Grand Rapids Lake Home & Cottage Show

<div style="text-align: center;">We exhibited at the Grand Rapids Lake Home & Cottage Show at the end of March. In addition  to our booth we ran a fundraiser for the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. We had coloring pages of our home designs created for children to color while their parents were visiting our booth. We had a great turn out and a lot of creative kids visited the booth, we may have a few young architects and designers in the making!</div><div style="text-align: center;">The money raised went to provide lodging and gas reimbursement for a family while their child was a patient at the Children's Hospital. Thank you all for supporting kids!</div><div style="text-align: center;">To make things a little more exciting we had a competition for the homes colored by the kids. The best home coloring pages were selected to win a puzzle created with a Visbeen Architects home design. You can see the winners and some of the kids in action!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwg0YLpOd9AB4lhwU1IZDjiSSmVyOavgAze3vCve_pHH9ObruSZ5MFfPAOnSjCnha0syw9fYF6p8Pl5y5FxjQBEtGwlZxQ5VzBjhT_rv9i_Y1CJPmKeaOJGAEyBaLFQihuKhAgwU6lWDL/s1600/Kids+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwg0YLpOd9AB4lhwU1IZDjiSSmVyOavgAze3vCve_pHH9ObruSZ5MFfPAOnSjCnha0syw9fYF6p8Pl5y5FxjQBEtGwlZxQ5VzBjhT_rv9i_Y1CJPmKeaOJGAEyBaLFQihuKhAgwU6lWDL/s1600/Kids+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyqdEF8jbS3p3f0p3rB3avKfyZz8J3AJCRWGbWqFL1QXOgdSF0whrq9h0PsW-cuX1-KUszX1wOgS2MMPIJPnjMG3HAItPzf9zrasY1T2sne1TOSmZkbk2mEqhAO_brquCohc9IMbrxooV/s1600/Amish+kids.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyqdEF8jbS3p3f0p3rB3avKfyZz8J3AJCRWGbWqFL1QXOgdSF0whrq9h0PsW-cuX1-KUszX1wOgS2MMPIJPnjMG3HAItPzf9zrasY1T2sne1TOSmZkbk2mEqhAO_brquCohc9IMbrxooV/s1600/Amish+kids.jpeg" width="300" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQrwdhpjZqvlL4yRdk8QdQBtM4jdJK-p6AdheGseSFDHj-Oprr4RXSrl0ePrvAKiTXJDB49xxODR9Vw9WkfqJZWJGN87ytQ1BoOUabs3oHBpkJD0qCbSFCvgkeAC3TV_2o_ef8IfzxK54/s1600/Gavin+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQrwdhpjZqvlL4yRdk8QdQBtM4jdJK-p6AdheGseSFDHj-Oprr4RXSrl0ePrvAKiTXJDB49xxODR9Vw9WkfqJZWJGN87ytQ1BoOUabs3oHBpkJD0qCbSFCvgkeAC3TV_2o_ef8IfzxK54/s1600/Gavin+1.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpq3zvxNYtdJTbXlHNnaroYbTDo5Y1iH1iEqs-2pmyGiXQJIx9xkEgkPZ_c-nysRhJBeKPgukohT7ItFkKeu_EUooxmOkIvmMbGDk64Vbmzbi_xqp2CDGtXtdJptfWIfKZu314kDg89g9Q/s1600/Kids+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpq3zvxNYtdJTbXlHNnaroYbTDo5Y1iH1iEqs-2pmyGiXQJIx9xkEgkPZ_c-nysRhJBeKPgukohT7ItFkKeu_EUooxmOkIvmMbGDk64Vbmzbi_xqp2CDGtXtdJptfWIfKZu314kDg89g9Q/s1600/Kids+1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lxc3Kt1lEnJEtSq0Jvvy073O77o7RQi5aClCZPOZiIn2LG9TuK4SB_8CBjLJs6SjXXyDpRpAtYwPanQXkHbkUZr_SFzdlNT25Y0odsu3FovYbuF8Oj5paPP9o0fdK5rn6RxcQVSVbXcM/s1600/Kids+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lxc3Kt1lEnJEtSq0Jvvy073O77o7RQi5aClCZPOZiIn2LG9TuK4SB_8CBjLJs6SjXXyDpRpAtYwPanQXkHbkUZr_SFzdlNT25Y0odsu3FovYbuF8Oj5paPP9o0fdK5rn6RxcQVSVbXcM/s1600/Kids+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />And our design contact winners of the 4 different age groups.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KGXBJFsuYxYpNRbIC21rWXQBGnD-yVMIn0kBNj_izcq-25z8tPO1lCFalSiBwc0EPyjErCgX8DLEgsUq-cMzigFW7rhS2j_8m6wH7k7aAyyfjWDAHxmOQ-evnCsQAqL969VhjItUzqAy/s1600/W1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KGXBJFsuYxYpNRbIC21rWXQBGnD-yVMIn0kBNj_izcq-25z8tPO1lCFalSiBwc0EPyjErCgX8DLEgsUq-cMzigFW7rhS2j_8m6wH7k7aAyyfjWDAHxmOQ-evnCsQAqL969VhjItUzqAy/s1600/W1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupuaSUfEKD-ldE0M_w2kdYlOuXsKqjGjkckrYG-u5pK9y8c84l_GSe4zcbMnpjyCdcNQrgQDSIbZh4mdLC4OroHKI5FjdNNkzOGA5nsOYGwzsELACltqWdPaodjCSa4U48ct_WTJe76JO/s1600/W2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupuaSUfEKD-ldE0M_w2kdYlOuXsKqjGjkckrYG-u5pK9y8c84l_GSe4zcbMnpjyCdcNQrgQDSIbZh4mdLC4OroHKI5FjdNNkzOGA5nsOYGwzsELACltqWdPaodjCSa4U48ct_WTJe76JO/s1600/W2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO3ai3ZUaWCEiOfw8zmOtPlrzU-IWv-6B1uDH3pkRxv2koYZLWK8UGws9Lt8Z9cXHniJiaNMkRsjiJKANXVyaJDSfKtcnPIv2vpij2-4L91ZPU7epWti0a5vjhkY50x0_in_I-GzBVKNr/s1600/W3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO3ai3ZUaWCEiOfw8zmOtPlrzU-IWv-6B1uDH3pkRxv2koYZLWK8UGws9Lt8Z9cXHniJiaNMkRsjiJKANXVyaJDSfKtcnPIv2vpij2-4L91ZPU7epWti0a5vjhkY50x0_in_I-GzBVKNr/s1600/W3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGVKNBggRurRnMnJM83BAfjAxhFBWamF5DPPWuOpO0IRYMDx1S419_LI2V7SLNnAf3wvzegEhyMZB5vpv8pXjZrcCZT40WSO3RklancuqqfYhzOPPzV75KhvWA8EI9xXsrqDMeIZHk3WM/s1600/W4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGVKNBggRurRnMnJM83BAfjAxhFBWamF5DPPWuOpO0IRYMDx1S419_LI2V7SLNnAf3wvzegEhyMZB5vpv8pXjZrcCZT40WSO3RklancuqqfYhzOPPzV75KhvWA8EI9xXsrqDMeIZHk3WM/s1600/W4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We hope you stop by our booth next year!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>

