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President Theodore Roosevelt once said that play is a fundamental need, so much so that playgrounds should be provided for every child, just as schools are. And “all work and no play,” it has been noted, is not the approach schools should be taking.

The American Pediatric Association has recommended that children get 60 minutes of open-ended play daily. So, it stands to reason that play should be a vital part of the daily school routine. Thanks to its new interactive playground that opened this year, children at Brookwood Forest Elementary might be reluctant to leave when the bell rings.

Play helps children develop emotionally, physically, socially and cognitively, and spaces created for the purpose of play contribute to a child’s well-being. Students at Birmingham’s Brookwood Forest Elementary are fortunate that these goals are being achieved through Ranger Park, described as “a place to play, learn and grow together.”

Covering 15,000 square feet, Ranger Park was built on the footprint of the grade school’s former playground. It features enlarged courts for various sports, a rain garden, a climbing dome and other climbing structures, a multipurpose pavilion, a large rubber-surface play area, along with music play and sensory play.

The $350,000 park installation was designed by Birmingham-based Macknally Land Design and brought to fruition by Blackjack Horticulture, also based in Birmingham. The Parent Teacher Organization of Brookwood Forest Elementary came up with the idea to redesign the school’s playground two years ago. Landscape architect Lea Ann Macknally joined the project and and Blackjack Horticulture was brought in to administer it.

An added touch to the park is the work of local mural and multi-media artist Merrilee Challliss, who painted energizing designs in vibrant colors on the asphalt areas for hopscotch, four square and long jump.

“After 11 weeks, there was nothing more rewarding than seeing the kids’ joy and excitement as they ran across the playground,” says Blackjack Horticulture President Bryan Word. “It was a tremendous honor to bring Brookwood Forest’s vision to life and give back to our community in this way.”

 

 

Image 1 – The $350,000 park installation was designed by Birmingham-based Macknally Land Design and brought to fruition by Blackjack Horticulture. Landscape architect Lea Ann Macknally joined the project and then Blackjack Horticulture was brought in to administer it.

Image 2 – Ranger Park features the work of local mural and multi-media artist Merrilee Challliss, who painted bold designs in vibrant colors on the asphalt areas for such games as hopscotch, four square and long jump.

Image 3 – Ranger Park was built on the footprint of the grade school’s former playground and includes enlarged courts for a variety of sports, a rain garden, a climbing dome and other climbing structures.

Image 4 – Also in the new park are a multipurpose pavilion, a large rubber-surface play area, along with opportunities for music and sensory play.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of MackNally Land Design and Blackjack Horticulture.

 

It’s fitting that Alabama’s only statewide private economic development organization relocated its headquarters to the center of downtown Birmingham, an area that has been described as “ground zero of Birmingham’s modern renaissance.”

Designed by Birmingham’s KPS Group, the new EDPA new headquarters is in Baker’s Row, an office complex in the former 1930s Merita bread factory at the corner of First Avenue and 14th Street. Bakers Row has kept its industrial feel with concrete floors, exposed ductwork and beams, and expansive industrial windows, making it an ideal creative workspace.

The architecture and interiors for this new 13,200 square foot office space were custom-designed as part of the Bakers Row adaptive re-use development adjacent to Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham.

According to KPS Group, the articulation and massing of the building exterior was re-constructed to provide expansive windows and a prominent dedicated entry on the street side. The industrial vibe of this contemporary space was achieved by letting its architecture be the focal point.

In addition, a feeling of openness was created with glazed modular architectural walls “dropped” into the high bay interior. Individual work areas supported by multiple types of conference and interactive spaces encourage collaboration and offer employees several ways to work. A panorama of Alabama success stories plays continuously on a 34-foot-long digital video wall that is visible from the street.

CEO Steve Spencer of the EDPA has said that the move downtown was “as much about image as it is about anything” in this part of Birmingham that serves as a hub of activity. “One of our biggest challenges was to design for program elements that are unpredictable and continuously evolving from week to week,” observes Donna Dowling, IIDA, Senior Vice President and Director of Interior Design at KPS.

