THE SOURCE
MISHAWAKA CITY HALL - MISHAWAKA, INDIANA
ISSUE 3 - FEBRUARY 2024
JPR IS A FULL-SERVICE ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING FIRM OFFERING COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT FROM START TO FINISH.
“
I love that JPR is right here in the community and connected with the community. They are timely in their work and provide great quality. I would definitely recommend JPR to others. - Coley Brady, Co-Founder of Alliance RV Regarding the Alliance RV project on page 4
MISHAWAKA CITY HALL - MISHAWAKA, INDIANA
”
South Bend Office 325 S. Lafayette Blvd. South Bend, IN 46601 P: 574.232.4388
4
DRIVEN BY ‘ALLIANCE’
8
CRAFTING CONNECTIONS
12
Fort Wayne Office 222 Pearl Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 P: 260.422.2522
FLOWING INTO THE FUTURE
A LETTER FROM THE LEADERSHIP TEAM Welcome to 2024! As we embark on another year at JPR, our firm finds itself on the precipice of several notable changes. One is learning how to maintain JPR’s steadfast dedication to the success of our clients among, or in the face of, significantly changing societal views on the concept of work-life balance. Personally, I think this term is misleading because ‘work’ and ‘life’ are not equal and thus cannot possibly ‘balance.’ But with this, a pivotal question remains: Will work ever balance with life? Work is done, no matter what kind it is, to support one’s life – not the other way around. This means life must always be more important. But the fact is, when you are in the business of purchasing someone’s time, to sell that same time to someone else for a reasonable profit, changing perspectives on work-life balance can and will have an impact on how your business operates. This impact will be positive, but only if you are managing your client relationships properly – and building great client relationships is a priority at JPR.
KENNETH JONES JR., PS PRINCIPAL - FINANCE & EXPANSION
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, understanding and accommodating the individual needs and priorities of our clients contributes not only to their satisfaction but also to the success of our partnership. That being said, I am excited to witness how our clients, in diverse industries, leverage the concept of worklife balance to enhance their own professional and personal lives. By actively supporting our clients and our talented team in achieving a harmonious balance, we not only demonstrate our commitment to their well-being but also foster stronger connections, making our relationships even more enduring and mutually beneficial. For this reason, among MANY others, I could not be more excited at what is to come in 2024 and beyond for JPR, our clients, and most importantly – our people. Onward and upward!
Founded by brothers Coley and Ryan Brady, Alliance RV is a leading manufacturer of luxury recreational vehicles. From its inception, the company was driven by a commitment to fostering meaningful human connections - creating an “alliance” with their community.
4 | www.jpr1source.com
ALLIANCE RV IS LOCATED OFF CR 17, IN THE HEART OF ELKHART, INDIANA
Located on 147-acres in Elkhart, Indiana, Alliance RV is obsessed with providing the best RV ownership experience. But to provide the best, they must have the best. That’s why, in 2019, they broke ground on their first state-of-the-art production facility. Shortly after the first was complete, a second facility was commissioned. That’s when JPR began its relationship with Alliance RV.