Grand Rapids Lake Home & Cottage Show

We exhibited at the Grand Rapids Lake Home & Cottage Show at the end of March. In addition  to our booth we ran a fundraiser for the Hel...

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Laugh Fest!

<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;">An Architect and an Engineer go on a camping trip, set up their tent, and soon fall asleep. Some hours later, the Engineer wakes the Architect and asks:  <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"Look up at the sky and tell me what you see?..</em></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;">The Architect replies,<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> "I see millions of stars."</em></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;">The Engineer asks <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"What does that tell you?"</em></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;">The Architect ponders for a minute and then says: <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically speaking , it tells me that Saturn is in Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, it's evident the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. Why ... what does it tell you?"</em></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;">The Engineer is silent for a moment, and then speaks.<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i> "Practically speaking ... it seems self evident that someone has stolen our tent". </i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://archinect.com/forum/thread/86926165/architecture-jokes">Courtesy of the Archinet Forum</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1hXxp_ZorRwReTBe8rsy8lnqlfzCM9hwPJtciriuDIyeojk8AZrj6lsHjyhDDqGgJbYILvBV3Q3NY94dnRQ3d3TKcbPQ5qam61eSR3cTMqNAnVwWi3yLKEJkn2iIFdyRtexr9K86J_Az/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-13+at+9.02.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1hXxp_ZorRwReTBe8rsy8lnqlfzCM9hwPJtciriuDIyeojk8AZrj6lsHjyhDDqGgJbYILvBV3Q3NY94dnRQ3d3TKcbPQ5qam61eSR3cTMqNAnVwWi3yLKEJkn2iIFdyRtexr9K86J_Az/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-13+at+9.02.06+PM.png" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxima-nova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">If you are in the Grand Rapids area it is very likely that you have seen these posters plastered around the city. If you aren't from the area you may have asked, "What are they for?". That my friends means it is time for Gilda's LaughFest! From March 10th - March 16th there will be a slew of comedians bringing laughter to our great city. <a href="http://www.laughfestgr.org/">LaughFest</a> not just about the jokes, its mission is to shed light on the importance of laughter and the benefits it has on your emotional health and wellbeing.  </div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxima-nova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">So go ahead, laugh for the health of it!</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxima-nova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Speaking of <a href="http://www.gildasclubgr.org/history.html">Gilda's Club</a>, we would like to share a project we designed a few years back. This was a proposed idea for a potential Gilda's Club location in Holland Michigan. We are excited to see what the future may hold for this great community! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoDpreE8hKC3BY6iMNMxp2tWwcbfN_q1z3AquivkpyOSiHKiik43v8k2jO-dyZGP9k3P3r856-e1_ylHqMECVWitRrq_UWPAzLExTZcOvScLhnFOZg4G_gUriCNdemPnHxCeOSCqxFN-h/s1600/Front+Gildas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoDpreE8hKC3BY6iMNMxp2tWwcbfN_q1z3AquivkpyOSiHKiik43v8k2jO-dyZGP9k3P3r856-e1_ylHqMECVWitRrq_UWPAzLExTZcOvScLhnFOZg4G_gUriCNdemPnHxCeOSCqxFN-h/s1600/Front+Gildas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxima-nova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxFS5laIKZ0YSL72xpNAXa3bgwYDt_m3RVy1Pn1RDDbH_78kJWGczF8XKulUnzV0lRMR2tigPTCraJzaoXb6KXeFkAqmlKK_6IRhR1CYZOx_HcopBBBF7NpIl0ZaNb74Ju4gwWGHNCf9r/s1600/Rear+Gildas+Club.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxFS5laIKZ0YSL72xpNAXa3bgwYDt_m3RVy1Pn1RDDbH_78kJWGczF8XKulUnzV0lRMR2tigPTCraJzaoXb6KXeFkAqmlKK_6IRhR1CYZOx_HcopBBBF7NpIl0ZaNb74Ju4gwWGHNCf9r/s1600/Rear+Gildas+Club.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For all of our engineer friends out there :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeyL5TK0uhaUd2X-_iRiAPLS4feT9tOpUoszhpvgTcPYKLValOOiWp5SmziBoFbWfCYV34Mg4dEE9gDmrrLraVD6DgozyRdRv_f4ggS1nkJ_9MpiNrc_xtGLiCZL4y2IEcNGh_FNIOGDV/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-13+at+8.22.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeyL5TK0uhaUd2X-_iRiAPLS4feT9tOpUoszhpvgTcPYKLValOOiWp5SmziBoFbWfCYV34Mg4dEE9gDmrrLraVD6DgozyRdRv_f4ggS1nkJ_9MpiNrc_xtGLiCZL4y2IEcNGh_FNIOGDV/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-13+at+8.22.25+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxima-nova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div>

