Mecosta County Welcome Center Conceptual Plan Proposals by Small Town Studio

SMALL TOWN STUDIO

welcomeMECOSTA:

MECOSTA COUNTY WELCOME CENTER CONCEPTUAL PLAN

Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center Program Welcome Center Board Room Conference Room C.V.B. Offices Chamber of Commerce Break Room Storage Restrooms Utilities Total

735 sq ft 400 sq ft 200 sq ft 460 sq ft 700 sq ft 125 sq ft 150 sq ft 240 sq ft 150 sq ft 3500 max or 3000 min

MECOSTA COUNTY VISITOR CENTER Axis Private/Public Shared Spaces Three Stages of Business

MECOSTA COUNTY WELCOME CENTER

JAMES W. H. NELLIST

MACRO SITE ANALYSIS Figure A: The lot East Pine street is

located zoned

203 C-2.

Figure B: Three Major approaches were mapped using google maps. All three routes aproached the site via Pine street, instead of Michigan. Buildings in the C-2 zoning district are able to count public parking lots that fall with 300 feet of the property in required parking calculations Figure C: 203 East Pine just alludes the current difinition of downtown Big Rapids.

LEGEND 203 East Pine C - 2 Zoning R - P Zoning R-3 R/R Public Parking

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Figure A: Zoning Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Figure B: Approaches and Parking

Figure C: Definition of Downtown

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.A.03

MICRO SITE ANALYSIS Figure A: 203 East Pine is a double lot, measuring 150’ x 100’. There are no setbacks. There is a clear vision triangle, which states that nothing over 3’ can be built within 20’ of the south-west corner.

The topography is mostly flat. There is a gentle 2’ drop to the north-east and a steep 2’ drop to the west right at the edge of the property line Figure C: The pedestrian experience highlights on-street parking as defined by the downtown parking map, as well as the shared city lot that is within 300’ of the property. Sidewalks show potential pedestrian destinations.

LEGEND Buildable Area Current Parking 1.A.04 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

908 TO HEMLOCK PARK/ RIVER WALK

910 912

ALLEY

EXISTING BUILDING GAS ENTRY

N. MICHIGAN AVE.

ELECTRICITY POLE ALLEY

N. MICHIGAN AVE.

916

ALLEY

N. MICHIGAN AVE.

914

FIRE HYDRANT E. PINE ST.

E. PINE ST.

TO DOWNTOWN PARKING

918

Figure A: Buildable Area and Topography Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Figure B: Existing Utilities

Figure C: Pedestrian Experience

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.05

CONCEPTUAL SITE ANALYSIS The macro conceptual site analysis shows the site located at a point where downtown meets the natural formation of the land. Figure A: Foliage coverage shows a pattern that surrounds the site to the north, east, and west. The biggest void of foliage coverage is in the downtown area. Figue B: There are two parks and rivers that flank the site: Mitchell Creek Park and Mitchell Creek to the west, Hemlock Park and the Muskegon River to the East. Figure C: The composite shows that the site sits at a point where downtown meets the prevailing band of foliage.

LEGEND 203 East Pine Foliage Park River Downtown

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Figure A: Foliage Coverage Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Figure B: Natural Features

Figure C: Composite with Downtown

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.07

THE THREE AXES Figure A: The urban axis is created by downtown Big Rapids. The rural axis connects Mitchell Creek Park and Mitchell Creek with Hemlock Park and the Muskegon River

The third â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Zâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; axis is complexity. This can only be experienced at a human scale. Essentially, the urban and rural axes as discovered from above only exist in two dimentional form until they are defined through three dimentionality; complexity. Some of the elements of complexity discovered around the site are: natural boundaries (figure B,) pockets of defined space (figure C,) and vertical movement and layering (figure D)

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Figure B: Natural Boundaries

Figure C: Defined Space

Figure A: Urban and Rural Axes As Seen From Above Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Figure C: Layering and Movement Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.09

SHAPING THE FORM Figure A and B: The center of the building is placed at the center of the axes.

Figure C: The rest of the building is formed around the center space, while allowing it to retain its own identity. Users will enter the building right in the center of the axes, and from here always be able to perceive those axes running through the building.

LEGEND

Figure D: Public spaces run down the center, parallel with the urban axis. This is shaped by the private spaces either side, much like a street is a public space shaped by its buildings.

Center of Building

Figure E: Servant spaces are pushed to the outside of the building while served spaces remain central. These spaces run opposite to the public/private spaces.

Private Spaces

The interaction of overlapping spaces creates complexity, movement, and chance meetings.

Supporting Form

Public Spaces Served Spaces Servant Spaces

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Figures A - C: Shaping The Form

Figure D: Public / Private Spaces Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Figure E: Served / Servant Spaces

Figure F: Conceptual Mass

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.11

SITE PLAN The site plan brings in as much greenery as possible in an effort to create a pocket park and, in conjunction with the building shape, create pockets of defined exterior public space. Crosswalks have been added over both Michigan and Pine Street to facilitate in connecting the site to downtown. Planting strategically lines the building to the north and shields the alley way to the east. The parking lot is a one way system with 60 degree angled parking. This is done to minimize the amount of site dedicated to asphalt. Spaces on the actual site were kept to a minimum. There are 3 standard parking spaces and 2 ADA accessible. Paring requirements are fullfilled via the shared parking lot accros Pine street, and there is also on street parking.

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MICHIGAN

EAST PINE

Figure A: Site Plan Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.13

WELCOME CENTER The welcome center brings visitors right into the center of the building. It can be accessed from both the street and the parking lot. Inside, visitors will be able to visually see straight through to the green spaces beyond.

The concrete paths that lead visitors in continue right through the welcome center, continuing the urban axis. Glass partitions seperate the offices but still allow for maximum visibiity and light. The welcome center is designed to act like a well defined street in an urban environment. The floor plan is wide open with no defining walls. Furniture loosely defines space and can be rearranged depending on the gathering. All areas of the building are accessed through the welcome center, making it a central space for coworkers and guests to meet eachother, whether by purpose or chance.

1.A.14 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.15

OFFICES Just like the welcome center, office space is loosely defined by a mixture of open cubicles and secure offices.

Secure offices are screened off with moveable partition walls for maximum flexibiliy. The office spaces are split in two and sit either side of the welcome center. This allows everyone to see directly into the welcome center. It also faciitates movement and meetings across the buidling, as employees must cross both the welcome center and other offices to reach servant spaces.

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Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.17

REST ROOMS Two public rest room are available directly off of the welcome center, while employees are served by their own single private rest room.

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Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.19

CONFERENCE AND BOARD ROOM The conference room is accessible directly from the welcome center. Together with the rest rooms, these three functions allow the building to remain open to the public after hours. The conference room features its own countertop and storage for coffee and supplies. Just like the offices, both rooms are closed off via glass partition screens.

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Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.21

STORAGE AND UTILITIES The storage room on the south sits between the conference and board room in order to serve both.

The utility room on the north is split in two to accomodate different mechanical functions and storage, and to allow one to be accessed from the outside and the other from the inside.

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Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.23

BREAK ROOM The break room features a counter height bar with stools. A large window allows for people watching and relaxing. The sidewalk outside the break room drops away with the natural landscape, ensuring privacy from pedestrians. A door to the outside allows employees to take advantage of the sites landscaping during their lunch.

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Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.25

FLOORING PLAN The center of the building is floored in polished concrete. This runs through all of the public zones, along the ‘urban axis.’ The private zones are defined by wood flooring, creating a ‘natural boundary.’ Both floors run beyond the boundaries of the buiding. The concrete floors create the entrance walks into the building, creating a continuous plane that flows into the green spaces beyond; the rural axis. The continuation of the wood floors beyond the boundaries of the building creates defined exterior zones for pedestrians to enjoy and provides a location for after hours signage.

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Figure A: Flooring Plan

Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.27

FLOOR PLAN LEGEND Welcome Center Offices Conference / Board Room Storage Mens Womens Employee Break Utilities 1.A.28 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure A: Complete Floor Plan

Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.29

ELEVATIONS The exterior of the building is finished in wood slat siding and fiber cement board. The curtain wall defines the vertical welcome center and allows for maximum visibility to the rest of the site. Along with the clerestory windows it also provides daylight to the interior. Aluminum awnings help to reduce building cooling loads and glare, and also begin to define public space at the street.

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Figure A: South Elevation

Figure B: West Elevation

Figure C: East Elevation Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.31

Building Section 1.A.32 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Exterior Rendering: Entering the Welcome Center Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.33

Interior Rendering: View of the Offices from the Welcome Center 1.A.34 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure xxx:

Interior Rendering: Conference Room Looking in to the Welcome Center Axis: Urban|Rural|Complex Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Welcome Center | 1.A.35

Exterior Rendering: The Welcome Center in Context 1.A.36 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

PRIVATE/PUBLIC

Autumn Waldron

PRIVATE/PUBLIC

Extension of downtown Big Rapids through public and private space The Mecosta County Visitor Center houses the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau (CVB) as well as the Big Rapids Chamber of Commerce. There is also public space in the form of conference and board rooms. There is also a combined area where the private area meets the public through the lobby. The 203 E. Pine St. location under consideration is accessible both by car and walking. However, you arrive on the site in very different ways by each of these methods. When walking you are most likely to approach the site from the Southwest. However, from car you will most likely park in the parking lot on the East side of the lot off Pine and end up on the opposite side of the building than those approaching on foot. Therefore, the lobby is split by a diagonal SW to NE line that cuts the building in two and provides entry to the building from both directions. The lobby that encompasses this line is expanded up into a two story volume to draw people into the building. On the North side of the diagonal line can be found the Private wing on the building. This contains offices and work space for the

employees. This area is accessible only through one door that can be locked for after hour events without needing to worry about exposing private information. The South side of the diagonal is the public wing. This houses the conference room and boardroom as well as the utilities and storage. This can be open after hours to host community events and accessible through the lobby or directly from an exterior door if it is not desirable to have the lobby open. The 203 E. Pine St. location can also been seen as an extension of downtown. With this in mind, the building stretches from lot line to lot line to fill the gap in the facade of downtown. It comes right up to the sidewalks like a downtown building as well and has a similar architectural language and material palette that feels conscious of its context. It is proposed that, to help with the extension of downtown to this location, certain elements that define downtown are extended one block North along Michigan and to the alley on Pine. These things include elements such as the lampposts, flag signs, planters, and the bulldogs.

1.B.2 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

A last driving force on the form of the building is from code. There is an ordinance for a “clear vision triangle” that is 20’ along the property line on both sides of the property that boarder roads. Nothing in this triangle can be taller than 3.5 feet tall. Therefore, I pushed the corner of the building back to accommodate this area. It also allowed me to create a sense of entry.