I
n 2020, JPR completed the civil engineering design for Building #2 on the Alliance RV campus, along with creating a Master Plan for the development of future facilities. Since then, JPR has completed civil design for Buildings #3 through #5. The Brady brothers wanted to have centrally located efficiencies, both in terms of campus location and organization. Therefore, the location of the site was critical – off County Road 17 and within the heart of the Elkhart community. “I was born and raised in Elkhart, as were several of our team members,” said Co6 | www.jpr1source.com
Founder Coley Brady. “We wanted to build a company with a lasting impact, and something that the community can be proud of.” The chosen site was located in a flood zone and contained clay soil, which can exacerbate the challenges and risks associated with flooding. With low permeability and high water retention capacity, clay soil can contribute to delayed drainage and added challenges with the effectiveness of infrastructure. It can also affect the stability of building foundations and roadways. To combat this and to meet regulatory compliance due to the flood zone designation, each building was elevated
by at least two-feet or more above the flood protection grade, as required. Additionally, as part of the project, the JPR team developed a paved parking lot for RV storage located on the west end of the campus. The lot sat within the floodway of Pine Creek, and the team was challenged to preserve the existing cross-sectional area of the floodway. The cross-sectional area is a crucial parameter in hydrology and hydraulic engineering, as it helps determine the volume of water that can flow through the channel. By using this information our team was able to design and manage the floodway, ensuring it can handle the expected volume of water during floods – while
RV CAMPUS, SHOWING 4 OF THE 5 BUILDINGS
also minimizing the risk of overflow and damage to surrounding areas. JPR planned the parking lot so that rainwater could flow out from a low-lying area, known as a swale, and spill into Pine Creek. Moreover, the excess water from a wet pond was designed to move around the lot before joining the creek. These stormwater solutions were permitted through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and required approval by the Elkhart County Drainage Board due to a setback variance from the top of the bank of Pine Creek. JPR also designed a roadway extension for Benchmark Drive, the road leading into Alliance RV, to accommodate the growth of the campus. This road extension, done in phases as each building was constructed, allowed public water and sewer utilities to be expanded to the new buildings.
BENCHMARK DRIVE, LEADING INTO THE CAMPUS
Today, Alliance RV designs and manufactures a wide range of premium travel trailers and fifth wheels that offer the exceptional comfort, style, and durability that their customers have come to expect. The campus consists of more than 800,000 total square feet under roof, and as of 2023, they have created over 600 jobs in the Michiana area. “Our vision is still evolving with more property and projects, but it is coming together quite nicely,” said Brady. “Right now we have five buildings, all of them over 100,000 square feet and the last being over 200,000 square feet. Honestly in 10 years, and even 30 years, I see these buildings being utilized in the same manner as today. We’ve set things up for the long-term.”
RV STORAGE PARKING LOT & WET POND
Alliance RV’s mission of “Do the Right Thing!” and their transparent approach with customers position them as a prominent RV company poised for success in the years ahead. Services Provided Civil Engineering Architecture Landscape Architecture Planning Surveying www.jpr1source.com | 7
C
THROUGH HARDSCAPE DESIGN
I
n 2021, JPR was hired to complete site design, utility design, landscape architecture, and planning services for the new Mishawaka City Hall. What was formerly a Liberty Mutual Insurance building is now home to the City administration, police department, and business office for Mishawaka Utilities. Located in the heart of downtown, this 92,000-square-foot municipal building serves as the central hub and focal point for the City. The hardscape design, which spans two City blocks, helps shape the overall look and feel of the site. It provides a strong first impression for anyone who visits and is meant to accentuate the adjacent buildings and streetscapes. With upper and lower plaza areas, it also provides ample space for people to gather and relax.
8 | www.jpr1source.com
The upper-level plaza, located along Lincolnway, serves as the welcoming face of City Hall. The use of decorative concrete is a standout feature. Not only does it add a touch of elegance and character to the pathways, but it also ensures durability and ease of future maintenance. This decorative concrete serves as both a functional surface for pedestrians and a design element that complements the building. The theme continues into the lower-level plaza and promenade walkway; these areas also incorporate decorative concrete to maintain a cohesive visual throughout the site. Additionally, a strategic planting design guides pedestrians along the walkways and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the site. The lighting design was another critical element, contributing not only to safety but also to the character of the
site. Lighted bollards, parking lights, and pedestrian-scale lighting were thoughtfully placed to guide visitors around the area and create a captivating atmosphere during the evening hours. Aside from safety, the goal of this lighting design was to transform the hardscape into an inviting and visually striking environment, making the Mishawaka City Hall a secure and prominent feature downtown. One of the main challenges of this project was the significant grade change from Lincolnway, south of the building, to First Street, north of the building. To address this, a terraced boulder wall was designed to overcome the substantial elevation difference from the upper to lower levels. While it contributes to the harmony of the overarching design, it also serves a functional role by aiding in the smooth transition of the elevation shift.