Laugh Fest!

An Architect and an Engineer go on a camping trip, set up their tent, and soon fall asleep. Some hours later, the Engineer wakes the Archite...

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Cottage & Lakefront Living Show: Grand Rapids

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZu-ZfQC41Vwx0hbFrfflrM5r8Mn0P5lZeDDzx9MVRE_VPAL2MfY4Nlio3taIuhCLvvu1KeIffMgGqWzL0jMlUBdD9SqP-6sOkUofzDoE04eHGzVoEt5F0Fg9fXh1sf4Lpa1Bp_m177G8g/s1600/Lakefront+Living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZu-ZfQC41Vwx0hbFrfflrM5r8Mn0P5lZeDDzx9MVRE_VPAL2MfY4Nlio3taIuhCLvvu1KeIffMgGqWzL0jMlUBdD9SqP-6sOkUofzDoE04eHGzVoEt5F0Fg9fXh1sf4Lpa1Bp_m177G8g/s320/Lakefront+Living.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Summer in The Great Lakes State is all about spending time on the water.  Start your dreaming and planning now, as the only show in West Michigan devoted entirely to cottages and homes on water returns to DeVos Place – March 15-17, the <a href="http://www.showspan.com/CLG">Cottage & Lakefront Living Show</a>!  Wayne will be there sketching LIVE in our booth </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">all weekend long</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">(#2310).</span><br /><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is the Show for everyone looking to rent, buy, build, improve, or simply to enjoy a home on the water.  It’s the only show that features products, services, and special presentations covering every aspect of the “Cottage Lifestyle.”</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You’ll find architects (like us!), lakefront builders, developers, and realtors; log and timber frame home builders; boats, docks, and lifts; home furnishings; landscaping and home improvement businesses, and hundreds of other goods and services. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We hope to see you there!  D</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">on't forget to stop by, say hi, and get your chance to "ask the expert" about <i>your</i> waterfront project.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><br /></div>

Cottage & Lakefront Living Show: Grand Rapids

Summer in The Great Lakes State is all about spending time on the water.  Start your dreaming and planning now, as the only show in West Mic...