“In the end, we allowed for a significant amount of open space – essentially a blank canvas with multimedia capabilities that comes to life when it’s in use for one of EDPA’s numerous programs, from hosting a small trade delegation to being the epicenter of their annual “imerge” festival celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship in Alabama.”

 

Image 1 – The new headquarters for the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama is in Baker’s Row, an office complex in the former 1930s Merita bread factory at the corner of First Avenue and 14th Street in downtown Birmingham. Designed by KPS Group, the articulation and massing of the building’s exterior was reconstructed to provide expansive windows and a prominent dedicated entry on the street side.

Image 2 – Individual work areas supported by multiple types of conference and interactive spaces encourage collaboration and offer employees several ways to work. A panorama of Alabama economic and development success stories plays continuously on a 34-foot-long digital video wall that is visible from the street.

Image 3 – Interiors for this new 13,200 square foot office space were custom-designed as part of the Bakers Row adaptive re-use development adjacent to Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham. The industrial feeling of this contemporary space was achieved by letting the architecture be the dominant feature.

Image 4 – Many elements were incorporated in the design to encourage collaboration. In addition, a feeling of openness was created with glazed modular architectural walls “dropped” into the high bay interior.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of KPS Group, Inc.

 

Craig King and wife Cindy were looking to purchase a new building for the family’s 100-year-old business, J. P. King Auction Company. When they saw a building at 414 Broad Street in downtown Gadsden’s Historical District, it was possible to envision it for their offices on the lower level and luxury loft apartments above.

The couple employed Gadsden architect B. Craig Lipscomb to renovate the 6,250-square-foot, two-story building for their auction company headquarters with upscale apartments on the second level while maintaining as many of the historic building’s original elements as possible.

Their efforts were recognized with a 2018 Main Street Alabama Award of Excellence for Architectural Design.

Constructed sometime between 1888 and 1894, the building housed many businesses over the years including a dry goods and a dress shop. The red brick masonry building has a recessed front entry with show windows. Second story windows feature stone jack arches with keystones. The façade is capped by a molded pressed cornice with console brackets at the sides decorated with acanthus leaves and lions heads in bas relief.

The interior first floor structural brick side walls have been left exposed and clear sealed. The entry floor is black and white hexagonal ceramic tile work. On the second level, the original hardwood floors and plastered walls were left intact.

The building was determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historical Places and qualified for the Wallace Property Relief Constitutional Amendment (Lid Bill) for reduced ad valorem tax. In addition, the city of Gadsden provided a grant for Facade improvement in the amount of $2,250 and $5,000 per apartment.

Craig says their award-winning restoration project was a valuable learning experience.

“We love the old architecture of downtown Gadsden and my wife Cindy and I loved that we were able to restore a historically distinctive building like this that was going into disrepair,” he explains.

“Newer construction does not have the character of the older historical buildings, and we hope that more incentives will become available in the future to assist other developers to be able to make restoring older buildings a more viable investment.”

 

Image 1: The 6,250-square-foot, two-story brick masonry building features a recessed front entry with display windows. The restoration project received the 2018 Main Street Alabama Award of Excellence for Architectural Design.

Image 2: Gadsden architect B. Craig Lipscomb renovated the building as headquarters for J.P. King Auction Company. The second level was transformed into luxury loft-style apartments.

Image 3: The interior first floor structural brick side walls have been left exposed and clear sealed. Over the years, the building was home to many businesses including a dry goods and a dress shop.

Image 4: As many of the historic building’s original elements as possible were kept intact during the renovation project including the ornamental hardware.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of J.P. King Auction Company

 

Entertainment venues that offer food, drink and games under one roof – a concept that has caught on in cities such as Nashville, Denver and Brooklyn – has come to Birmingham.