PROGRAM

Lobby 638 sqft Restrooms Mens 97 sqft Conference room 162 sqft Womens 99 sqft Board room 396 sqft Private 50 sqft Total public meeting space 558 sqft Janitor Closet 30 sqft CVB Utilities 83 sqft Private Office 153 sqft Storage 125 sqft Shared Office 219 sqft Circulation 471 sqft Chamber of Commerce (14%) Total 3457 sqft Private Office 159 sqft Shared Office 355 sqft Flex space/ Private Meeting 160 sqft Print and Work area 1 107 sqft Print and Work area 2/ Break Area 153 sqft Private/Public

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.3

CODE ANALYSIS As can be seen in the info graphic Figure 1 there are certain code and site limitations on the building. Per code, from the farthest point in a building to an exit must be at maximum 200’. The longest that a corridor that dead ends can be in 20’. A corridor must be at minimum 44” and have a 1 hour fire rating. The building must have 2 exits since the occupancy load is____ -which is greater than 49. The zoning of this lot is C-2 as can be seen in Figure __. In terms of site, there are also some things to take note of. Since our lot is C-2 there is no setback requirements. We can build right up to the property line. For the square area of our building, we need 18 parking spaces- one of those need to be barrier free. However, the municipal parking lot just across the road on Pine can figure into our parking calculations, and not all 18 of those parking spaces have to be on site. We also need a landscaping screen between Pine St. and the parking lot. This can be a 4’ tall fence, hedge, or wall though they encourage hedges or groupings of bushes. We also need landscaping along the east and north property lines as a buffer zone between

the properties. This can consist of either a 4’ wall or fence or of a 4’ hedge with a tree every 40’. There is also a landscaping requirement for a green belt at the front (West) side of the property as well, however, since we are trying to extend the aesthetic of downtown north to that block, which requires the building being right up to the sidewalk, it may be possible to obtain a variance in this case. The trees would be maintained, but placed in the right of way in the side walk with planters just like father south is done.

1.B.4 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Code P a r raa mm e te e tr e s rs Pa R-3

Exit Travel Distance (Max)

R-2 R-1 PR

No Setbacks

200’

C-3 C-2 C-1

Dead End Corridor (Max)

Corridor Width (Max)

20’

44’’

# of Exits: 2

1-Hour Fire Rated Corridor

Occupancy: 67 =20 people

Exterior Public Space Private Spaces Public Spaces Common Spaces

Not to Scale

18 Parking Spaces 1 BF

Zoning Map Buffer Zone: 4’ fence/ wall OR

1 tree per 40’ with 4’ hedge

4’

18 spaces 7 paces per tree = 3 tress

40’

Greenbelt: 1 tree per 30’, planting beds

Private/Public

4’

Site P a r raa mm e te e tr e s rs Pa Info graphic

Parking Lot Screen: 4’ fence/ wall/ hedge

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.5

SITE ANALYSIS As can be seen in the Parks and River walk map, the site is located right in the middle of a diagonal line connecting small more urban parks with the much larger Hemlock Park. Our site can act as an intermediate stop or a park of its own with its small courtyard like pocket park. It also contributes to the general hard surface and lack of vegetation in that area as seen on the Vegetation map. The Points of Interest and Major Traffic map shows the abundance of places within a short distance from our site. The fairly central Site Section location is reinforced in this map, as well as the ease of access. The Vehicular Circulation and Parking map exposes the abundance of parking nearby at this site. It is easy to access and park. Michigan and Pine is an intersection where many cars turn going to or from downtown, and the site is strategically located here. The Figure Ground map of the Site Section surrounding buildings shows the relative size and density of the surrounding area. It is easy to tell that the proposed building is more in scale with the commercial buildings of the area as opposed to the residential to the east.

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Parks Riverwalk Major Traffic Corridor Entertainment Food Other Points of Interest

Not to Scale

Points of Interest and Major Traffic

Parks and River walk

Hemlock Park Sites under consideration

Connect to down town

3500 sq ft

approx. 18 parking spaces

Vehicular Circulation and Parking Private/Public

Figure Ground -Buildings

Vegetation Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.7

SITE ANALYSIS (CONT.) The contour map shows the fact that Big Rapids is not a flat city. It also shows that there is a fairly steep drop near the Northwest corner of the property. This area is currently a green belt of plant with a fence. Blue dots on the Micro Information plan are existing electric poles. The red dot is the existing fire hydrant. It also shows the existing curb cut to the parking lot that is being reused. The water flow is marked because it is not allowed to be changed so as to not affect the surrounding properties. Lastly the red triangle is the clear vision triangle that is dictated on corner lots by the code of ordinances. The street elevations are a compilation of pictures of the block in between Pine and Maple on Michigan st. This shows that downtown buildings have some common tendencies- such as filling the lot completely, they work better when they are right up to the sidewalk, and that they tend to have lines that continue across multiple buildings at floor heights, window and door heads and sills, and cornices. Some of the conditions that are proposed to continue to the block North of Pine Street are highlighted in the photos on the bottom of the

next page. These include planters (round and square), the defining of parallel parking and making the crosswalk shorter by the extension of the sidewalks at corners, lampposts, the bulldogs, and the trees in the sidewalk with the grates. These other pictures show some examples of the types of aesthetic and context of downtown Big Rapids.

1.B.8 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

TNT Gym 150’

3500 sq ft

approx. 18 parking spaces

20’

100’

ow fl er t a W

100’

98’

100’

Dumpster

20’ 20’

150’

Exist Curb Cut Exist Curb Cut

Back of City Hall Contours

Micro Site Information

Relative Proportions of Site Developed

City Hall

East Street Elevation- Michigan St. between Pine and Maple

West Street Elevation- Michigan St. between Pine and Maple

Conditions to Continue Private/Public

Context Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.9

SITE PLAN The proposed landscaping locations are shown on the image on the next page. The lighter green circle are trees and the darker green are bushes or ornamental grasses. The trees in the side walk are planted in the typical downtown grate. The circles on the sidewalk are the same round planters as downtown. On the corner there is a larger square planter flanked on the North and South by benches and the east by signage for the Visitor Center. To the south of the main entrance is a bike rack. In the green space in the back, there is 3 picnic tables, a fountain, a small field, two shade trellises with seating, and two informational kiosks. The dumpster has been hidden by a 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; tall brick enclosure. There are 14 regular parking spaces and one barrier free.

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0’

4’

8’

16’

Proposed Site Plan Private/Public

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.11

CONCEPT DIAGRAM The 203 E. Pine St. location under consideration is accessible both by car and walking. However, you arrive on the site in very different ways by each of these methods. When walking you are most likely to approach the site from the Southwest. However, from car you will most likely park in the parking lot on the East side of the lot off Pine and end up on the opposite side of the building than those approaching on foot. Therefore, the lobby is split by a diagonal SW to NE line that cuts the building in two and provides entry to the building from both directions. The lobby that encompasses this line is expanded up into a two story volume to draw people into the building. On the North side of the diagonal line can be found the Private wing on the building. This contains offices and work space for the employees. This area is accessible only through one door that can be locked for after hour events without needing to worry about exposing private information. The South side of the diagonal is the public wing. This houses the conference room and boardroom as well as the utilities and storage. This can be open after hours to host

community events and accessible through the lobby or directly from an exterior door if it is not desirable to have the lobby open. The 203 E. Pine St. location can also been seen as an extension of downtown. With this in mind, the building stretches from lot line to lot line to fill the gap in the facade of downtown. It comes right up to the sidewalks like a downtown building A last driving force on the form of the building is from code. There is an ordinance for a “clear vision triangle” that is 20’ along the property line on both sides of the property that boarder roads. Nothing in this triangle can be taller than 3.5 feet tall. Therefore, I pushed the corner of the building back to accommodate this area. It also allowed me to create a sense of entry.

1.B.12 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

LEGEND Public Space Private Space Common Space

Concept Diagram Private/Public

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.13

LOBBY

As before described, the lobby is defined by the diagonal axis. The vestibules and some other rooms intrude into the lobby to create nooks and areas for display and seating. There is a reception desk near the wall that shares with the common office for the CVB. This is so that if there is no receptionist on duty, visitors can simply go to the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office style window directly to the right of the desk. The lobby is also a two story volume to draw people into the building and create a sense of place.

NW to SE Section 1.B.14 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

NE to SW Section

0’

4’

8’

16’

Location Key Private/Public

Lobby Furniture Plan Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.15

CONFERENCE AND BOARD ROOMS For space efficiency, the two requested meeting rooms have been combined in a way that allows them to be one large bard room or two smaller conference rooms. This provides flexibility to have multiple meetings at once as well as having a large meeting space in a efficient way. There is a gap between the storage and utility rooms that a folding partition can slide into and out of the way. In the event that there is an after hours meeting or other community event, the meeting rooms can either be accessed through the lobby or the smaller room can be accessed directly from the exterior.

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Public Section

0’

4’

8’

16’

Location Key Private/Public

Meeting Rooms Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.17

OFFICES The typical private office contains one workstation and room to meet with people at at round table. It is approximatly 150 square feet. The shared offices have different layouts, but consist of a workstation with room to meet with visitors. There is one office that can be used as a flex space, storage, or additional meeting area. The section shows the sawtooth roof and the light that it lets into the area to provide lots of natural day lighting.

LEGEND CVB Chamber of Commerce Flex Space/ Meeting 1.B.18 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

0’

4’

8’

16’

Location Key

Typical Private Office

CVB Shared Office

Chamber Shared Office Private/Public

Private Section

0’

4’

8’

16’

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.19

SERVANT SPACES Servant spaces are those that facilitate the use of the rest of the building. They are necessary even if we sometimes would like to ignore them. There are two ares that are labeled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shared Private.â&#x20AC;? These are work and print locations. The larger one on the very north end of the building also merges with the Break Area. The small red square by the public restrooms is a janitorial closet. The medium red on the north side of the public wing is utilities and the bottom storage.

LEGEND Circulation Shared Private Restrooms Utilities/ Storage 1.B.20 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Servant Spaces Private/Public

0’

4’

8’

16’

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OUTDOOR SPACE As before described, the outdoor space functions as a small pocket park. There is a shaded place to hang out as well as a small open field to kick a ball or let the kids run in a safe place. There is also informational kiosks for the out of towner looking for a good place to go. Vegetation softens the space from the hard surface of the parking lot. In the cross of the gravel walking path is a fountain creating a welcome relief from the hot summers. Picnic tables also grace the area and provide a place to gather around.