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Big News for Grand Rapids!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm8ehtDhilqxPe1DuXEQaLhdBQF6NkbSzbsoTsunDSsSXJU4N5ayGPggsvv_GP99CTvGnHtkTUf0NrxCSt8AbNzlcgFdELa5aPyZmnBXFFncS36BxTDNzo7BxHQIIp1WUaIuAJb3GjP5S/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm8ehtDhilqxPe1DuXEQaLhdBQF6NkbSzbsoTsunDSsSXJU4N5ayGPggsvv_GP99CTvGnHtkTUf0NrxCSt8AbNzlcgFdELa5aPyZmnBXFFncS36BxTDNzo7BxHQIIp1WUaIuAJb3GjP5S/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Have you been wondering what the old Nextel building on 28th street is being transformed into?  Well, after much speculation, the secret's out!  Today, it was announced that <a href="http://www.akrikks.com/">AK Rikk's</a> is the face behind this 28,000 square foot retail gem that <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates</a> had the pleasure of designing.  Set to open late this summer, the new location of AK Rikk's will be a full service men's and women's clothing store complete with a men's suit room and tailor shop, women's shoes and handbags shop as well as a section of home goods and furniture from manufacturers like Herman Miller.  In addition, the back portion of the building will have classroom space for a non-profit organization currently in the works that is intended to benefit and support emerging young creatives in the Grand Rapids area.<br /><div><br /></div><div>We are thrilled to be a part of this fantastic new expansion of Grand Rapids' retail skyline.  Here are a few shots from the press conference this morning where this big news was announced, as well as some interior and exterior design renderings done by our very own David Lorenz.  You'll be transported to 5th Avenue as soon as you step inside!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxpIRW87Kp0gdmnP26THOco7tOCaK-GfizyUA_ldx6Mbx4OZCe7adU8AOrkwVskd5PZxZjeNxtNuKiK11-jbocsvrE86IPMMW9kwGEYYQ2pMTPGzxA4i8ncaBZpBmtKAjgpFp09v2TX4Q/s1600/IMG_0755-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxpIRW87Kp0gdmnP26THOco7tOCaK-GfizyUA_ldx6Mbx4OZCe7adU8AOrkwVskd5PZxZjeNxtNuKiK11-jbocsvrE86IPMMW9kwGEYYQ2pMTPGzxA4i8ncaBZpBmtKAjgpFp09v2TX4Q/s320/IMG_0755-1.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> Awaiting the anticipated news</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPJmW_CXm1vnFz_Z8ej36Dzqs_YUvtwnHEDlbhhicBQpQ774mhqSGvuHUtXPLlr_DmdYQJ_-E1YAUcGJEcbwVtYWngUL3ZLdacqouFHFnjwsN8VIfQRNFX5rdSv58apy6eBzvpkZV9Tbt/s1600/IMG_0762-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPJmW_CXm1vnFz_Z8ej36Dzqs_YUvtwnHEDlbhhicBQpQ774mhqSGvuHUtXPLlr_DmdYQJ_-E1YAUcGJEcbwVtYWngUL3ZLdacqouFHFnjwsN8VIfQRNFX5rdSv58apy6eBzvpkZV9Tbt/s320/IMG_0762-1.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> The reveal!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ICUCNOapak2V_Vuj0U2dA1dHwY-kWqfZqzbRO8PksVw5w6DfWlWQ_uX5FZaODJ38urw3NuhgyZlhZuM1Una1RACksQYg3tkLFSPe6fUMCo_zxmhKe_gBtG_IMzR1_7whZGHlZADlnsN8/s1600/IMG_0764-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ICUCNOapak2V_Vuj0U2dA1dHwY-kWqfZqzbRO8PksVw5w6DfWlWQ_uX5FZaODJ38urw3NuhgyZlhZuM1Una1RACksQYg3tkLFSPe6fUMCo_zxmhKe_gBtG_IMzR1_7whZGHlZADlnsN8/s320/IMG_0764-1.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> Jim Murray, president of AK Rikk's, outlining the history of AK Rikk's and it's plan for the expansion</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRxQsQmeG_OI6fiVxmVVYefRbX2A2zcC7GMfb8JlKTP4pu9pPFZgZSaBWKwwyMo1kTlUX7PrESzC4o-7hE3duv4Fcm4V6dBwDDp5zFp1VlXtEUet-MhPfN0JVtsh9CqNtOiKnLF6zs32T/s1600/IMG_0765-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRxQsQmeG_OI6fiVxmVVYefRbX2A2zcC7GMfb8JlKTP4pu9pPFZgZSaBWKwwyMo1kTlUX7PrESzC4o-7hE3duv4Fcm4V6dBwDDp5zFp1VlXtEUet-MhPfN0JVtsh9CqNtOiKnLF6zs32T/s320/IMG_0765-1.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> Captive audience of clients, business partners, supporters and press</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOEBrKzjLtyFuhN_E9IR_GaEpJzmywQ5LLwvaaNJ16azZ7zb3Edakg23zFaD70IqFJm6LVPIT-KL4kaxBwVj2fCDi2lQAjJkCv6YVme0ErIB7jAgN_JJ9tBFo1wk9HhywRgkoGx7DVMNQ/s1600/IMG_0768-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOEBrKzjLtyFuhN_E9IR_GaEpJzmywQ5LLwvaaNJ16azZ7zb3Edakg23zFaD70IqFJm6LVPIT-KL4kaxBwVj2fCDi2lQAjJkCv6YVme0ErIB7jAgN_JJ9tBFo1wk9HhywRgkoGx7DVMNQ/s320/IMG_0768-1.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The future of AK Rikk's</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1S9xTAPzwt8wT6rV-CPVSYwlo1UxCJmnnAC-tHt43m7anmAtyqIq0xz6_BukI-NsSvLh7LPO_bO3ipsnUNaGk_HMesBLdGVHZVLwC49bW8LDtorYwzpJGDtzx_9WeM0Zm1uypdWtQHrZ/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1S9xTAPzwt8wT6rV-CPVSYwlo1UxCJmnnAC-tHt43m7anmAtyqIq0xz6_BukI-NsSvLh7LPO_bO3ipsnUNaGk_HMesBLdGVHZVLwC49bW8LDtorYwzpJGDtzx_9WeM0Zm1uypdWtQHrZ/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+1.