An old Woolworth building in Birmingham’s Five Points entertainment district is now Woolworth Recreation and Refreshment billed as “Alabama’s first social house.” The concept is a gathering place for all ages, providing family fun and a neighborhood spot to kick back and socialize in a lively atmosphere. The venue is also available for private parties and other events.

Woolworth Recreation and Refreshment opened in the summer of 2018 with two bars and a restaurant downstairs and another bar on the rooftop that offers sweeping views of the street and city.

A variety of old-school games are available including duckpin bowling, tabletop shuffle board, foosball, ping pong, pinball, Pac Man and darts.

From a spatial standpoint, a number of changes were made to the two-story building to convert it into a social house, says architect Mike Gibson of Creature, formerly Golden Construction and Appleseed Workshop. Gibson designed the interior to mitigate the sounds from the games area with screens, insulation and carpet on the walls so diners in the upscale restaurant would not be bothered by the noise.

Gibson was looking for the opportunity to design a social house in Birmingham with a high-quality restaurant and the owner of the Woolworth building, Orchestra Partners, was open to the idea.

The venue was named for the building’s original occupant and also because a 5-10 split in bowling is called the “Woolworth,” notes Gibson, who spent time in New York looking at the Woolworth headquarters to gain inspiration.

One of the project’s most eye-catching elements is the rooftop bar engulfed in faux ivy. While some designers might have second thoughts about using fake greenery, it works here and not only looks great but provides practical benefits.

Gibson intended to use real ivy, but realized it would be high maintenance and take too long to grow. Just like the real thing, the plastic version provides shading and pleasing dappled light. And as Gibson points out, “Who cares if it’s fake?”

Image 1: Duckpin bowling is one of many old-school games available to play at Woolworth Recreation and Refreshment. Other popular games offered include tabletop shuffle board, foosball, ping pong, pinball, Pac Man and darts.

Image 2: The stylish entertainment venue is housed in a former Woolworth five and dime building. The two-story building is owned by Orchestra Partners, a Birmingham redevelopment company.

Image 3: Though similar venues offer casual dining fare, the plan for Woolworth Recreation and Refreshment called for an upscale restaurant, which is designed to block the sounds coming from the arcade and game areas.

Image 4: The rooftop bar offers great views of downtown Birmingham. The bar’s distinctive décor includes faux ivy greenery walls and ceiling that are visible from the street.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Chris Luker

Huntsville is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the United States Army Aviation & Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal. Now it’s also home to one of the largest indoor aquatics complexes in the United States.

The Huntsville Aquatics Center project combined an existing 50-meter swimming pool in the 50-year-old Brahan Spark Natatorium with two new swimming pools – one designed for easy access for people with limited mobility and a competition pool.

Nola | VanPeursem Architects in Huntsville began designing the new aquatics center in January 2015, working to address the many amenities desired by the Huntsville Swim Association and other users. The project received the 2018 North Alabama AIA Honor Award and the 2017 Facility of the Year award from the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association.

The AIA jury noted that the large windows lining the competition pool achieve “a poetic balance between the natural and created water bodies” and “a contemporary aesthetic is established both internally and externally, as exterior cladding is used to create a look of simplified modernity, while exposed mechanical systems throughout the interior give the building an industrial presence.”

The primary objective was to create a connected venue to support large regional swim meets. The design connects the three pools with a common entrance, locker facilities and support spaces.

Situated in Brahan Spring Park adjacent to a lake, the site created the opportunity to take advantage of park and water views for the competition pool’s 1,500-seat grandstand. Water is evident in the overall design such as the entry’s curvilinear roof.

Part of the design approach was a “wave look” with the column positions forming a “W” for water and the diagonal column positions reinforcing the notion of motion or movement, explains Rob Van Peursem of Nola | VanPeursem Architects.

Several design challenges were met, such as designing the building around the existing building and keeping it operational throughout the project. It was also necessary to develop a wet side and a dry side so spectators could stay dry, and also allow swimmers access to the three pools and locker room without crossing paths with the dry side.