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Courtyard Rendering

Courtyard Rendering Outdoor Space Private/Public

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.23

ELEVATIONS

Michigan St. East Elevation

1.B.24 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Michigan St Elevation- West

Pine St Elevation- South

Courtyard Elevation- East Private/Public

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.25

MASSING

Pedestrian Approach Rendering- Revit and Photoshop 1.B.26 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Vehicular Approach Rendering- Revit and Photoshop Private/Public

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.27

MATERIALS Material Palette: Red Brick Standing Seam Metal Roof Precast Concrete sills and lintels Concrete Cornices Rusticated Concrete Water-table Steel Trim Double hung windows

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Standing Seam Metal Roof

Concrete Water table

Precast Concrete Lintel, Brick Cornice

Interior Rendering- Revit and Photoshop Private/Public

Arched Windows, Precast Concrete Cornice

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.B.29

SHARED SPACES Jason Baker

SHARED SPACES

spaces with multiple uses have the most functionality and allow for social interaction with the community. The concept of shared spaces was inspired by Big Rapids need to have a place downtown that gives people a place to go. Because of the location it would be constantly shared by the community for different functions. I believe it is necessary to incorporate the same concept into the building itself. In order for this project to be successful it would require interior spaces that could host multiple events for different community groups and uses. The spaces would be available to the occupants of the building, business groups, and the general public. This allows for constant movement and flow in the space that satisfies the needs of many groups. Sharing or having flexible spaces allows for maximum efficiency within the business while also providing the ability to adapt to the future needs of the business.

1.C.02 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Center Program Convention and Visitors Bureau Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center Board Room Conference Room Break Room Flex Space Restrooms Storage Utilities Corridor Total

Shared Spaces

300 sq ft 457 sq ft 661 sq ft 302 sq ft 237 sq ft 102 sq ft 112 sq ft 395 sq ft 229 sq ft 93 sq ft 585 sq ft 3473 sq ft

Small Town Studio: Bromley Park Conceptual Plan | 1.C.03

SITE ANALYSIS

LEGEND

Sun Location Traffic Direction Site Location/Building Existing Parking Existing Entrance Landscape Strip Existing Alley Existing Power Line

1.C.04 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

The proposed project site is located at 203 E. Site Issues: Pine Street, Big Rapids, Michigan. It is located -Grade change in Northwest corner just outside of the historic downtown region -Bad views of adjacent buildings and is adjacent to the City Hall building. The -Awkward space between the existing location is given on the right page along with a building and the building to the north preliminary analysis of the existing site. -Location is just outside of downtown (not much foot traffic) The analysis begins at the macro-scale around the site. Including the overall site location, approximate sun location, and most common Site Benefits: travel path. After completion of the macro anal -Located on Michigan Avenue ysis, a more focused investigation of the site is -Near City Hall included. -Corner lot The micro-analysis of the site began with not -Two lots (total 150â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;) ing the existing entrance to the building and the -Alley Access parking lot as well as the size of the lot. Included -Nearby municipal parking with the site is a grade change of about two feet -Street parking available between the parking and sidewalk at the northwest corner. Another site issue that was discovered was that there are unpleasant views of the adjacent building to the north as well as the residences that exist across the back alley. The utilities appear to come from the street except for the power line which comes from the northeast corner of the site.

Hemlock St.

East Pine St.

N. Stewart Ave.

N. Warren Ave.

Northland Dr.

N. Michigan Ave.

E. Spruce St.

M-20

Figure 02: Macro Site Analysis

Figure 03: Micro Site Analysis Shared Spaces

Figure 01: Location Plan

Figure 04: Micro Site Analysis

Figure 05: Micro Site Analysis

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.05

DOWNTOWN BIG RAPIDS In order to adequately relate the new visitor center to the downtown area of Big Rapids, the features not only of the building, but also of the site around the building must reference the current state of downtown. Upon researching the extents of Michigan Avenue, I have compiled various images of elements found on the street scape. These elements and fixtures found in the existing downtown region need to be extended another block to incorporate the new site into downtown. Doing this will create a greater sense of community and also provide more places for pedestrians to sit, eat and mingle in the area.

Figure 06: Big Rapids Banners

Figure 07: Brick Sidewalk Pattern

Figure 08: Light Poles

Figure 09: Parking Signage

1.C.06 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure 010: Sidewalk Trees

Figure 011: Trash Receptacles

Figure 012: Fire Hydrants

Figure 013: Planters

Figure 014: Benches

Figure 015: Picnic Tables

Figure 016: Bulldog Statues

Figure 017: Crosswalks

Figure 018: Bike Racks

Shared Spaces

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.07

TRAFFIC ANALYSIS While researching and observing the site, one aspect of particular interest was the amount and direction of vehicular traffic through the nearest intersection. Upon further analysis of the traffic through the intersection of Michigan Avenue and E. Pine Street, it was discovered that most of the traffic (40% of all traffic observed) comes from the north, toward downtown. It was also found that 31% of the traffic drove from the south, away from downtown, and 26% of the traffic observed turned right onto Michigan Avenue into downtown. This leaves only three percent of the traffic observed driving on East Pine Street. See Figure 020: Traffic Diagram for more information. Another observation made at the site was the fact that a lot of the traffic coming from the north and into downtown were significantly speeding. Speeding is a concern that should be addressed so that pedestrians do not have to worry about crossing the street.

1.C.08 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

N. MICHIGAN AVE.

N. MICHIGAN AVE. BUILDING SITE

E. PINE ST.

BUILDING SITE

Figure 019A: Traffic Diagram

10%

39%

85%

54%

33% of Total Traffic Observed was driving South towards this intersection

N. MICHIGAN AVE.

Figure 019B: Traffic Diagram

40% of Total Traffic Observed was driving North towards this intersection

N. MICHIGAN AVE.

33% 50% 17%

Figure 019C: Traffic Diagram

3% of Total Traffic Observed was driving West towards this intersection

N. MICHIGAN AVE. BUILDING SITE

E. PINE ST.

BUILDING SITE

E. PINE ST.

BUILDING SITE

6% 18% 76%

Figure 020: Traffic Diagram Conclusion Shared Spaces

Figure 019D: Traffic Diagram

24% of Total Traffic Observed was driving East towards this intersection

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.09

SCHEMATIC DESIGN 1 Following the concept of Shared Spaces, the form of the building immidiately started to interlock volumes and gain interest in the way the geometries met and combined to form spaces. The interlocking pieces gave interest not only in the floor plan by providing spaces with multiple uses, but also added interest to the exterior of the building by adding and subtracting volumes from one another and adding depth to the structure. In the parti diagram (Figure 021) public and private spaces can be seen intersecting and creating an area between the two spaces that interacts with both elements. In Figure 022, adjacencies have been laid out to see what spaces should be next to each other. The basic form starts with entering through the welcome center and having direct access to all of the public spaces. Next, the welcome center needs to be visible by the Convention and Visitors Bureau from their offices. Therefore the offices need to be near the welcome center. Because the offices are the busiest place in the building and will almost always be occupied, they need to be near almost all of the other spaces in the building. This includes the conference and board rooms, utilities and storage,

and also the welcome center. In Figure 023, a schematic floor plan shows how the spaces could possibly be laid out and interact with one another. Also in Figures 025 and 026, the floor plan is shown while also diagramming the circulation through the corridors and the views from the office space into the welcome center. in Figure 024, a schematic site plan shows how the building could be located on the site and approximately the area that would be utilized by the building itself. This diagram also shows the amount of parking and green space that becomes usable by locating the building in the northeast corner of the lot. An important part of the schematic design is to do multiple iterations of a project to receive the best outcome. This just happens to be one of the possible solutions and is also not the final proposed floor plan.

1.C.10 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

PRIVATE SPACE

PUBLIC SPACE

PRIVATE SPACE

PUBLIC SPACE

PRIVATE SPACE

PUBLIC SPACE SHARED SPACE

Figure 021: Parti Diagram

RESTROOMS BOARD ROOM WELCOME CENTER

BOARD ROOM

RESTROOMS

STORAGE/ UTILITIES

BREAK ROOM

CONF. ROOM

OFFICES

OFFICES CONFERENCE ROOM

BREAK ROOM

WELCOME CENTER

STORAGE/ UTILITIES

Figure 022: Adjacency Diagram

Figure 023: Schematic Floor Plan

MICHIGAN AVENUE

BOARD ROOM EXISTING PARKING

EXTERIOR GREEN SPACE

Figure 024: Site Plan Proposal Shared Spaces

BREAK ROOM

STORAGE/ UTILITIES

BOARD ROOM

BREAK ROOM

STORAGE/ UTILITIES

CONF. ROOM

OFFICES

EXISTING SIDEWALK

PINE STREET

RESTROOMS

BUILDING PLACEMENT

WELCOME CENTER

Figure 025: Circulation Diagram

WELCOME CENTER

Figure 026: View Diagram

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.11

SCHEMATIC DESIGN 2 In the next phase of schematic design, mass is given to the previously created geometries in order to achieve an understanding of how the building may actually look. This process also helps to assign the importance of certain spaces compared to others. Volumes that are larger typically have more occupants and are utilized the most. In Figure 027, the massing diagram is showing how the multiple volumes could possibly interact with one another and a form is created. In Figures 028 through 034, the individual forms are shown in contrast to the rest of the building to better understand where the spaces are located compared to each other and also to see which volumes need to be the tallest.

Figure 027: Massing Diagram

1.C.12 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure 028: Welcome Center

Figure 028: Office Area

Figure 029: Conference Room

Figure 030: Board Room

Figure 031: Restrooms

Figure 032: Break Room

Figure 033: Corridor

Figure 034: Storage/Utilities

Shared Spaces

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.13

SCHEMATIC DESIGN 3 In this stage of design, the mass has been located on the site and surrounding buildings have been added to see how the building relates to its context. The transparent white box surrounding the red building form is the buildable area allowed by code and local zoning ordinances. In Figure 036, the bottom of the image shows a small portion of how the downtown buildings relate to the sidewalk and street. There is also a notable absence of building fronts and parking lots on either side of the road before leaving downtown. The absence of building facades causes the historic downtown to lose its sense of originality and feel more suburaban in nature. This is why one of the major facades of the new visitor center would be located on the eastern property of the site and be next to the adjacent property to the north of the site. Locating the building here begins to restore the aesthetic of downtown and also serve as a beacon for pedestrians and vehicles going north on Michigan Avenue. The perspective views begin to offer insight as to how the building may look while walking on the sidewalks or while crossing the road.

Figure 035: Schematic Aerial View

1.C.14 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure 037: Schematic Perspective

Figure 038: Schematic Perspective

Figure 036: Schematic Location Plan Shared Spaces

Figure 039: Schematic Perspective

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.15

SITE DESIGN The layout to the right begins the official proposal of the Mecosta County Visitor Center.