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i> Exterior rendering</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAv8O6rruE_Mjt86umNOlQcsvUWHieyrRjZCuO0LsI75tQ6Wrv_k67znwt8Gu-sw6c6hFKARo3DE5JIxUzDhcRKTj-qHlB6h0vdlwOPDdfLbVWuOtw7hEfRKv7inVqFbHL7MlqujijwQK5/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAv8O6rruE_Mjt86umNOlQcsvUWHieyrRjZCuO0LsI75tQ6Wrv_k67znwt8Gu-sw6c6hFKARo3DE5JIxUzDhcRKTj-qHlB6h0vdlwOPDdfLbVWuOtw7hEfRKv7inVqFbHL7MlqujijwQK5/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+6.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>A welcoming entrance to the two-story retail space</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeV3uLxrdz4ySM9t6UCuTCWStbzUnnxwjQA9s6nfl4fgaxMXu3Cco88cPWI1H43rD8RHNyG9Pf6il8BiOkpcFqmBF_grX70ajWrb07FKlfRrApNNtOrhxEZMyvV4JasOGn0r7fH1C1of3/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeV3uLxrdz4ySM9t6UCuTCWStbzUnnxwjQA9s6nfl4fgaxMXu3Cco88cPWI1H43rD8RHNyG9Pf6il8BiOkpcFqmBF_grX70ajWrb07FKlfRrApNNtOrhxEZMyvV4JasOGn0r7fH1C1of3/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Women's salon with a 25 foot TV screen on the wall </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJ4ptuKDT4iFylmZhdOKNJMv8GsH-rsSRg74kE-uWFOl4asv3JnNGHeMiVolG9-gqFLkklY_M_vjIQKFMDOXYh92FG0RLxyGJT_SAelO398rhR1GzSAm0VH9SbPG7rmFvDNytUta3AwH9/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJ4ptuKDT4iFylmZhdOKNJMv8GsH-rsSRg74kE-uWFOl4asv3JnNGHeMiVolG9-gqFLkklY_M_vjIQKFMDOXYh92FG0RLxyGJT_SAelO398rhR1GzSAm0VH9SbPG7rmFvDNytUta3AwH9/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+8.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Men's haberdashery</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_m7memu3gHn5DCmd-F78Qt0tNiYTq3TH3a8BRXLqSFVGB3p-VpZJpGPokBHdyUdr1kXknYzXAtJ1CxuuABeUOdvIXWtv9eNa4KLZJRqkObin3663ZaZeMF7lVVW8y2UeuAA-MUpGGbKz/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_m7memu3gHn5DCmd-F78Qt0tNiYTq3TH3a8BRXLqSFVGB3p-VpZJpGPokBHdyUdr1kXknYzXAtJ1CxuuABeUOdvIXWtv9eNa4KLZJRqkObin3663ZaZeMF7lVVW8y2UeuAA-MUpGGbKz/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+9.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Custom designed and built cabinetry takes display to a new level </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7kduBrDZcc7Jn_8BAcPXSODz75wQ_Gb24dk7izsJK5F9x42RnABPOb-eL5H8Ym0n2MgUkHdOSm2rg2DyRYX31fP4s40WEy_yq7yocawXbGpxVtUiiuHb1nPuxx6Vab9pPivp_UJJEOB2/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7kduBrDZcc7Jn_8BAcPXSODz75wQ_Gb24dk7izsJK5F9x42RnABPOb-eL5H8Ym0n2MgUkHdOSm2rg2DyRYX31fP4s40WEy_yq7yocawXbGpxVtUiiuHb1nPuxx6Vab9pPivp_UJJEOB2/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+11.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Small home goods and furniture shop </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZesKsm-KrNYk8XeMD6A8z1z34_eiJp_IvjegSqyS6PnSewe66ufUw40Outea0hkN1XYXsuEB3ukPZj6VRNipX-r2got20iVEc2JfODChqMGZgLgN6dE0UJILjyQcKgcgH2M92QrMCn6c/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZesKsm-KrNYk8XeMD6A8z1z34_eiJp_IvjegSqyS6PnSewe66ufUw40Outea0hkN1XYXsuEB3ukPZj6VRNipX-r2got20iVEc2JfODChqMGZgLgN6dE0UJILjyQcKgcgH2M92QrMCn6c/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+14.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> Women's shoe and handbag shop</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAsJk39kTNOeAjkMhQTG8ANu7fx7D4G0lzCwP_FCDU8XusBpaliHTYVsAkYRQHmQkio2arXltVz6UpJ8mhIVvkcqfdVesKl6t3VCB0zruEBPvBN4LAvfIdMIN54yUZpj6e8BdjT7vZsT4/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAsJk39kTNOeAjkMhQTG8ANu7fx7D4G0lzCwP_FCDU8XusBpaliHTYVsAkYRQHmQkio2arXltVz6UpJ8mhIVvkcqfdVesKl6t3VCB0zruEBPvBN4LAvfIdMIN54yUZpj6e8BdjT7vZsT4/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+17.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The massive corner window display is complete with a movable stage for dramatic seasonal and featured displays</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div><div><br /></div><div>We are proud to be a member of the team bringing this vision to life:</div><div><i>Developer: <a href="http://nextwork.us/">NextWork</a></i></div><div><i>Architect & Interior Architect: <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates, Inc.  </a></i></div><div><i>Builder: <a href="http://www.lamarconstruction.com/">Lamar Construction Company</a></i></div><div><i>Interior Designer: <a href="http://www.jefferyroberts.com/">Jeffery Roberts Design</a></i></div><div><i>Custom Cabinetry: <a href="http://www.benchmarkwoodstudio.com/">Benchmark Wood Studio</a></i></div><div><i>Consultant: <a href="http://www.critestidey.com/">Crites, Tidey & Associates, Inc.</a></i></div><div><i>Structural Drafting: <a href="http://www.landmarkdesigngroup.net/">Landmark Design Group, PC</a></i></div><div><i>Landscaping: <a href="http://meadowgreengroup.com/">MeadowGreen Group</a></i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Big News for Grand Rapids!