Image 1: The swimming pool is 50 meters long by 25 yards wide, and has two three-meter and two one-meter Maxi-Flex diving boards. The instructional pool provides warm water therapy at 90 degrees, and an in-water bench with jets as well as a handicapped access ramp into the water.

Image 2: Huntsville’s new aquatics center opened in July 2017. The facility features three large pools, new restrooms, conference and hospitality space, offices and concessions, and a new terrace overlooking the Brahan Spring Park lagoon.

Image 3: The 90,000-square-foot aquatics center features state-of-the-art electrical and scoring systems. Generators were installed to restore lights in the event of power outages.

Image 4: The new Huntsville Aquatic Center, formerly Brahan Spring Park Natatorium, is said to be one of the nation’s largest indoor-outdoor swimming facilities. Amenities include shower and locker rooms, a sundeck and a motorized roof that can be rolled back on warm days.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of  Nola | VanPeursem Architects

 

Opelika has long made revitalization efforts a priority and was the first participating city in DesignAlabama’s new DesignPlace program that provides assistance with design, planning and community identity.

Another improvement is replacing the city’s 50-year-old police station and municipal court building with a modern facility, designed by Montgomery-based Seay, Seay and Litchfield. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2019.

Opelika’s police station and municipal court complex has not been renovated since 1977. Designed to replace the old and deteriorating building, the new $18.5 million facility will have state-of- the-art technology to allow for faster police response times.

The new complex is 37,000 square feet with the police station in one wing and the municipal court in the other, with the two sharing one interior door. Also included in the complex are police training and day rooms, an exercise room, kennel area for six canines, a 911 dispatch center, administrative offices, conference room, along with a secure drug testing area and increased storage space.

Storage for evidence will double in size and the investigative services area has added space. The Interview rooms are being redesigned and the patrol roll call room will be enlarged to enable police officers to expedite roll call and be out on the streets in less time.

Planes and volumes-defining space characterize the sophisticated modern design. Though the design is inspired by contemporary architecture, project architect Jeffrey Bazzell chose vernacular materials used for other buildings in the area in order to integrate the new complex into its surroundings.

The building is designed with a pleasing sense of contrasting building materials. Brick and cast stone were selected for the exterior skin “inspired by buildings found in historic downtown Opelika,” Bazzell says.

A welcoming court entry plaza brings visitors into the main public areas. This inviting atmosphere is achieved with an expansive metal and glass curtain wall, benches and extensive landscaping.

Image 1: The contemporary design is continued in the interior, including the municipal court lobby. The complex is expected to be complete in 2019.

Image 2: The court entry plaza is inviting with the use of an expansive metal and glass curtain wall, benches and extensive landscaping.

Image 3: The entrance to the police department is clearly defined with a brick wall and steps leading to the main doors. The new police station will have state-of- the-art technology to allow for faster response times.

 

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Seay Seay & Litchfield

Many factors come into play when creating a community’s distinct identity, which is not achieved simply with a new logo or tagline.

A successful community brand strategy develops over time and brings stakeholders together to chart a common vision. Then devise a way to fulfill that vision.

This is the approach Priceville took with its new website, designed by Montgomery-based Copperwing Design. “Our design approach for the town of Priceville began with a brand-storming session with city leadership,” explains Angela Stiff, Copperwing’s principal and creative director.

“The information gathered was fundamental to creating a site that mirrored Priceville’s pastoral and picturesque landscape, their warm and vibrant community, and the momentum for economic growth. The color palette, images and fonts were all selected to ‘feel’ like Priceville — energetic, welcoming and full of charm.”

Stiff notes that websites are often the first impression of a community because many people use them to learn about an area before they travel there. The aesthetics as well as an organized navigation can set initial expectations of a place, its leadership and quality of life, she adds.

