Overview

Challenges/Solutions:

• Promote simultaneous activities & programming
• Design space for more visitors
• Increase wayfinding/building flow
• Improve safety
• Develop/expand recreational & fitness options
• Create a more efficient locker room experience
• Modernize look & feel of facility

DESIGNING FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS

The Holland Community Aquatic Center has been a staple in the community for over 50 years. However, in recent years it was becoming increasingly outdated. With a growing number of visitors and programming needs, the Aquatic Center Board needed a space that would carry the facility into the next 50 years. They turned to Lakewood.

One of the biggest challenges facing the facility was being able to hold simultaneous programming. Previously, when a swim meet was held, community members were not able to use the facility’s other designated areas. The new space needed to be able to welcome guests, hold swim meets, and run normal programming all at the same. With community growth, there also needed to be additional space for expanded programming and visitors.

Working in collaboration with AMDG Architects, Lakewood developed a stunning, state-of-the-art facility that puts every community dollar to good use. Focusing on the end-user experience, each space was strategically designed to remain fully functional, no matter what events may be taking place. Walking patterns and wet zones were laid out to maximize safety throughout the entire facility. Plus, there are exciting new features, such as a sauna and steam rooms along with an expanded fitness area.

Another benefit was having the project sequenced so the facility could remain open throughout the construction process. For our client, not having to interrupt the guest experience was a major victory.

The completed Aquatic Center will open in 2022, creating more swim and recreational opportunities for all of West Michigan.

Overview

As part of a major expansion program, the new Spine & Orthopedic Unit is a second level addition to the hospital’s east wing above the existing CCU/Telemetry Unit. The cast-in-place addition is part of the hospital’s master plan for expansion as this growing healthcare provider adds more services to the Holland community.

Construction of the new 23,400-sf in-patient floor included 24 fully private rooms for orthopedic and neurosurgery patients and was designed and built to accommodate two additional floors in the future. This project also involved extending three existing elevators and completely replacing an elevator and enlarging the existing shaft.

Challenges of the project involved a very tight staging area for materials and equipment, as well as being next to a busy street which is also the main entrance to the hospital and needed to be in complete operation 24/7.