Have you been wondering what the old Nextel building on 28th street is being transformed into?  Well, after much speculation, the secret...

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Finishing Up Show Season At Home!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9twmzJzVP_IZwdJAvByX3UA9eWkm6ojWOOMpjSBFvdRJI6XXkObUs4I0oSwgnXx2WeSUYQ_CE0asjlOGrSPoCV9l2ItHW7EKFCwo4aoDG_XE8GpHM_uGs-BYrMPCRfvOl5KITUSYMsfg/s1600/262096_650127103064_15301114_34263895_5985353_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722732514286247474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9twmzJzVP_IZwdJAvByX3UA9eWkm6ojWOOMpjSBFvdRJI6XXkObUs4I0oSwgnXx2WeSUYQ_CE0asjlOGrSPoCV9l2ItHW7EKFCwo4aoDG_XE8GpHM_uGs-BYrMPCRfvOl5KITUSYMsfg/s320/262096_650127103064_15301114_34263895_5985353_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" /></a><br />It's already time for our last trade show this show season, and we are finishing it up at home in Grand Rapids! We will be at the <a href="http://showspan.com/CLG/Home.aspx">Cottage & Lakefront Living Show</a> at the <a href="http://devosplace.org/">DeVos Place</a>, which starts tomorrow. The show runs through Sunday with the following hours....<div><br /></div><div>Friday, March 23..............3:00pm - 9:00pm</div><div>Saturday, March 24.........10:00am - 9:00pm</div><div>Sunday, March 25.............11:00am - 5:00pm</div><div><br /></div><div>Wayne will be doing his presentation on <b>Waterfront Design: Challenges & Opportunities</b> on <b>Saturday from 2:00pm - 3:00pm</b> and will be sketching LIVE at the booth Friday, Saturday morning and Sunday, so don't miss your opportunity to learn from a pro!</div><div><br /></div><div>We look forward to seeing you there and having a great final show of 2012!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Finishing Up Show Season At Home!

It's already time for our last trade show this show season, and we are finishing it up at home in Grand Rapids! We will be at the Cotta...

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MiBiz Article: MoDiv's Motive To Offer Downtown Retailers Options