To begin the design process for the site, the site issues must first be revisited and discussed. Keeping the original site issues in mind, the site begins to take shape. One of the instances that reacts to the original site issues is the bad views of the buildings to the north and the west. These issues were solved using trees to block the view from the building and parking lot as well as from the green space. Light poles, sidewalk trees, trash receptacles, banners, and other downtown amenities have been added to the site in order to make it continuous with the rest of downtown. Also a monument sign was placed in the corner of the lot closest to the intersection in order to attract people on foot and in vehicle to enter the visitor center and learn about the Big Rapids area. Also shown on the site plan are the circulation paths of pedestrians and vehicles and how they would arrive on the site. Major additions to the street scape include neckdowns, crosswalks, and defined parallel parking. The neckdowns were implemented in order to address the speeding issue previously

mentioned. Neckdowns have been proven to slow traffic down and provide a safer environment for pedestrains to cross the road. Other additions to the site include park benches and planters on the sidewalk for people to relax and enjoy the outdoors. An information kiosk was also added to the green space to help shield the view of the parking lot from the road and also provide a place for brochures and maps to be accessed after hours.

1.C.16 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

LEGEND

Vehicle Circulation Pedestrian Circulation Proposed Monument Sign New Landscaping Woonerf Information Kiosk

Figure 040: Diagrammatic Site Proposal Shared Spaces

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.17

WOONERF (VOON-ERF) One of the main site features that has been added is a woonerf. A woonerf is a pedestrian street that emohasizes pedestrian traffic but supports vehicular travel. Streets that are focused on foot travel often implement strategies to reduce vehicular speed. These strategies usually include neckdowns, material changes, and narrow paths as well as sharp turns or angles that force cars to slow down. They also typically include trees and other plantings in order to soften the appearance of the solid buildings. Adding a woonerf provides more community space within the downtown area. The woonerf becomes the â&#x20AC;&#x153;living roomâ&#x20AC;? of Big Rapids and is a space where events can take place, the street can be closed, or can be left the way it is to promote community interaction. The justification for inserting a woonerf is because of the minimal amount of traffic that utilizes this road. The extents of the space would extend from the crosswalk next to Michigan Avenue and conclude in another crosswalk near the alley behind the building site. Examples of existing woonerfs are shown to provide an idea of what it might look like.

1.C.18 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure 044: Woonerf Example

Figure 042: Woonerf Example

Figure 043: Woonerf Example

Figure 041: Woonerf Proposal Shared Spaces

Figure 045: Woonerf Example

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.19

SITE SECTIONS Looking at the site in section is a good way to determine which way the water will drain and how the site changes. It is also beneficial to see how the road and sidewalk meet and the where the fixtures are located in comparison to the street. In Figure 47, the slope of the site is gradually leading towards the alley where the storm drain is located near the dumpster. Site sections also offer more insight as to how adjacent buildings relate to each other. In Figure 48 it shows how the new vistor center will sit next to the adjacent structure.

1.C.20 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure 047: Site Section

Figure 048: Site Section

Key Plan Shared Spaces

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.21

OVERALL FLOOR PLAN The proposed floor plan is similar to the preliminary floor plan found in the schematic design section. In this layout, the public restrooms, board room, and offices are directly adjacent to the welcome center. The supporting spaces for the offices are located along the back wall since there are no windows on the wall due to the close proximity to the building to the north. Because of the necessity for the offices to be adjacent to almost everything in the building, the space needed to be long and narrow so there would be multiple access points throughout the space. The floor plan is an example of shared spaces because the conference and board rooms can be used by the employees and also the public. The welcome center also serves as a shared space by local residents and tourists who are looking for information about the area. The offices themselves are also shared space because there is no distinct separation between the Chamber of Commerce cubicles and the Convention and Visitors Bureau cubicles. There is also a flex space between the two businesses that serves as an informal conference space for quick meetings.

1.C.22 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

LEGEND

Welcome Center Board Room Conference Room Office Break Room Restrooms Storage Utilities

Figure 049: Overall Floor Plan Shared Spaces

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.23

PUBLIC SPACES The primary public spaces of the building are the welcome center, board room, and conference room. All three of these spaces could be made available for after hours events while being able to lock the office area doors allowing security for the employees workspaces. The public restrooms can also be included in this list and are located directly off of the welcome center to allow ease of use by tourists and other visitors. All of these spaces can also be utilized by the employees if the need arises and would promote quality interaction between the people whom work in the building and the community that needs information from them. Included on each of the following pages is a key plan, defining the space that is being enlarged on the same page. There is also a 3D line drawing of the space.

LEGEND

Welcome Center Board Room Conference Room Office Break Room Restrooms Storage Utilities

1.C.24 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

WELCOME CENTER

• Adjacent to offices, board room and public restrooms • Open floor plan • Movable furniture • User defined • Natural light • Operable windows • Focal point

Figure 051: Welcome Center Line Drawing

Figure 050: Enlarged Welcome Center Floor Plan Shared Spaces

Key Plan

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.25

BOARD ROOM

• • • • • • • •

Vertical operable acoustic wall Connected to conference room Seats 18 people Movable Furniture Refreshment counter Operable windows Adjacent storage Lockable doors

Figure 053: Board Room Line Drawing

Figure 052: Enlarged Board Room Floor Plan

1.C.26 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Key Plan

CONFERENCE ROOM

• • • • • •

Attached to board room Seats 8 people Movable furniture Refreshment counter Private meeting area Lockable door

Figure 055: Conference Room Line Drawing

Figure 054: Enlarged Conference Room Floor Plan Shared Spaces

Key Plan

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.27

PRIVATE SPACES The private spaces in the building include the offices, break room, storage/utilities, and also private restrooms. All of the necessities for a typical business are included in the strictly private areas of the building, and as previously stated, the area can be closed and locked to insure security during after hours functions. Each set of offices has there own storage area that includes a copy machine as well as base and wall cabinets. The cubicles that are not enclosed also include their personal overhead storage as well as under the work surface storage shelves. Private offices include a desk and chairs for the employee and two guests as well as a secondary table that allows clients to spread out information and discuss their needs with the company. The storage space has been divided and placed multiple areas around the building to provide room for different types of storage. For example: a coat closet, janitors closet, and a table closet adjacent to the board room.

LEGEND

Welcome Center Board Room Conference Room Office Break Room Restrooms Storage Utilities

1.C.28 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

CVB OFFICES

• • • • • •

“Reception” window to welcome center Close proximity to flex space Hanging acoustic panels for noise reduction Natural lighting in office and cubicles Exposed structure ceiling Clerestory windows

Figure 057: CVB Offices Line Drawing

Figure 056: Enlarged CVB Offices Floor Plan Shared Spaces

Key Plan

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.29

CHAMBER OFFICES

• Clerestory windows for natural lighting • Under work station and overhead storage for cubicles • Copier and storage space in hall • Shared space with CVB • Offices and cubicle space • Hanging acoustic panels

Figure 059: Chamber Office Line Drawing

Figure 058: Enlarged Chamber Offices Floor Plan

1.C.30 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Key Plan

BREAK ROOM

• Refrigerator, microwave, and storage • Small table • Open to Offices

Figure 061: Break Room Line Drawing

Figure 060: Enlarged Break Room Floor Plan Shared Spaces

Key Plan

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitior Center | 1.C.31

FLEX SPACE

• • • • •

Between CVB and Chamber offices Informal conference area Office supply storage for CVB Copy machine Natural light

Figure 063: FLex Space Line Drawing

Figure 062: Enlarged Flex Space Floor Plan

1.C.32 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Key Plan

STORAGE SPACES

• Main storage in back of building • Utility room has exterior access • Multiple locations for storage

Figure 064: Enlarged Storage Area Floor Plan Shared Spaces

Key Plan

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitior Center | 1.C.33

ELEVATIONS The elevations show the material choices made for the building and how the forms have come together. The large volumes are clad with a concrete panel with different size panels. The concrete material helps to relate the building to typical materials used downtown such as brick and stone. This material is juxtaposed with a dark wood siding which is representative of Big Rapidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; former logging industry. This material is complimented with a typical lap siding material on the east side of the building which helps to relate to the residential area adjacent to the building. The roof planes are also meant to compliment the downtown building style with parapet walls and membrane roofing. Sloping the roof on the eastern side of the building has two uses. One is to compliment the residential area and the other is to help reflect sunlight and limit the heat gain in the mornings when people will be in the offices the most. The slope also provides a place for a row of clerestory windows which allows natural skylight into the cubicle spaces throughout most of the day and only allows direct sunlight during evening hours when less people will be in the

offices. Because the building is set back from Pine Street, there is no shading on the southern elevation to help protect from heat gain. To counter this, removable awning have been placed above the windows to shade the windows during the summer months and could be removed in the winter to allow more direct sunlight and heat gain into the space.

1.C.34 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure 065: South Elevation

Figure 065: West Elevation

Figure 065: East Elevation Shared Spaces

Key Plan

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.35

BUILDING SECTIONS These building sections, along with the exploded axonmetric drawing help to understand how the building is constructed. In the sections it is easy to see the trusses are used to span between the bearing walls of the flat roofs. It is also possible to see the exposed finished wood rafters that support the sloped ceiling over the offices. The exploded view makes it easier to see inside the building and how the building systems relate to one another. In this image the order (top to bottom) is roof, roof structure, ceiling, and walls. Having views like this make it easy to identify the buildings components. In Figure 067, the section is also demonstrating where the natural lighting is entering the space. The space in this section that is not receiving any light is the storage adjacent to the board room and does not need any daylighting. The location of this section line (Figure 067) shows the grade change from the existing parking lot to the sidewalk on the left side of the building. This is being overcome by building into the site on the opposite end and allowing the ground to run into the building.

Figure 066: Exploded Axonometric

1.C.36 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure 067: Building Section Showing Natural Light

Construction as per ASTM by others

Not to be used for construction purposes. Refer to Skyfold shop drawings for final build to details.

Figure 068: Building Section

Construction as per ASTM by others

Not to be used for construction purposes. Refer to Skyfold shop drawings for final build to details.

Key Plan Shared Spaces

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.37

RENDERINGS These images are the final renderings of the building and show how the building looks in context with the site. The site plan on the left provides insight into how the landscaping might look as well as the woonerf area. Figure 070, is a view from the opposite corner of the intersection and provides a good view of the monument sign in the corner and also how the welcome center acts as a beacon for people coming from the downtown area. Figure 071, provides a view that shows how the entrance of the building is emphasized at the vestibule by being extruded from the welcome center structure and also being clad in the dark wood that contrasts the light concrete. This also shows a partial insight to the woonerf and some of the park benches that are meant to match similar ones found downtown currently.

