Under a General Services Administration (GSA) IDIQ contract for Michigan, WBK, 7GAE, and Alliance performed site evaluation and concept level design for a new outdoor recreational facility at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, MI. WBK completed survey of the existing courtyard, coordination of Phase I ESA & soils investigations, and prepared a summary report describing existing conditions of the proposed 1/4 recreational space.

Design challenges presented themselves via the grade differential between the upper level and lower level of the courtyard where the design was forced navigate ADA requirements as well as fire ingress/egress for the sunken courtyard. The Team developed a number of parti-diagrams to convey key design concepts and presented them to GSA for further consideration and direction. Upon receiving that direction, the Team completed additional design development presenting a number of unique solutions to access the space while programming it in a way that met the needs of GSA and the employees it serves. 

Following selection of a preferred Concept, WBK completed schematic engineering including design of stormwater management which was placed under proposed paver surfaces. Design of stormwater management was met and exceeded EISA requirements. During civil engineering design, special consideration was given to constructability given limited access to its location.