<i>Read this recent artcle in MiBiz on our project with <a href="http://www.rockfordconstruction.com/">Rockford Construction</a> for the space in the Peck Building in downtown Grand Rapids, called MoDiv:</i><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mibiz.com/news/design-build/18280-modivs-motive-to-offer-downtown-retailers-options.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b>MoDiv's Motive To Offer Downtown Retailers Options</b></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px; font-size:15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">source: www.mibiz.com</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px; font-size:15px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px; font-size:15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">By Joe Boomgaard | MiBiz | </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px; font-size:15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">jboomgaard@mibiz.com</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(85, 85, 85); line-height: 24px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">GRAND RAPIDS — Developers of a proposed retail incubator for downtown Grand Rapids hope to break down current barriers to retail expansion in the city’s core.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a class="keyword" href="http://www.rockfordconstruction.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="Rockford Construction Company Inc">Rockford Construction Company Inc</a>.’s plans for space in the Peck Building at the corner of Monroe Center and Division Avenue call for turning the vacant space into a vibrant retail environment ideal for startup businesses or established companies that want to give downtown retailing a try.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Rockford Construction Company, COO at Rockford Construction, said the company has owned the space for a few years. It most recently served as a hub for TEDx Grand Rapids, had been home to Site:Lab, and housed <a class="keyword" href="http://www.artprize.org/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="ArtPrize">ArtPrize</a> events, but the company didn’t find any permanent tenant in the time it owned the building.</p><table border="0" width="180" align="left" style="padding-right: 10px; "><tbody><tr><td><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 1.3em; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; ">Photo Gallery</h3><hr /></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Click on the gallery images to view full-size photo.</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></p><div id="sigplus_6-13-11MoDiv" class="imageSlider" style="clear: both; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none !important; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: none !important; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 22px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><li style="padding-left: 0px !important; background-image: url(http://www.mibiz.com/templates/younews/images/arrow.png); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; float: left; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; "><a href="http://www.mibiz.com/images/stories/6-13-11MoDiv/DSC_1775.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto[sigplus_6-13-11MoDiv]" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); "><img height="200" src="http://www.mibiz.com/cache/thumbs/66b2387ece4af7f412ef517c5c1dba26.jpg" style="padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 2px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 2px !important; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; " width="200" /></a></li><li style="padding-left: 0px !important; background-image: url(http://www.mibiz.com/templates/younews/images/arrow.png); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; float: left; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; "><a href="http://www.mibiz.com/images/stories/6-13-11MoDiv/MoDiv-person.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto[sigplus_6-13-11MoDiv]" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); "><img height="200" src="http://www.mibiz.com/cache/thumbs/463ab490a3f91b565974f0676fe838c2.jpg" style="padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 2px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 2px !important; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; " width="200" /></a></li><li style="padding-left: 0px !important; background-image: url(http://www.mibiz.com/templates/younews/images/arrow.png); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; float: left; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; "><a href="http://www.mibiz.com/images/stories/6-13-11MoDiv/MoDiv-rendering-2.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto[sigplus_6-13-11MoDiv]" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); "><img height="200" src="http://www.mibiz.com/cache/thumbs/604554c5b48d26ad0d93a5f0d2724d8c.jpg" style="padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 2px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 2px !important; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; " width="200" /></a></li><li style="padding-left: 0px !important; background-image: url(http://www.mibiz.com/templates/younews/images/arrow.png); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; float: left; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; "><a href="http://www.mibiz.com/images/stories/6-13-11MoDiv/MoDiv-rendering.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto[sigplus_6-13-11MoDiv]" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); "><img height="200" src="http://www.mibiz.com/cache/thumbs/5c451c5574513a254e8ba64cef99af3a.jpg" style="padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 2px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 2px !important; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; " width="200" /></a></li></ul></div><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">“What we’ve recognized is the need to take the bull by the horns and create something rather than wait for a tenant to show up,” Hassberger told MiBiz.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Hassberger said the vision for the street-level space, known as MoDiv, short for Shoppes at Monroe and Division, is to create a retail incubator with varying options for sizes and length of lease to attempt to lure tenants to the critical corner in the downtown market.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">“We want to address some of the objections retailers might have. There will be no long-term leases. Tenants will not have to take a ton of space. We want to take away their objections so they’ll give it a try,” he said.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">MoDiv will take up about 8,500 square feet of the Peck Building. The space currently has three entrances, and the plan is to create a physical connection between all of the internal retail spaces. The company envisions up to 12 retailers each occupying various chunks of MoDiv.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">The rest of the street-level space in the Peck Building is partly occupied by two retailers, Gina’s Boutique and Lia Rose.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">For the incubator, Rockford hopes to see a mix of established and startup retailers. Hassberger said the site would be perfect for a suburban retailer to try their hand at the downtown market without a huge overhead. Similarly, it might also be perfect for “pop-up” stores that might be timed around various festivals or other events.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">The space also has enough room for events — perhaps a wine tasting — and it will retain its existing kitchen. Although the developers don’t think a restaurant is in the cards for the space, they said the kitchen could be useful for a catering business or for hosting events.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Developers expect the entry at the corner of Monroe and Division could be attractive for an anchor tenant, and other smaller retailers could use the space inside.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">To develop the concept, Rockford enlisted Seyferth PR, which is also a tenant on an upper floor of the Peck Building, to investigate a possible use for the street-level space. Hassberger said that Seyferth came up with a retail incubator, a concept that had been tried and proven in Ann Arbor, Minneapolis and other locations.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Rockford tapped <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Visbeen Associates Inc.</span></a> to do some conceptual designs of the retailer locations. Construction on the project should start some time in June.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">“This is a pivotal point, a cultural spot,” he said. “MoDiv is the right thing to do for the space and the city. If we can establish enough retail space downtown, we can create a retail destination, something the concierges can send people to.”</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">One key to the project was receiving a $75,000 storefront renovation grant from the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority to improve the façade along Division Avenue, which is currently a 100-foot, solid, uninviting brick wall, Hassberger said. The current plan calls for adding windows and other elements to break up the view of the wall and help bring more people toward the building and then on to other retail shops and restaurants along Monroe Center.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Improving the façade will become even more important in creating an inviting space once the portion of Division Avenue the space fronts will shrink from five to three lanes and parking spaces and a bike lane are added, he said.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">The company decided not to participate in the DDA’s new incubator district program, designed to encourage retail ventures and support community entrepreneurs.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Rockford has a history of trying new ideas like this proposed retail incubator. The company also created MoBevy, an open office space in the Peck Building that allows various small companies to move in and use only the space and services they need. It was also behind the <a class="keyword" href="http://www.grid70.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="GRid70">GRid70</a>, a downtown design hub for several West Michigan companies, including <a class="keyword" href="http://www.meijer.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="Meijer">Meijer</a>, <a class="keyword" href="http://www.amway.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="Amway">Amway</a>, <a class="keyword" href="http://www.steelcase.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="Steelcase">Steelcase</a>,<a class="keyword" href="http://www.wolverineworldwide.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="Wolverine World Wide">Wolverine World Wide</a>, <a class="keyword" href="http://www.pennanthealthalliance.org/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="Pennant Health Alliance">Pennant Health Alliance</a> and others.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">“MoBevy has done pretty well, and we hope these two will feed off each other,” Hassberger said. “It’s the same idea — you just have to do something (to address the) demand for smaller, flexible space.”</p></span></div>

MiBiz Article: MoDiv's Motive To Offer Downtown Retailers Options

Read this recent artcle in MiBiz on our project with Rockford Construction for the space in the Peck Building in downtown Grand Rapids, ca...