Figure 069: Rendered Site Plan

1.C.38 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure 070: Perspective Rendering Shared Spaces

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.C.39

Figure 071: Perspective Rendering

1.C.40 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

THE THREE STAGES OF BUSINESS alayna klinke

THE THREE STAGES OF BUSINESS welcome, office, support For a business to run smoothly, many different areas have to be considered for the final product. As consumers, businesses are a part of our every day life. The three main parts of a business are the customers, employees, and the spaces that bring them together. For a visitor center, the focus is on the welcoming of the guests. In the welcome center, there are many maps and brochures to ensure each guest is successfully equipped with enough information to navigate the area on his/ her own. With employees being a close second, their offices need to be easily accessible for questions or any other vital information needed by a guest. The offices must also be in close proximity of each other to provide maximum efficiency and to create an enjoyable work life. The most underrated part of a business is the spaces that brings everyone together, whether this be conference rooms or break rooms, both private and public shared spaces are a necessity to keep any business running.

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.3

ZONING

Downtown has two different zoning districts, C-2 being commerical and RP being residential. With these different districts comes different building codes. As shown in the plan to the right, the current building for the Big Rapids Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau is located in the C-2 zoning district. The proposed site at 203 E. Pine St. is also located in the C-2 zoning district meaning no different measures must be met with construction. The main zoning ordinances for C-2 include: -no building taller than 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122; -a clear vision triangle of 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122; for corner lots -0â&#x20AC;&#x2122; setbacks from property lines

LEGEND C-2 Zoning RP Zoning Current Building Proposed Site

1.D.4 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

PINE ST.

WARREN

MICHIGAN AVE.

STATE ST.

SPRUCE ST.

M-20

The Three Stages of Business

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.5

CURRENT SITE The site at 203 E. Pine St. is located on the corner of Michigan Ave. and Pine St. just north of City Hall. TNT Gym is located to the north, west across Michigan Ave. are small businesses, south across Pine St. is the back of City Hall, and east across the alley is residential housing. With all these buildings around, the views are very poor. There are a few tress around the property and located at the road corners, but the overall views are very limited.

LEGEND Trees Bad Views C-2 Zoning RP Zoning 1.D.6 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

MICHIGAN AVE.

PINE ST.

The Three Stages of Business

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.7

PROPOSED SITE To counteract the bad views of the site, I have proposed the building be pushed all the way to the north side, blocking TNT gym. Located in front of the building on the south side of the site, there will be a green area, much like a â&#x20AC;&#x153;pocket parkâ&#x20AC;?, which creates a small get away in the city scape of downtown. The parking will stay in the same area of the lot that it is now. This allows the current curb cut to stay the same and allows alley access if desired.

LEGEND Building Area Green Space Parking C-2 Zoning RP Zoning Trees

1.D.8 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

100’

MICHIGAN AVE.

150’

PINE ST.

The Three Stages of Business

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.9

PARKING Due to the use and location of the property, the zoning ordinance states that any parking within a 300â&#x20AC;&#x2122; radius can be utilized. The code also states that there must be 1 parking spot per every 200 sq. ft. of gross area. With this calculation, the required parking for the base square footage provided is 18 spaces, one of which mist be handicap accessible.

1.D.10 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Building Site 300’-0” Parking Radius

Parking Lot

The Three Stages of Business

Parking Lot

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.11

DETAILED SITE PLAN As previously stated, the new building will be located at the north side of the site. The green space will include benches and space for exterior displays. This space can be utilized by anyone at anytime. Signage has been located at the south west corner of the lot easily seen by pedestrians or vehicle traffic. The on site parking provides 11 spaces, guests can utilize any of the on street parking or use the municipal lots across Pine St.

1.D.12 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

PINE ST.

The Three Stages of Business

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.13

OCCUPANCY Occupancy is calculated depending on the type of use for the space and the square footage provided. For this building, there are assembly spaces and business spaces. The assembly spaces are calculated where tables and chairs will be present but not permanent, giving 15 net square feet per person. The business areas call for a more fixed furniture arrangement, giving 100 net square feet per person.

1.D.14 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

The Three Stages of Business

13.0% (14.47 PEOPLE)

15.2% (16.93 PEOPLE)

WELCOME CENTER 623 sq. ft. (assembly)

RESTROOMS 302 sq. ft. (business)

37.4% (41.53 PEOPLE)

2.7% (3.02 PERSON)

STORAGE ROOM 0.7% (.81 PEOPLE) 243 sq. ft. (storage)

BREAK ROOM 217 sq. ft. (assembly)

CONFERENCE ROOMS 254 sq. ft. (assembly)

22.7% (25.27 PEOPLE)

4.7% (5.26 PEOPLE)

CHAMBER 526 sq. ft. (business)

BOARD ROOM 379 sq. ft. (assembly)

3.4% (3.76 PEOPLE)

CVB 376 sq. ft. (business)

100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.15

SCHEMATIC DESIGN The concept for this building focuses on three stages of business: the customers (welcome), the employees (offices), and the supporting spaces that bring the two together. The size of the building comes from the proposed square footages given in the program. The height is equivalent to the importance of each stage. The welcome center is the tallest point of the building. The customer is held above all else, making it the most important part. With the employees coming in close second, the office spaces are the middle height. Then comes the supporting spaces. Although this area is the shortest, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean it is not important. A business can not run properly unless all the pieces are working in unison.

LEGEND Welcome Center Offices Supporting Spaces 1.D.16 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Size

Mass Model

Height

Shape The Three Stages of Business

Schematic Plan Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.17

FLOOR PLAN After developing the plan more, there was the quick realization that one can not keep all three of these areas separate. If a business can not work properly without all working as one, how could the building itself be easily navigated and connected. The support spaces consist of the board room, the two conference rooms, the break room, and the storage rooms. The storage and conference spaces are intertwined within the office, providing an easy way for employees to interact. The Convention and Visitors Bureau offices are located adjacent to the welcome center providing easy accessibility for guests.

LEGEND Welcome Center Offices Supporting Spaces 1.D.18 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

The Three Stages of Business

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.19

FLOOR PLAN 1. Welcome Center 2. Womens Restroom 3. Mens Restroom 4. Break Room 5. Staff Restroom 6. Storage 7. CVB Office 8. Conference 9. Chamber Office 10. Chamber Cubicles 11. Storage 12. Conference 13. Board Room 14. CVB Office 15. CVB Office 1.D.20 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Furniture Plan

The welcome center is the first area seen by the guest. There is a small seating cove and a display cove for brochures, maps, etc.

The Three Stages of Business

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.21

FLOOR PLAN 1. Welcome Center 2. Womens Restroom 3. Mens Restroom 4. Break Room 5. Staff Restroom 6. Storage 7. CVB Office 8. Conference 9. Chamber Office 10. Chamber Cubicles 11. Storage 12. Conference 13. Board Room 14. CVB Office 15. CVB Office 1.D.22 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

One CVB office has a sliding glass window so this employee can act as the receptionist if necessary. The four smaller Chamber offices were put into an open cubicle area so interaction between employees was readily available

The support spaces are spread out through the building acting as a glue that holds it together. The board room is directly located off the lobby as well as through the offices for easy accessibility. There is also a smaller conference area located between the larger offices for small progress meetings.

The Three Stages of Business

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.23

FLOOR PLAN/ SECTION 1. Welcome Center 2. Womens Restroom 3. Mens Restroom 4. Break Room 5. Staff Restroom 6. Storage 7. CVB Office 8. Conference 9. Chamber Office 10. Chamber Cubicles 11. Storage 12. Conference 13. Board Room 14. CVB Office 15. CVB Office 1.D.24 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Small work stations with counter space and a printer as well as small storage items were provided in extra space.

A mono-truss system was used to support the roof. A suspended acoustical ceiling panel is in the board room to create a smaller more intimate space.

The Three Stages of Business

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.25

ELEVATIONS Brick and limestone were used as materials for this building to tie it in with historical downtown Big Rapids. The limestone skirt height along with the window heights matches City Hall. This uniformity helps pull downtown farther down Michigan Ave., providing a place people would like to be.

1.D.26 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

South Elevation

West Elevation The Three Stages of Business

East Elevation Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.27

INTERIOR VIEWS The materials chosen for the inside are a mixture between painted gypsum wall board and brick. The brick is to bring the outside in creating a seamless transition. The interior was painted white to make the space feel open and light. For the lobby, a vinyl tile floor was chosen due to high traffic volume. It is easily cleaned and very durable. For the cubicle areas, carpet was chosen. This choice was driven by the sound factor as well as comfort. Since the office is open, sound can easily travel through out the space. the carpet mixed with the hanging acoustical panels provide a great sound buffer. Due to the cubicle being located on the north wall, no windows could be placed on it. To solve this issue, clerestory windows were installed above facing the east. This lets in ample light in the early day providing a calm workspace.

3d view: lobby

1.D.28 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

3d view: cubicles The Three Stages of Business

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 1.D.29

MECOSTA COUNTY VISITOR CENTER

Focal Point Gateway to Big Rapids Integration Internalization

FOCAL POINT NICK VAN BERLO

FOCAL POINT a focal point is a center of interest or activity The Mecosta County Visitors Center was driven by the concept of a Focal Point, which can be defined as a point of interest or activity. Through the use of a Vertical Element and the Color Red, interest would be drawn down North Warren from Maple Street. The Visitors Center would act as a hub providing information and history on Mecosta County. The Information area, would be housed in this focal point, providing 24 hour access to infomation on Mecosta County. The proposed Mecosta County Visitors Center will provide a safe and welcoming environment for visitors and the Big Rapids community members to work, gather and enjoy their surroundings.

Focal Point

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.A.1

SITE ANAYLSIS The proposed Visitors Center site on North Warren resides in Residential Professionial Zoning District (R-P), between the Post Office and the Insurance Ageny. Unlike the existing C-2 District, R-P has requirements on set backs, and building size. The building cannot be larger than 40% of the site square footage. The North Warren Site is 7,500 SF, the allowed building size on this site is 3,000 SF. With exception for the Post Office, the surrounding buildings are of a residential style construction. While on site there is a lot of noise created from Maple Street. Landscaping can minimize some of noise from traffic on Maple Street. Proposed signage, or wayfinding, would be at the intersections of Maple St and State St, Maple St and Michigan Ave, Maple St and North Warren Ave, and Maple St and the Riverwalk.