Priceville’s new website includes concise, easily understood text in a simple font. It is also eye-catching with the use of contrasting colors and inviting imagery. For example, “Places to Stay” is in blue and below it “Where to Eat” is in yellow, each with accompanying images. Throughout are links to learn more about the town.

Priceville has partnered with DesignAlabama’s DesignPlace program to look at the community’s future direction, and its new website is part of this effort.

“The website is a harbinger of an evolving community with a vision for the future,” Stiff points out. “The personality set forth online will encourage businesses to take a closer look at Priceville as a potential homesite. The website is hopefully also fostering a sense of pride among current residents.”

Image 1: The new website reflects Priceville’s pastoral and picturesque landscape, its warm and vibrant community, along with its momentum for economic growth.

Image 2: Images, fonts and color palette were all selected to ‘feel’ like Priceville, as well as convey its welcoming and energetic characteristics.

Image 3: Attracting visitors and investors, as well as fostering a sense of pride in its residents, are primary goals of the new city of Priceville website.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Copperwing

“If you build it, they will come,” says Kevin Costner’s character in “Field of Dreams.” Indeed they came when ArchitectureWorks Lead Architect Bruce Lanier built MAKEbhm, turning a former warehouse into studio and production space for others to build – everything from woodworking and printmaking to metal craft and ceramics.

Located in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham, MAKEbhm provides studio space, production facilities and classes in a 22,000 square-foot multi-use development that also houses retail space and offices. Along with professional-grade studios, a 4,000-square -foot co-working space is available for graphic designers, architects, journalists and attorneys.

A second MAKEbhm location is set to open in 2019, a few blocks away on First Avenue South, says Chris Izor, MAKEbhm director of operations.

The idea for MAKEbhm was born out of Lanier’s need to find space for his woodworking equipment. Turns out other people also needed workspace, equipment and a place to join forces with other “makers.”

Renovating the warehouse that houses MAKEbhm was achieved on a limited budget. The result is a functional, spare and authentic. Practical materials such as pre-finished plywood and artificial turf were used to be both serviceable and playful.

Storage racks for lumber and a large gallery wall provide organizational elements for the foyer and multi-use space by separating public and private areas. Air circulates with large fans and solar tubes bring in natural daylight. Also featured is a 60 kW rooftop solar array that at the time of installation in 2017 was the largest non-utility-owned array in the region.

Image 1: Located in Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood, MAKEbhm provides studio space, production facilities and classes in a 22,000 square-foot multi-use development . Try your hand at printmaking, woodworking, metal craft, ceramics and other pursuits.

Image 2: A second location just a few blocks away is scheduled to open in 2019 on First Avenue South. The building was previously an events venue and garage called Old Car Heaven.

Image 3: Along with professional-grade studios, a 4,000 square foot co-working space is available for graphic designers, architects, journalists and attorneys.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of MAKEbhm

Plans are underway to improve the quality of life in Auburn, thanks to the creation of the Auburn Parks, Recreation and Cultural Master Plan. The plan identifies areas of need and provides a comprehensive look at Auburn’s parks, recreational amenities and public library system.

The goal is to upgrade and expand Auburn’s parks, recreation, arts and cultural programming, along with greenspace and greenways, trails, public facilities, landscaping and enhanced natural features.

Phase 1 is expected to begin in 2019, which consists of 13 projects and is estimated to take six years. Several of these initial projects are smaller projects and three are considerably larger, says Becky Richardson, director of the city of Auburn’s Parks and Recreation.

Landscape architect Jason Weckerly, who leads Foresite Group’s Greenspace + Land Design Practice Area nationwide, is project manager for the master plan. He says the plan provides a complete summary of what Auburn is lacking in terms of recreational, arts and library programs and various facilities, as compared to other similar-sized communities.

“The gap analysis determined a clear path in developing concept plans and programs that help to address those gaps and needs for the citizens of Auburn,” Weckerly explains. “This is a very exciting time for the city of Auburn, as the recommendations put forth in the master plan go into detailed design and become fully realized in the coming years.”

