BKV Group

Groundbreakings, grand openings, and project spotlights plus features on BKVers attending a full slate of industry events and conferences around the country — these stories and more encapsulate the November issue of The Pulse:

BKV Group recently delivered a dynamic office transformation for Crane & Norcross, a law firm seeking a refreshed environment in their historic brick-and-timber Chicago Loop building. The 11,000-square-foot, full-floor tenant improvement (TI) project is tucked amongst Chicago’s modern high-rises, embodying an “urban oasis” feel with the hum of the adjacent “L” train and sweeping, 180-degree views of the Chicago River bend. The result is a polished, energetic space that feels both modern and true to its historic roots — an authentic Chicago workspace that truly complements its surroundings. This comprehensive reimagination at “180 Wacker” couldn’t be more fitting, as BKV pulled off a true “space 180” that combines budget-conscious upgrades with urban sophistication to create a timeless home for Crane & Norcross. Read more here! https://lnkd.in/gZxs2mEZ

🎃 Happy Halloween from BKV Group! 🎃 Today, we’re celebrating the creativity that brings our designs to life — and that extends to some truly impressive costumes around the firm! Swipe through to see some spooky, stylish, and downright clever costumes crafted by our talented colleagues. Wishing everyone a safe and fun Halloween filled with treats, laughs, and a little design magic! 🖤 The BKV Group Team

BKV Group is hosting a firmwide, in-depth educational week focused on senior living, allowing our team members to take a deep dive into designing for senior residents! Each practice site features key products relevant to architects, engineers, and interior designers, including mobility devices to help gain an understanding of the many challenges we face as we develop needs for these end users (don't mind the Halloween decor in the photos!):

📚✨ We're thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of Howard Lake Library! ✨📚 A new chapter in the Howard Lake community, this library isn’t just about books — it’s a space for connection, learning, and inspiration for all ages. It's also focused on our future, being Minnesota's very first Net Zero library. The new Howard Lake Library is optimally efficient, generating energy on-site using clean renewable resources including rooftop-mounted photovoltaics. 🎥 Watch the video clip below to get a sneak peek of Howard Lake Library! #HowardLakeLibrary #GrandOpening #LibrariesMatter

Our latest collabration with Artspace Projects, Inc. is Detroit Artist Lofts which emerges from the City of Detroit's vision to revitalize the urban landscape by supporting its creative sector. Recognizing the housing needs of its artists and creatives, the City, through its Department of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship (ACE), embarked on collaborative studies with Artspace and BKV Group, resulting in the identification of a substantial demand for artist housing and creative workspaces in proximity to downtown Detroit. Here are the project's latest conceptual design renderings for use in actively seeking funds through the City of Detroit, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, and other public and private sources.

We're thrilled to share that Associate Partner, Warees Smith AIA, NOMA and Architectural Designer, Mahkam Hashemi, are attending the 2024 NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) Conference! This gathering of visionary minds celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the powerful impact of architecture in shaping communities. Warees and Mahkam are looking forward to connecting with industry peers, learning from thought leaders, and exploring new ways to elevate equitable design. Stay tuned for insights and takeaways from their experience at this terrific event! #NOMA2024 #ArchitectureForAll #DiversityInDesign #InclusiveArchitecture

We are excited for next week's ceremonial groundbreaking of Union at A2 in Ann Arbor, Michigan! In collaboration with our developer partner, The Annex Group, Union at A2 supports a city in need of quality affordable housing, providing not only one of the largest affordable housing communities in Ann Arbor in over 45 years, but a new modern development for 250 households to call home. Union at A2 will also feature a community center, bike storage, fitness center, on-site leasing office, outdoor picnic and grilling area, and a playground. The community’s location was planned with future residents in mind being close in proximity to dining, retail options, a pharmacy, schools, plus conveniently located next to the public bus system. Thank you and congratulations to our project partners on reaching this milestone! City of Ann Arbor Michigan State Housing Development Authority Midwestern Consulting Grow America (formerly NDC) Ann Arbor Housing Commission

BKV Group visited our emerging mixed-use/market-rate community in San Antonio, The Continental! This is a unique, ground-up development that will create a 16-story, market-rate tower that is blended with the historic Continental Hotel and Arana building which will be refurbished and renovated into commercial, office, and creative lofts. When completed, this overall development will enliven the San Pedro Creek community and integrate the Zona Cultural District bounded on the outer edges.

Next week, we are proud to announce that TRACE JACQUES, Jackie Wilcox, and Anca Ioana Gruita will be featured panelists during the 2024 Chicago Build Expo. On the first day of the event, Oct. 22, Trace will be a lead speaker in the "Forecasting the Future of Architecture" panel, and later in the day, Jackie and Ioana will lead the "Connecting Design to Construction for a New Generation of Professionals" panel. Rounding out the afternoon, Trace will return to the stage as a featured panelist in the "Designing for Inclusivity" session. To sign up and register for these panels and more, click here: https://lnkd.in/edXuPBN See you in Chicago!