MISHAWAKA CITY HALL - MISHAWAKA, INDIANA
www.jpr1source.com | 9
THE HARDSCAPE DESIGN SPANS TWO CITY BLOCKS & PROVIDES AMPLE GATHERING SPACE
The project also included the design of a police memorial located at the north end of the lower-level plaza. This space not only pays respect to the profession of policing but also embraces modern design themes to create an inviting atmosphere. Designed with future gatherings in mind, the memorial plaza features aesthetically pleasing and functional lighting, creative landscaping that breathes life into the space, and a central monument adorned with a unique light source that can send a beam of blue into the night sky. It’s designed to be a place for reflection, remembrance, and community connection.
A TERRACED BOULDER WALL WAS DESIGNED TO OVERCOME THE SIGNIFICANT GRADE CHANGE
Accessibility was prioritized throughout the entire project, ensuring that the site’s hardscape elements are compliant with ADA Standards. This means that individuals of all abilities can navigate the site comfortably and without hindrance. The integration of graded walkways and stair paths strategically located throughout the site is a testament to this. City staff moved into the new facility in September 2022, and the Mishawaka Common Council held its first meeting a few weeks later, on October 3. The Mishawaka City Hall project stands as an example of urban revitalization, demonstrating the power of innovative design and strategic planning to transform a City’s landscape. With a commitment to accessibility, aesthetics, and community engagement, this project has not only modernized the City’s infrastructure but also helped rekindle a sense of civic pride.
THE LIGHTING DESIGN CONTRIBUTES TO THE SAFETY & CHARACTER OF THE SITE
Services Provided Landscape Architecture Civil Engineering Site Design Planning Construction Administration
10 | www.jpr1source.com
THE POLICE MEMORIAL WAS DESIGNED TO FOSTER COMMUNITY CONNECTION
www.jpr1source.com | 11
WATER TOWER - WHITE PIGEON, MICHIGAN
12 | www.jpr1source.com
REVIEWING DESIGN PLANS FOR THE US 12 WATER MAIN
Picture this: low water pressure, boil order advisories, road closures, and inadequate fire suppression. That is what the Village of White Pigeon was experiencing on a regular basis due to an outdated and undersized water main that ran through the center of US 12. Due to its location, the only way to fix it was to shut down the road and reroute the heavy truck traffic elsewhere. Unfortunately, the number of water main breaks continued to increase.
B
y 2020, the Village was in desperate need of updates to their water system. It was then that the White Pigeon Village Council hired JPR to develop a plan that would replace the water main along US 12 and study the entire existing drinking water municipal distribution system. Once JPR completed a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and topographic survey, and after developing a hydraulic model of the water distribution system, the team designed an appropriately sized water main to replace the existing one. Shifting from a 4-inch pipe to a 10-inch pipe and changing the material from cast iron to PVC C900 has given the system a strong, reliable backbone for the future.
“The size of the pipe has been increased to address the current water needs of the Village as well as plan for future growth,” said JPR Project Engineer Jenny Foglesong, PE. “The use of modern materials ensure that the investment today will last 50 years and beyond.” The team also adjusted the location of the water main. Instead of installing it underneath the highway to match the existing location, they moved it north to be placed in the tree lawn. This change alone will reduce both the cost of maintenance and impact to traffic on US 12. In addition, JPR procured project funding in the form of a long-term, low-interest loan through the EGLE Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. This was important
because the Village demographic falls within the overburdened community income range for the State of Michigan and the project would not have been completed without it. “This project is the start of bringing the drinking water system up to today’s standards,” said Tyler Royce, Village Council President. “The Village has been, in the past, managing the water system by reacting to issues such as main breaks,” he said. “We could no longer manage the system using that approach, and the residents and local businesses deserve reliable drinking water and available fire suppression.” www.jpr1source.com | 13
INSTALLING NEW 10-INCH WATER MAIN ALONG US 12
In coordination with the Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the goal of the project was to improve water services and provide adequate fire suppression.