LEGEND C-2 Zoning District R-P Zoning District Existing/Proposed Sites Heading South on State St Heading North on Maple St Heading from East of N. Warren Ave Riverwalk Proposed Signage

2.A.2 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Stewart St

Warren Ave

E Spruce St

Maple St

Michigan Ave State St

Stewart St

Warren Ave

E Spruce St

Maple St

Figure 1.3: Circulation

N. WARREN AVE MAPLE ST

Figure 1.4: Surrounding Strctures

Focal Point

MICHIGAN AVE

Figure 1.2: Wayfinding

N. STEWART ST

E. SPRUCE ST

N. WARREN AVE

MICHIGAN AVE

State St

Figure 1.1: Big Rapids Zoning

N. STEWART ST

Michigan Ave

E. SPRUCE ST

MAPLE ST

Figure 1.5: Parking and Utilities

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.A.3

SITE ANALYSIS

2.A.4 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

25’

POSSIBLE BUILDING AREA

Figure 2.4: Site Contours 8’

40% OF SITE 3000 SF

150’

8’

15’

50’

Figure 2.1: Site Regulations

Figure 2.2: Streetview Northeast Focal Point

Figure 2.5: View from Loading Dock

Figure 2.3: Streetview Southeast

Figure 2.6: View from Alley

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.A.5

SITE PLAN The proposed Mecosta County Visitors Center would have to obtain an easement between themselves and the Post Office in order to gain access to on site parking. This easement would allow for a renovation of the existing parking lot. The proposal is that the site grade be excavated down 1â&#x20AC;&#x2122; from the highest point, which would allow for easier accessibility onto the site. The site and parking amenities would be landscaped to provide the building with views of nature, while providing shading, and screens to block unwanted views The renovated parking lot would provide 12 parking spaces, 2 of which would be barrier free parking spots, the rest of the parking spaces would be supplemented by parking on the street or in the municipal lot to the west.

2.A.6 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

INSURANCE AGENCY

OUTDOOR SEATING PROPOSED BUILDING

RENOVATED PARKING LOT

EXISTING CURB CUT

LOADING DOCK

N. WARREN AVE

POST OFFICE

Figure 3.1: Site Plan Focal Point

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.A.7

FLOOR PLAN The Visitors Center Information Area, which is the main entrance to the building, would be accesible 24 hours a day, providing information on the county, and also acting as a vestibule for the building. The information area opens into the Welcome Center providing maps, computers, a help desk, and merchandise. The County Visitors Bureaus offices, the conference room, and restrooms are adjacent to the welcome center, with a hallway leading into the Chamber of Commerce offices. The County Visitor Bureau offices have a view to the welcome center to oversee the space. The proposed Mecosta County Visitors Center is 2,877 SF. Windows have been strategically placed in order to provide generous amounts of natural daylight, while framing views to the exterior. Tall windows allow light to penetrate farther into the building. The horizontal 2â&#x20AC;&#x2122; tall windows are at a sill height of 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122; so you cannot see directly outside while sitting down. This frames the views to nature while you are working.

2.A.8 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

LEGEND Information Welcome Center Conference Room Offices Restrooms Breakroom Storage Utilities Janitors Closet Outdoor Space

Figure 4.1: Visitors Center Floor Plan

Focal Point

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.A.9

FURNITURE PLAN

2.A.10 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure 5.2: Visitors Center Furniture Plan

Focal Point

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.A.11

WELCOME CENTER The welcome center and conference rooms are the most flexible spaces. The conference room has the flexibility to be one large board room or two seperate smaller conference rooms. During events the wall seperating the welcome center and the conference rooms can easily be detached and within minutes the space has doubled in size. This is done through the use of architectural enclose walls which are adaptable workspaces that lock into place. They can vary in materials, in which this project utilizes glazed panels and sound absorbing panels. The sound absorbing panels seperate the two smaller conference rooms, while the glazed panels seperate the conference room and the welcome center. This architectural enclose wall system has a better STC rating than conventional framing .

Sound Transmission Class (STC) Enclose Walls - 28-45 dB Conventional Framing - 34-39 dB

2.A.12 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure 6.1: Normal Business Day, Large Conference Room

Figure 6.2: Normal Business Day, Two Conference Rooms

Figure 6.3: Welcome Center During Event Focal Point

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.A.13

ELEVATIONS

Figure 7.1: South Elevation

Through the use of clerestory windows to the south, daylight is abundant in every room in the Visitors Center. During the winter these windows can also act as a method of passive heating in the building, which can reduce the heating bill.

Figure 7.2: West Elevation

These elevations represent what the concept of Focal Point can show. The use of the color red draws peoples interest and creates that main attraction for visitors of Big Rapids.

Figure 7.3: East Elevation 2.A.14 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

SECTIONS

Figure 8.1: South Section

Figure 8.2: West Section

Focal Point

Figure 8.3: East Section

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.A.15

PERSPECTIVES The exterior renderings to the right show the concept of Focal Point in action. Through the use of the Red Corrugated Metal Panels on the vertical element of the Visitors Center, attention will be drawn into the building and will act as a welcoming beacon for tourists and community members.

2.A.16 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Figure 9.1: N. Warren Street Perspective

Figure 9.2: Alley Perspective Focal Point

Figure 9.3: Conference Room Perspective

Figure 9.4: Welcome Center Perspective

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.A.17

MATERIALS The materials chosen for the Mecosta County Visitors Center are to be longlasting, durable, and low maintence. The exterior walls consist of Split Face CMU Blocks, Corrugated Metal Panels, and Horizonal Wood Slats. For the Visitors Center, Red Corrugated Metal Panels will enclose the information area and entrances. The corrugated metal panels are to be red, because the color red is proven to attract attention. The roof will be a metal standing seam roof, which does have a higher intial cost than asphalt shingle roofs, but lasts longer and has a lower lifetime cost than shingles. For the interior, carpet will only be used in the conference rooms, offices, and the breakroom. The remaining spaces will be a polished concrete floor. The outside space will consist of brick pavers, to seperate it from the sidewalks, creating an inviting feel for people to relax outside.

2.A.18 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Standing Seam Metal Roof

Stained Birch Plywood

Polished Concrete Floor

Red Corrugated Metal Panels

Exterior Pavers

Split Face CMU Block

Carpet (Offices, Conference Rooms)

Wood Slat Siding Focal Point

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.A.19

GATEWAY TO BIG RAPIDS

Alec Bobko

GATEWAY TO BIG RAPIDS Bringing awareness to people in Big Rapids Big Rapids is a small town that is not known to many people. The current Visitors Center is also not well known to many people. Most people only notice it when they go get ice cream near Mitchell Creek Park. This proposal for the new Mecosta County Visitors Center hopes to bring people into the building and learn about what Big Rapids and Mecosta county has to offer. With this new location on Warren Avenue, it will hope to expand the downtown area and bring people to different attractions outside of the downtown area like Hemlock Park, the Riverwalk, and the Muskegon River. By giving people the information to go to these attractions and helping them learn about Big Rapids and Mecosta county, this new visitors center will become a gateway for this town and county for years to come.

Parti Diagram

2.B.2 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Program Visitor Center 601 sf CVB Offices 378 sf Chamber Offices 635 sf Board Room 351 sf Conference Rooms 415 sf Storage 130 sf Utilities 130 sf Restrooms 260 sf Workspace 50 sf Circulation 305 sf Total 3255 sf Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.3

PATHS OF TRAVEL AND TRAFFIC FLOW The first part of this proposal is covering the site analysis of the Warren Avenue site. This map shows how Google Maps takes you from 3 of the cardinal directions. This is shown because people from outisde of Big Rapids most likely will not know where this building is. By studying how people get to a building, decideing on where to put signage can become an even easier task for the owners of the building. This map shows a closer view of how people get to the new visitors center on Warren Avenue. People coming from the south and the east use Maple Street (M-20), and people from the north comes down Warren Avenue from Pine Street. The majority of people that travel by this site use Maple Street going east or west. In comparison to the people that travel down Maple Street, there are not many people travelling down Warren Avenue. Most of the people that are travelling on Warren Avenue are heading to the municipal parking lot. As stated previously, by studying how people travel to the building, it is easier to decide where to put signage for the building.

2.B.4 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

LEGEND Path from the South Path from the East Path from the North

Paths of Travel Diagram

Site

Traffic Flow Diagram

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.5

SIGNAGE AND PARKING This map shows the proposal for where to put signage for the new visitors center. By studying the paths of travel and the traffic flow, putting signage at the four points indicated on the map will bring the most attention to the visitors center. There would be one on Maple Street and Michigan Avenue to help bring people from downtown towards an area that many people might not know is there. Another location for signage would be on the corner of Warren Avenue and Maple Street because it is the main intersection for the visitors center. The other two locations for signage were put there to direct people to the building from the north and the east.

Due to the small site, parking will be hard to come by. To take care of this, there will be a proposal to have an easement between the new Mecosta County Visitors Center and the Post Office. This would mainly be for barrier free parking so they do not have to cross Warren Avenue to visit the building. Also this site would be able to use the municipal parking across the street, so there would be plenty of parking for everybody that visits. 2.B.6 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Site

Signage Diagram

Parking

Site Parking

Parking Diagram

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.7

RIVERWALK AND PARK A part of this proposalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concept is to help bring people to attractions that are outside of the Big Rapids downtown area. One attraction that could use more attention from the public is the Riverwalk. What some people might not know is that the Riverwalk and the White Pine Trail connect a little north of the town.

Like the Riverwalk, some people visiting the downtown area might not know about Hemlock Park or the Muskegon River that are east of downtown. With this site, it would help show the public that there are more things to do in Big Rapids than just going around downtown.

LEGEND Riverwalk Hemlock Park Muskegon River 2.B.8 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Riv alk erw

Site

Signage Diagram

Hemlock Park

Site

Park and River Diagram

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.9

MICRO SITE ANALYSIS This portion of this proposal covers the site at a closer look than before. The Warren Avenue site is in the R-P zone. With that zone comes different restrictions from the other site. This site has setbacks all around. For the front setback, the distance is fifteen feet from the property line. The side setbacks are a minimum of eight feet and have to have a minimum combined distance of sixteen feet. The back setback is twenty-five feet from the property line. Also this zone has a forty percent buildable area on the lot. The maximum buildable area is 3,000 square feet.

The topography of this site and its surrounding area is mostly flat, but it has a few slopes here and there. For our site specifically, the only slopes that are there are the drainage on the existing parking lot, which is a very shallow slope, and the slope from the parking lot to the road. It is about a three foot difference between the parking lot and the road. It will be changed because that is a pretty steep slope for that short distance. The proposal would be to bring it down from three feet to two feet to keep that slope a little shallower than before.

This map shows all of the buildings within 100 feet of the site. This was done because part of the City of Big Rapids Site Plan Review Application requires applicants to indicate buildings within 100 feet of the building. Looking at thses buildings also helps to see what kind of architectural features they have like the materials they use.

