Suwanee Town Center

Location: Ohio
Market: Federal Government
Services: Architecture / Interior Design / Engineering

The Challenge

In 1934, Building 23 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was constructed as an aircraft hangar and test facility. More than 70 years later, the U.S. Air Force wanted to renovate the building to provide a modern lab facility for state-of-the-art energy research. It requested a design that retains the historic feel and aesthetic of the original building, while also creating a modern interior that meets security and force protection requirements.

The Solution

A three-story facility was created within the existing brick shell, adding new spaces for material processing, data acquisition, operations, and fabrication. The design also had special acoustical needs due to the use of vibration-sensitive equipment such as lasers and optical equipment. The superstructure is composed of a structural steel frame and designed to resist collapse in accordance with Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) requirements.

Barge Design Solutions provided HVAC, plumbing, steam, lighting and power distribution, communications and security, utilities, storm drainage, lighting protection, and fire protection. Site work included sidewalks, curbs and gutters, access drive control systems, and site upgrades to meet AT/FP requirements. Architectural and interior design were also included as part of the project.

The Impact

The renovation of Building 23 was a testament to Barge's engineering expertise and commitment to excellence. Barge successfully transformed a historic asset into a modern, sustainable, and secure facility, meeting the evolving needs of the U.S. Air Force. The team's ability to balance preservation with innovation while also prioritizing sustainability and security positioned Barge as a valuable partner in this critical project. The project exceeded the original goal of designing to a LEED Silver level, making it the first LEED Gold building on the base.

Gallery

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The Challenge

The City of Suwanee, Georgia, wanted to develop a community-based, multi-use town center that included commercial, retail, government, and residential uses. They desired an outdoor space that would serve individuals and small groups daily and also cater to large groups for special events. As a focal point for the City, the space needed to be visible from two adjacent highways, which increased the importance of creating a safe place for people to gather and children to play. The City also wanted to ensure traffic noise could be buffered from those utilizing the area.

The Solution

Barge Design Solutions first developed a master plan for the new development, including a recommended 10-acre open-space park, which now includes a signature amphitheater for festivals and civic gatherings. The Suwanee City Hall was built adjacent to the park, anchoring the town center, which would eventually lend to new office, retail, residential, and municipal tenants.

The overall open space provides multiple spaces at various scales to allow individuals and groups of all sizes to enjoy the park. A plaza links the park to nearby buildings and prioritizes greenspace by way of wide landscaped medians and tree-lined streets. To minimize traffic sounds, the interior of the park was lowered below the grade of nearby highways to create separation and a noise buffer between the park and adjacent streets, while still allowing for views into the park by pedestrians and passing vehicles.

The Result

A new town center was created that integrates green space with mixed-use development, government facilities, and a residential community, creating a dynamic and active environment that has spurred economic development in and around the district.

Landscape Architecture

Planning

Land Development

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