Richardson says separate citizen’s surveys were conducted in the areas of parks, recreation and culture amenities for the master planning project.

“The parks and recreation survey listed trails and parks as highly rated and there are several projects that address this in various areas of the city,” she says. “Two of the concepts tie into the Northwest Auburn Plan with passive parks and trails,” she says.

“In addition, the Society Hill Road fields will replace the softball fields at Felton Little Park which can be converted to a downtown greenspace. Special events were a priority in the arts survey and the projects, especially Felton Little and the arts center renovation. And expansion looked at providing more space to have these types of events both big and small.”

The citizen’s survey also showed the desire for additional senior programs and special needs programs, Richardson notes.

“Our satisfaction numbers have shown some slippage due to lack of space,” she continues. “Some of the projects were geared toward creating additional space for all types of programs. Pickleball (a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis) is a tremendously popular senior activity sweeping the country so building six courts with room to add others in the future seemed logical, especially since our staff places an emphasis on seniors staying active.”

Existing plans were also incorporated into the master plan, including the Northwest Auburn Plan and the Downtown Master Plan, Richardson says.

Additional phases of the plan are possible, Richardson says. “Of course, trends change but I would guess that at least two additional phases and maybe three will address all of the recommendations. Some of these would require acquiring additional property.”

Image 1- The walkability map indicates walkable areas within the master plan. The plan provides a summary of what Auburn is lacking in recreational, arts and library programs and various facilities, as compared to other similar-sized communities.

Image 2- An important component to the master plan is the proposed park locations. Phase 1 is expected to begin in 2019, which consists of 13 projects estimated to be completed in six years.

Image 3- Separate citizen’s surveys were also conducted in the areas of parks, recreation and culture amenities for the master planning project. Special events were a priority in the arts survey and the citizen’s survey also showed the desire for additional senior programs and special needs programs.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong/Images Courtesy of The City of Auburn

Mobile County has a new 31,000-square-foot Emergency Operations Center designed by TAG/The Architects Group, Inc. to meet the needs of the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency.

“The organizing force of the facility is the need to provide a centralized space for the coordination of the Mobile County’s municipalities and agencies during emergency conditions,” says Brad Davis, TAG project manager, who designed the facility along with Ronnie Taylor, TAG’s president and principal. “All of the building’s functions and systems are arranged to support this mission.” Construction of the facility was led by Wharton-Smith, Inc.

The Emergency Operations Center, or EOC, provides the central space with municipality and agency representatives configured into work groups to enhance discussion and communication. Audio-visual systems such as a video wall, video monitors and microphones are deployed to assist each of the work groups as well as directing and coordinating the overall operations. Decisions developed by the EOC are communicated by phone and radio to direct first responders and other field operations.

Seventy-eight work stations are in the new center, along with a storm shelter and safe rooms for tornados and hurricanes. The conference room is arranged for video conferencing to coordinate operations with state and federal agencies.

Break-out rooms provide flexible spaces for sub-groups to resolve problems as the need arises. The dormitories provide sleeping bunks so that emergency operations can continue around the clock. Additionally, the building envelope and mechanical yards are designed to meet FEMA-361 standards for hurricane and tornado storm conditions, thereby ensuring continuity of operations of the building and utility systems.

 

 

Image 1 – The new Emergency Operations Center, as seen in this rendering, features state-of-the-art communications and audio-visual equipment to coordinate and respond to emergency events. Audio-visual systems such as a video wall, video monitors and microphones are deployed to assist each of the work groups, and direct and coordinate overall operations.

Image 2 -TAG/The Architects Group, Inc. in Mobile has designed the new Emergency Operation Center for Mobile County. All of the building’s functions and systems are arranged to provide a centralized space for the coordination of the Mobile County’s municipalities and agencies during emergency conditions.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of TAG/The Architects Group and Wharton-Smith Inc.