LEGEND Property Lines Setbacks Buildings Topography Lines

2.B.10 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Property Lines and Setbacks Diagram

Buildings Diagram

Topography Lines Diagram

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.11

MICRO SITE ANALYSIS During the research portion of this project, the locations for most of the utilities were a mystery. One of the other students asked somebody at Public Works about that, and they said that most, if not all of the utilities were in the alley.

During the first site visit, the wind was swirling around that day. From previous projects, the research shows that the wind in Big Rapids is coming from the northwest most of the time.

Because of where this site is located, there aren’t any good views around the building. To the north and south are buildings to the east is a residential area , and to the west is Warren Avenue and the parking lot. To remedy the bad views of the site, this design uses clerestory windows at a height of eight feet so natural light can still come into the building, but people inside aren’t going to be staring at buildings the whole day.

Also during the site visits, the noise from Maple Street was very noticable. For this building’s site, it matters quite a bit because the only thing blocking all of that sound is the building to the south of our site.

2.B.12 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Utilities Diagram

Wind Direction Diagram

Noise Diagram

Bad Views Diagram

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.13

SITE PLAN AND RENDERINGS This is the proposed site plan for the Warren Avenue site. The parking layout has been updated to accommodate the barrier free parking spots. Because most of the parking for this building is across the street, a crosswalk would be put in because one does not exist now. The material for this new crosswalk is brick, and the brick would be continued to the entrance of the visitors center. During the first meeting, there was talk of having peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names going on bricks. This can be done for the bricks that are on the site. Also the site would create a side park for the people of Big Rapids on the east side of town. In this little park, there would be some picnic tables and some trees to provide shade for people using those tables. There are also information kiosks so people can still get the information they need even if the visitors center is closed. If some employees want to park in the back of the building, there is a small parking lot for three cars.

The top rendering is from the new crosswalk. It also shows the new park area that has been designed for Big Rapids. Like the elevations, these rendering show how the materials look in a three dimensional view. The bottom rendering shows the building and the site from the other side of Warren Avenue. This view shows how the site interacts with the existing land and how the reduced slope from the site to the road looks.

LEGEND Bench Brick Crosswalk MCVC Information Kiosk Picnic Table

2.B.14 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Warren Avenue

Crosswalk and Site Rendering

Rendering from Southwest on Warren Ave.

Gateway to Big Rapids

Site Plan

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.15

FLOOR PLAN This is the overall floor plan for the Mecosta County Visitors Center. The next few pages will go over the floor plan more in depth going room by room and describing their layout in the building. This building has a square footage of 3,255, so this building would need a variance for an additional buildable area of 255 square feet.

LEGEND Welcome Center Board Room Offices Workspace Break Room Conference Room Storage Utilities Restrooms

2.B.16 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Floor Plan

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.17

VISITOR CENTER This visitor center layout is very simple. There is a sitting area for a few people if they are waiting for a meeting with somebody. The receptionist has a desk where they can welcome people and direct them to where they want to go. There is also an area west of the receptionist desk for information like maps and brochures. That same area can be used for a small merchandise area. This room can also be used for after hours events.

The rendering at the bottom of the page is of the visitor center. This shows also shows the heavy use of wood in the building, but also shows the general layout of the room.

2.B.18 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Location in Building

Visitor Center Floor Plan

Visitor Center Rendering

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.19

BOARD ROOM This board room can fit up to fourteen people at the board table. This board room can also be used for after hours events, and to keep people from going into the office area, an alarm could be triggered to activate if they try to go through that door. There are also two clerestory windows in this room to bring in natural light.

2.B.20 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Location in Building

Board Room Floor Plan

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.21

CVB OFFICES The CVB offices have been split into two rooms. One room has two small offices and a work area with a printer. This office area also has an area where they can look into the visitor center and assist anyone who comes in when the receptionist is not there.The two walls on the south side of these two offices are half walls that are there to give a little more privacy to people working in the offices. The larger office has a more private setting. They have a large desk to work on, and there is also a small collaborative area to work with other people. Both offices have their own clerestory windows.

2.B.22 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Location in Building

CVB Office Floor Plan

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.23

CHAMBER OFFICES The chamber offices are very similar to the CVB offices. The major difference is that the open office area has more desks in it than the CVB offices. There is also a clerestory window to help bring in the natural light in to the space while not being distracting by just looking at the back of a building.The larger office also has a window that the person who is working in there can look out into the larger office area. The larger officehas the same ammenities as the large CVB office. The rendering at the top of the page is of the open chamber office area looking toward the hallway at the back of the building. It shows the different materials for the doors, work areas, and the flooring. The doors are wood to help connect with the heavy use of wood in the building and to connect to Big Rapids history. The desks are just normal office desks, and the carpet is a shade of grey. These materials are continued throughout most of the private office area.

2.B.24 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Location in Building

Chamber Office Rendering

Chamber Office Floor Plan

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.25

WORKSPACE This small area can be used as a collaborative space and as a space for filing things. There is a large filing cabinet that can store plenty of files, and the top of the filing cabinet can be used as a surface to work on.

2.B.26 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Location in Building

Workspace Floor Plan

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.27

CONFERENCE ROOMS These two areas are used as conference rooms. The one in the northeast corner is a conference room by itself that also has a printer and a few base cabinets. The other conference room is also used as a break room. This break room has all of the essentials so all of the employees can relax for a bit when they are on lunch or just needs a quick break. Both conference tables can seat up to eight people, so it can be a more informal experience.

2.B.28 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Location in Building

Conference Rooms Floor Plan

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.29

RESTROOMS There are two public restrooms off of the visitor center. There is one smaller stall in each and a larger one that is barrier free. The smaller restroom in the office area is just for the employees of the visitor center.

2.B.30 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Location in Building

Restrooms Floor Plan

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.31

STORAGE & UTILITIES These two rooms on the southeast side of the building are for storage and utilities. Each room has 130 square feet, so there is plenty of space for storage and any kind of utilities.

2.B.32 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Location in Building

Storage and Utilities Floor Plan

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.33

BUILDING/SITE SECTIONS These two sections show different ceiling heights and how the site slopes. The visitor center is exposed to the rafters, and has a lot of wood elements. The floor in the visitor center is a wood floor, and the front desk and information kisoks (both exterior and interior) are made mostly of wood. The roof is supported with 3” x 8” rafters that are spaced 2’ - 0” on center. In the office areas, the ceiling is only 10’ - 6” high so it can accommadate for the high clerestory windows. The site itself is very flat except for the part that is closest to the road. It slopes down at a more shallow slope than what is originally there so people do not have to climb up a steep slope while walking to the visitor center.

2.B.34 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Latitudinal Section

Longitudinal Section

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.35

ELEVATIONS These elevations show the change in materials from brick to wood siding and back again. They also show a relative scale compared to an average humanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s height. The shorter height is twelve feet tall, and the larger height is twenty feet tall. These elevations also show that all of the window heights are the same.

2.B.36 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

West Elevation

East Elevation

South Elevation

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.37

PROPOSALS & VARIANTS One proposal is to get an easement with the post office to share their parking lot. This is for the barrier free parking spots so they do not have to cross the road to get to the visitor center.

The next proposal is to bring down the slope from the site to the road. Originally the difference is three feet, but the change is to bring it down to two feet. Another proposal for the site is to create a crosswalk where the sidewalk meets the road by the municipal parking lot. There is no marked crosswalk, and this proposal is to make the crosswalk out of bricks. The final proposal is to get a variance on the buildable area of the lot. This variance would need an additional 255 square feet for the building because the maximum buildable area for that lot is 3,000 square feet.

2.B.38 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Chamber Office Rendering

Visitor Center Rendering

Crosswalk and Site Rendering

Rendering from Southwest on Warren Ave.

Gateway to Big Rapids

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Vistors Center Conceptual Plan | 2.B.39

INTEGRATION

STACIE LARSON

INTEGRATION Connection through Function The Mecosta County Visitor Center is meant to be a building that brings people together in the spirit of communtiy. The building functions as an office space for the Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The building gives people of the community and visitors of the area alike a place to come and learn more about what Mecosta County has to offer. The form of the building is shaped in a way that makes it eye catching and visible from the proximity of a heavily used road through Big Rapids. The location is also set apart form the downtown area of Big Rapids. The building is meant to be seen as an extention and expansion to the visably historic downtown of Big Rapids.

2.C.02 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

PROGRAM

Calculated Square Footages First Floor

Second Floor

Welcome Center

520

Chamber Offices

545

CVB Offices

284

Conference Room

279

Break Room

168

Conference Room

139

Work Room

145

Board Room

407

Staff Restroom

Public Restrooms

240

Utility/Storage

183

Utility/Storage

Circulation

260

Circualtion

369

Floor Total

1,648

Floor Total

2,129

Building Total: 3,777 SF Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.03

SITE LOCATION The site for the Mecosta County Visitor Center is located North of Maple Street directly behind the United States Postal Service building in downtown Big Rapids. This location is within close proximity and easy walking distance to the main part of the downtown area of Big Rapids. Hemlock park is also within walking distance, making it easily accessable from the site as well. The Mecosta County Visitor Center would help bridge the gap between downtown Big Rapids and Hemlock Park.

2.C.04 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Site Location

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.05

ROADS

The site location on North Warren Avenue includes easy access to several of the major roads in Big Rapids. Maple Street, in additon to being a major road that is orientated east to west, is also the only road within Big Rapids that crosses the Muskegon river. Michigan Street is orientated north to south and is the location of the main downtown area. North Warren Avenue is orientated perpendicular to maple Street and serves as a direct access to hemlock Park. Stewart Street also serves as a direct access to Hemlock Park. There is also an alley to the East of the site that serves as access to the parking lot to the Post Office and the the residential areas Northa nd East of the site. This alley would also serve as access to the Visitor Center.

2.C.06 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

STEWART

WARREN

MICHIGAN

Roads

MAPLE

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.07

PARKING Due to the limited size of the site and local building code, very minimal parking will be able to be provided directly on the site. Directly to the West of the site location on North Warren Avenue a city municipal parking lot would be able to accomodate the parking needs. Also available is parking along the street on North Warren. The parking lot directly behind the United States Postal Service buiding would also be able to be utilized, provided that an agreement was made between the city of Big Rapids and the owners of the two properties.

2.C.08 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

STEWART

WARREN

MICHIGAN

Parking

MAPLE

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.09

PROPERTY & SETBACKS The location on North Warren Avenue places the site within the ResidentialProfessional (R-P) district of Big Rapids. This means that the site must comply with local residential building codes. The local code requires setbacks on all four sides of the propety. The property size and set backs are shown on page 2.C.11.

2.C.10 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

150’ 8’

15’

25’

50’

8’ Property & Setbacks

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.11

BUILDABLE AREA The local building code also dictates the amount of impermiable surface is allowed to over the site. In this zoning district no more than 40% of the site may be an impermiable surface and must still be within the setbacks. This buildable area of the site is shown on page 2.C.13.