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Grand Rapids Design Home 2010

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzx9OFYcwiTNPcxtQEUxvoMqwDYb-Vih6-YBNwK6W76Ar8Qurq09lcbPgY4HAeC2lswteda_15BsuklRtMrMh0sTjzXlQwat8_2y-FYQJ19GVUPiCd2cPgWEvsPSiQhCDRFOcnMT3s_d1q/s1600-h/Front.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386909514134380770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzx9OFYcwiTNPcxtQEUxvoMqwDYb-Vih6-YBNwK6W76Ar8Qurq09lcbPgY4HAeC2lswteda_15BsuklRtMrMh0sTjzXlQwat8_2y-FYQJ19GVUPiCd2cPgWEvsPSiQhCDRFOcnMT3s_d1q/s320/Front.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 301px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGEwEMpV3uIElxQ8Wv2gRxKwvPaQJvoyVNl6oIGajBr_V80bbXAacnzH-4hxxkvz_IAhzhqBxWIa9MBSqYF2jsSPkAnfPbNfY1zs4yDNhKNRyzDGFeDmgK4RNfVV4-iDgm9oRZnBLRR0s/s1600-h/Rear.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386909116085372434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGEwEMpV3uIElxQ8Wv2gRxKwvPaQJvoyVNl6oIGajBr_V80bbXAacnzH-4hxxkvz_IAhzhqBxWIa9MBSqYF2jsSPkAnfPbNfY1zs4yDNhKNRyzDGFeDmgK4RNfVV4-iDgm9oRZnBLRR0s/s320/Rear.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 317px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aJ_GPbYD_eeyXcDx6Ezpk6_7lmzdqncnXZnriXmP59tG3BbLmtLgMFkn18-2A-3epywnzZbJ7gbHHsgJAwxPWaqfFcvIxOSozpIN2HsvaTp0BvF238WqcKANtZTwXL8lIyo-fNWgNzH8/s1600-h/Perspective.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386908713498010882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aJ_GPbYD_eeyXcDx6Ezpk6_7lmzdqncnXZnriXmP59tG3BbLmtLgMFkn18-2A-3epywnzZbJ7gbHHsgJAwxPWaqfFcvIxOSozpIN2HsvaTp0BvF238WqcKANtZTwXL8lIyo-fNWgNzH8/s320/Perspective.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 158px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_JIM5TUelaPcrQ_ZEzinVJh7u3OauvnHJP_FQnz-hf5v2CDnwUlF0AAwRDwcb9TODnBP7rzNIaoDcfDo0z_F6AWLUm9OL236XWDkq4tMCx5rqq5vtTeb2I0Au6W6MdLZ_GNRCeUhoHCK/s1600-h/Site.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386907930217054962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_JIM5TUelaPcrQ_ZEzinVJh7u3OauvnHJP_FQnz-hf5v2CDnwUlF0AAwRDwcb9TODnBP7rzNIaoDcfDo0z_F6AWLUm9OL236XWDkq4tMCx5rqq5vtTeb2I0Au6W6MdLZ_GNRCeUhoHCK/s320/Site.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 139px;" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Take a look at the proposed design for the 2010 Grand Rapids Design Home! We're honored to have been chosen to team up with <a href="http://www.grmag.com/home.htm">Grand Rapids Magazine</a>, <a href="http://www.homesbyfalcon.com/">Falcon Custom Homes</a> and <a href="http://www.galleryinteriors.com/">Gallery Interiors</a> to bring you this design in Manchester Hills. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In April, 2006 Wayne Visbeen participated in the Traditional Building Design Challenge. Architects from all over the country were given the same parameters and, in a live design format, hand-drew unique home designs. Wayne's design won third place! For three years we've wanted to see this project to completion and we are hoping that now is the time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What are we missing? You, perhaps! We're still looking to bring a homeowner in on this project. If you're interested, email me at angela@visbeen.biz. We need you to make this project happen!</div>

Grand Rapids Design Home 2010

Take a look at the proposed design for the 2010 Grand Rapids Design Home! We're honored to have been chosen to team up with Grand Rapid...

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Parade of Homes

<div style="text-align: left;">The Parade of Homes is in full swing in Grand Rapids & we have a beautiful home to show. Exceptionally built by <a href="http://www.homesbyfalcon.com/">Falcon Custom Homes</a>, this Manchester Hills home is a must-see.</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386627028570374098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNw-b1rnsBFD3OyPapnXCDq3--WVOU46zjQJ3SyH3JLbU3G06rxAY7RPPIRgiGGE2dqocwBqNhLHjbVh5VkcKWaV-erLTy6iV8Q_6lvPxSt-Lcrm4phB1xisNSopsSk8inZHHeZATSyeul/s320/Front.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 121px;" /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386626547745665218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSSiH0iwf80FsqWH615EIThjyHXp942UQ9VXDEuYRX2QgUpsI721LwRqua4l3mWuEwczDXb1M8zNhjHXQZw3DePpsxb_9IU3cpB__sl1x0K1HbYxtbd4QDisWTClvpoVBae1aeBPJ-ppP/s320/Rear.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Traditional Tudor touches and striking stone details elevate this estate above the ordinary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A convenient L-shaped floor plan starts with the four-car garage and leads into the home’s public areas, including a charming kitchen with a built-in booth, a four-season porch and a large living area with built-ins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The right side of the house contains the spacious master suite. Upstairs are three additional bedrooms and a loft, while the downstairs is home to a family room, bar, guest bedroom and sport court/exercise area. <!--EndFragment--> </div>

Parade of Homes

The Parade of Homes is in full swing in Grand Rapids & we have a beautiful home to show. Exceptionally built by Falcon Custom Homes , t...

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