summer Rockford Construction also finished Phase 1 of the Thoroughbred Suites on the Double JJ property. Thoroughbred features 68 condominium suites, most of which have already been sold. Future construction plans include at least 100 more units in Thoroughbred. They are slated for construction this spring.Lipsitz said the infrastructure is in the ground for a planned conference frontier center that will include a banquet room with seating for 500 guests, a dinner theater and spa. The structure will feature a restaurant with a mechanical bull.COPYRIGHT 2007. MIBIZ.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.This article appeared in the June 15, 2007 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who are employed in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz, visit www.mibiz.com.

by Korie Wilkins(December 17, 2006) - Something that’s been quietly discussed for years — the merger of tiny Farmington with its larger neighbor, Farmington Hills — is now coming to the forefront.At its Monday meeting, the Farmington Hills City Council will release the results of a consultant’s study trumpeting a merger, and people can ask questions and comment, said Farmington Hills Mayor Vicki Barnett.”We already share so much,” she said. “This is an opportunity. If we don’t start talking about it, who knows what will happen?”With the state’s economy in a slump and revenue-sharing dollars on the decline, officials say there is a need to look into ways to save money.Farmington Mayor JoAnne McShane said she’s open to studying the issue and looking into the pros and cons for both communities. Her city has about 11,000 residents.”We are a small city,” she said. “You say to yourself, ‘Is bigger better?’ “Masha Silver, one of 84,000 Farmington Hills residents, has lived in the city since the 1980s. She said she’s heard talk of a merger for years. While not opposed to the idea, she doubts it’ll ever happen.”It probably should happen,” she said. “But people get very jealous of their communities and don’t want to give that up.”The two cities already share several services, including library and district court. Some residents and officials wonder if they could share more, before merger talks go any further.”We need to keep an open mind here,” said Ken Chiara, a Farmington resident for nearly 40 years.While he’s not sold on the idea of a merger, Chiara said he understands the need to study it. He likes the small-town feel of Farmington and doesn’t want to lose that, but acknowledges there are many reasons to see if money could be saved.”We already share a lot of the same values,” he said. “We’re as close as two communities can be.”Barnett said it’s that closeness that merits a deeper look at the issue. That’s why, earlier this year, Farmington Hills decided to spend $83,000 on the consultant’s study, which was conducted by Hooker De Jong, a Muskegon-based architectural and engineering firm.According to the study, the city will continue to grow and change, becoming more diverse. The population is likely to age, with fewer young families moving in.Also, the city is nearly built-out, making redevelopment a priority. In the study, the consultants recommend eight-story buildings near Orchard Lake Road and 12 Mile and near Haggerty and Grand River.The city will look at keeping its current standards in three ways: financially, socially and environmentally. That means officials need to look for ways to save money, provide services for residents that are sensitive to different cultural and racial expectations and keep new development environmentally sensitive.”We want to keep Farmington Hills vibrant, young and exciting while retaining our core values and history,” Barnett said.© Detroit Free Press