2.C.12 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

150’

88’

34’

50’

Buildable Area

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.13

SITE PLACEMENT Within the setbacks dictated by local building code, the Mecosta County Visitor Center building is placed as close to the sidewalk and as far North that is allowable by code. This allows the building to be more visible and emmitt a more welcoming feeling for the visitors. Because the building is not directly on the main road of travel, Maple Street, it is important for it to be visible. The East side of the site has been converted to parking . With an agreement with the United States Postal Service. the two parking lots can be combined to allow access to both lots using the alley that is East of the site and Post Office. Trees have been placed along the North and East sides of the site to enahance the sense of privacy for the residential area that surrounds the property.

2.C.14 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Site Plan

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.15

SPACE SEPARATION To initially understand what types of spaces were desired for the project, they were first broken down into two broad categories, public and private. As the welcome center is to be a major and important element of the buiding, that space was separated a a separate category. The spaces that fall under the public category include conference rooms, board rooms, and the public restrooms. Spaces that were considered private include all of the office spaces, break rooms, work room, staff restrooms, and storage and utility rooms.

2.C.16 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

PUBLIC WELCOME CENTER

PRIVATE CVB OFFICES

CONFERENCE ROOMS

CHAMBER OFFICES

BOARD ROOM

BREAK ROOMS

PUBLIC RESTROOMS

WORK ROOM STAFF RESTROOM STORAGE / UTILITIES

Space Separation

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.17

SPACE SEPARATION To further develop an understanding of the spaces and the placement of the different areas, the general public and private spaces were arranged in a manner that started to take into account cirrculation and the limitations placed on the property by the local building code. This started to give the building footprint a shape. Since the welcome center is meant to be a main public feature and the most visited area of the buiding, that area was placed right at the front. Most of the public spaces were placed on the first floor to be easilly accessable to the general public, while the majority of the private spaces were placed on the second floor.

LEGEND WELCOME CENTER PUBLIC PRIVATE 2.C.18 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

FIRST FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.19

FIRST FLOOR SPACES From the general public and private space separation, those areas were broken up further into individual rooms with added cirrculation space. The sizes of each space were adjusted to fit the neccessary needs and to maximize the efficiency of the arrangement.

LEGEND WELCOME CENTER

CVB Offices

Break Room

Utility/Storage 4 Conference Room

Public Restroom

Circulation 7 Board Room 2.C.20 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

First Floor Spaces

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.21

FIRST FLOOR: FURNITURE Next, walls and doors were added and adjusted to maximize the efficiency of the space and and convenience of the occupants. Furniture was then added to ensure that all the necessary space and equipment and accommodations were met.

2.C.22 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

First Floor Furniture

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.23

WELCOME CENTER The two story welcome center is placed at the very front of the building so it is the first thing that visitors experience when they first enter the building. Three walls of the welcome center are enclosed with glass walls and ceiling. This element of the building strengthens the connection between the outside and the inside. The public restrooms are located directly adjacent to the welcome center so they are easily accessable and easy to find. The welcome center is furnished with chairs and tables for waiting visitors as well as a volunteer reception desk.

2.C.24 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Welcome Center

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.25

FIRST FLOOR: PUBLIC The conference room is located in the North Eastern corner of the building to provide separation from noise and other disruptions in the building. The small conference space has the capacity to hold eight people at once. The board room is located on the first floor in a partially secluded location towads the back of the building. The board room is large enough to accommodate sixteen people and is furnished with movalbe tables and charis that can be arranged into whatever configuration is needed. On the East end of the room are two storage closets and cupboards with a small counter for storage and refreshments.

2.C.26 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

First Floor: Public

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.27

FIRST FLOOR: PRIVATE The Convention and Visitors Bureau is located on the first floor toward the front of the building to be easilly accessible to the public and visitors. The wall adjacent to the welcome center contains a window that connects the two spaces when the volunteer reception desk is not able to have an attendant. The break room on the first floor is located close to the Convention & Visitors Bureau offices for easy access to the employees that will be utilizing it.

2.C.28 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

First Floor: Private

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.29

EGRESS CIRCULATION Due to the preexisting elevation difference between North Warren Avenue and the existing site, the landscape has been dug out and the building has been built into the ground. This creates an elevation difference between the front and back of the building. This also creates a conflict with local building code. To comply with local building code, a portion of the site at the back of the building has been dug out and a ramp has been added to the back of the exterior of the building to provide a second exit for use in case of an emergency.

2.C.30 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Exterior Ramp

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.31

SECOND FLOOR SPACES Similar to the first floor, the general public and private spaaces were separated to begin to arrange individual rooms. The sizes and arrangement were adjusted to maximize the efficiency and convenience of the layout for the occupants.

LEGEND Open to Below

Chamber Offices

Utility/Storage 3 Conference Room

Circualtion 5

2.C.32 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Break Room

Work Room

Staff Restroom

Second Floor Spaces

8 4

6 7

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.33

SECOND FLOOR:FURNITURE Next, walls and doors were added and adjusted to maximize the efficiency of the sapce and convenience of the occupants. Furniture was then added to ensure that all the necessary space and equipment accommodations were met.

2.C.34 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Second Floor Furniture

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.35

SECOND FLOOR: OPEN The portion of the second floor above the welcome center has been left open. The wall that is adjacent to this two story space is also a glass wall. This allows natural light into not only the welcome center, but also two spaces on the second floor as well.

2.C.36 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Second Floor Open to Below

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.37

SECOND FLOOR: PUBLIC The conference room on the second floor is located adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce offices and looks down into the welcome center. this allows the space to be lit by natural light durring the day.

2.C.38 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Second Floor: Public

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.39

SECOND FLOOR: PRIVATE The Chamber of Commerce offices are located adjacent to the open second story of the welcome center in an attempt to bring as much natural light into the building and office spaces as possible. The office spaces are furnished wtih five cubicle style offices. The office space also includes an area with a small work space and printers.

Collaboration space is neccessary in any kind of working environment. The work room located on the second floor provides a collaboration space for all users within the building. The room is furnished with two tables that each seat four people. This would allow employees from differnt offices to be able to work in small teams without having to take up a larger conference room. The break room located on the second floor provides a space for employees to relax and take a break from the busy working environment around their desks.

2.C.40 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Second Floor: Private

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.41

ELEVATIONS The brick materials for the exterior was chosen based on the historic downtown materials. The majority of the brick on the exterior is a standard sized tan brick with some darker accent bricks scattered throughout the pattern. The band of brick wrapping around at the window level is a larger split faced mansonry unit in a lighter color to create a greater contrast on the facade.

2.C.42 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

NORTH ELEVATION

EAST ELEVATION

MECOSTA COUNTY VISITOR CENTER

WEST ELEVATION Integration: Connection through Function

SOUTH ELEVATION Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.43

BUILDING SECTION The building section shows the relationship between the two story wecome center and the office space and conference room on the second floor. This building section also shows the relationship of the sloping roof and the welcome center.

2.C.44 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Building Section Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.45

Exterior Rendering

2.C.46 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Welcome Center

Integration: Connection through Function

Small Town Studio: Mecosta County Visitor Center | 2.C.47

INTERNALIZATION

MARIA DIAZ

N. WARREN AVE SITE The site is locate behind the postal office at the intersection of N. Warren avenue and Maple street. The property is the northern half of the parking lot.

Municipal and postal office parking

2.D.02 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Property lines

Internalization

Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.03

INTERNALIZATION To look within oneself This concept is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright because he utilized creative solutions to bring in natural light without exposing occupants to unfavorable exterior views.

Right: Larkin Administration Building Buffalo, NY 2.D.04 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Left: Larkin Administration Building Interior Buffalo, NY

Above: Unity Temple Interior Oak Park, IL Below: Unity Temple Oak Park, IL

Internalization

Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.05

Above: Courtyard Perspective

2.D.06 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE Like many buildings in downtown Big Rapids, this buildings has a cement masonry unit exterior on the first level and a standard brick on the second level. The distinction between the public and private spaces is articulated by a 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; strip of stainless steel.

Right: Exterior Wall Material Sample

Internalization

Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.07

FIRST FLOOR

2.D.08 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Welcome Center

WELCOME CENTER 419 SF

Right: Welcome Center Perspective Internalization

Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.09

Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Office

CVB 440 SF

Left: CVB Office

Right: CVB Private Office 2.D.10 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Board Room and Conference Rooms

BOARD ROOM/ CONFERENCE ROOMS 412 SF

Internalization

Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.11

Storage Room

STORAGE 122 SF

2.D.12 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Utility Room

UTILITIES 96 SF

Internalization

Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.13

Public Bathrooms

WOMEN’S MEN’S RESTROOM RESTROOM 97 SF 97 SF

2.D.14 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Stairs to the Second Floor

Internalization

Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.15

SECOND FLOOR

2.D.16 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Internalization

Stairs to the Second Floor

Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.17

Collaborative Chamber of Commerce Workspaces

CHAMBER 368 SF

2.D.18 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Chamber of Commerce Private Office

CHAMBER 248 SF

Internalization

Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.19

Storage

STORAGE 58 SF

2.D.20 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Staff Break Room

BREAK ROOM 133 SF

Internalization

Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.21

Storage

RESTROOM 65 SF

2.D.22 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

First Floor

Internalization

Second Floor

Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.23

RENDERING/FINISHES The building is furnished with Haworth products. It is anticipated that occupants will use furniture from their previous office.

Right: Very Task Office Chair

Right: S Con Swivel Office Chair 2.D.24 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

Right: Cappellini Tate Colour Office Chair

SITE CHANGES Certain parts of the existing topography should be regraded. Through the use of ADA compliant ramps everyone can accesses the building from the same way. The front ramp leads to the sidewalk and the rear ramp ends at the alley’s level.

38’’

48’’ = 4’

ALLEY

10’’ BUILDING

Right: Regrade Diagram Internalization

SIDEWALK Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.25

Latitudinal Section

Longitudinal Section

2.D.26 | Ferris State University: Architecture and Sustainability

SQUARE FOOTAGE The maximum footprint the building could have is 3,000 square feet (40% of a 50’ x 150’ property). The total square footage (including circulation space) is below the initial maximum desired square footage.

Internalization

First Floor: Welcome Center CVB CVB Office Board Room/ Conference Restrooms Utilities Storage Circulation Air lock Total:

419 257 183 412 194 96 122 432 101 2216 sq. ft.

Second Floor Chamber Workstations Storage Break Room Restroom Chamber Office Circulation Total:

368 58 133 65 248 226 1098 sq. ft.

Combined Total: 3,314 sq. ft.

Small Town Studio: Visitor Center Conceptual Plan | 2.D.27