This Phase I Public Works project, completed in May 2023, was just the beginning. Additional phasing is currently underway. 2023-2024: PHASE IIA – LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
According to EGLE Representative and District Engineer Katelyn Reyes, PE, the water main was constructed as early as the 1930’s. “The Village’s 2017 Reliability Study stated that there were areas in the system where adequate fire flow cannot be maintained,” she said. “This was due to undersized water main and mineral buildup reducing the flows in existing pipes. By replacing the water main, the Village has improved fire flow availability and increased reliability of the water system.”
The Village received a $1.2 million grant by EGLE (Booker Grant) to replace water service pipes that are non-compliant for up to 140 homes. This is free to the homeowner. JPR completed the Project Plan and application for this project in 2017.
The project also provided new service lines to over 80 residents and businesses along US 12.
2024-2026: PHASE III – CONSOLIDATION AND CONTAMINATION RISK REDUCTION PROJECT
Services Provided: Civil Engineering Project Funding Procurement Permit Acquisition Construction Administration Full-Time RPR Inspection 14 | www.jpr1source.com
2024-2025: PHASE IIB – WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT The Village will replace approximately 50% of their water main infrastructure, update their water tower, and replace a drinking water supply well through the USDA-Rural Development program. As the system has only one water tower, this is extremely critical. JPR completed the Preliminary Engineering Report and application for this loan in 2023.
A 2020 study conducted by EGLE confirmed PFAS and PFOA contaminants in private drinking water wells on approximately 45 parcels of land south of the Village. Due to this, the Village was awarded a $3 million grant by EGLE to extend their municipal drinking water distribution system to this area. JPR applied for this first-time grant on behalf of the Village in 2021. The grant will cover the engineering and construction cost to extend the pipes to each home at no cost to the homeowner, as well as the restoration and decommissioning of their private well.
IT TAKES A TEAM At JPR, our mission is to provide superior client service. Our goal is to complete your project on time and within budget, while exceeding your expectations. This commitment to service stems from a culture of collaboration and willingness to go beyond what is typically required. We owe our success to JPR’s exceptional team of experts, and we’d like to showcase a few of these professionals who played a role in completing the projects highlighted on the previous pages.
MATT SCHUSTER Industrial/Commercial Site Design Division Leader In the realm of architectural and civil planning for commercial and industrial buildings, Matt stands out as a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience. He joined JPR in 2002 and his expertise now extends across a spectrum of areas, including roadway design, sanitary sewer systems, water supply, storm sewer projects, traffic analysis, and master planning. Matt not only excels in project design but also demonstrates prowess in construction monitoring and review. Additionally, his profound understanding of regulatory requirements across various states, coupled with his efficiency in securing approvals and permits, highlights his exceptional skills.
JOSH BARKLEY, PLA Landscape Architect Since joining JPR in 2019, Josh has become a valuable member of the team. Bringing a wealth of experience in diverse project types and scales, his expertise spans from trail and streetscape designs to intricate regional planning and master planning projects. With a background in plants and GIS, Josh possesses a distinctive skill set that enhances the value he adds to any project. Throughout his career, Josh has actively contributed to a myriad of projects, including community revitalization, stadium and athletic complexes, public spaces, plaza design, and beyond. His unique blend of aesthetic and scientific knowledge results in designs that are not only functional but also innovative.
JOSH WYMAN Graduate Engineer Since joining JPR in 2017, Josh has contributed significantly to a diverse array of projects. His involvement spans conceptual and design development, funding allocation, and meticulous site inspections. Josh’s impact extends to client and project management across a spectrum of engineering endeavors. With exceptional collaboration and communication skills, Josh excels as a liaison between clients and the project objectives, consistently delivering high-quality results. His passion for engaging with both clients and communities reflects a deep-seated commitment to environmental improvement. Josh not only addresses current needs but also envisions solutions that will benefit future generations. www.jpr1source.com | 15
ARCHITECTURE | ENGINEERING | LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | ENVIRONMENTAL | GIS | SURVEY | PLANNING | PROJECT FUNDING
www.jpr1source.com