National Team Of Architects Seeks Feedback On Indianapolis Plan

2009-10-28

TheIndyChannel.Com

Posted: 12:36pm October 28, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS — A national team of architects rolled through some blighted neighborhoods on Indianapolis’ near-north side Wednesday in an effort that could eventually breathe new life into the area.

A team affiliated with the American Institute of Architects is looking at improvements that could be made to an area bordered by 30th Street to the north, Interstate 70 to the south, College Avenue to the west and Keystone Avenue to the east.Urban planners said the goal is to not only spruce up the area, but also bring in businesses so that people who live in the neighborhoods might have a brighter future, 6 News’ Julie Pursely reported.

Abandoned buildings and vacant homes litter the area, frustrating people who still live in their homes.

“This house has been empty … I don’t know how many years,” said Julius King, pointing to a nearby home.

The architects, working in conjunction with city leaders and residents, hope to redesign neighborhoods.”

(This) gives us a chance to have national experts come in and work with the community to give us ideas,” said Sanford Garner, of the AIA.

The team embarked on a bus and walking tour of the area, with an eye toward improvements that could be made to parks, streets and sidewalks.

“We are keeping the neighborhood involved from the beginning,” said Karen Haley, of the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability. “It’s important to point out we are not coming in to redevelop the neighborhood. It’s a neighborhood renewal.”

The team hopes that people involved in churches and neighborhood groups will share their ideas to make the vision a reality. A free community dinner and discussion is planned for the Washington Park Family Center, at 3130 E. 30th St., at 5:15 p.m.

Indianapolis said the effort isn’t costing the city anything because of an award that Indianapolis and Ball State University won from the American Institute of Architects.

Citizens Gas picked up the tab for the bus tour and dinner because the program will also teach residents how to reduce energy usage. The group’s goal is to complete the renewal project within five years.

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Firm Members Complete Registration Exams

2009-10-23

A2SO4 is pleased to announce that firm members Mark Darrall and Jason Barisano have successfully completed their registration exams and are now registered architects and members of the American Institute of Architects.

Mark Darrall
Darrall, is a graduate of Ball State University’s College of Architecture and Planning, had worked at firms in Indianapolis and Muncie as a project designer before joining A2SO4 in 2004. His areas of specialization include historic preservation, green design and integrated project delivery.

Darrall’s green design work with A2SO4 includes the LEED-registered Parking Garage and Ground Transportation Center at the New Indianapolis Airport and Noblesville Fire Station No. 7 as well as the LEED Certified State of Indiana Forensic and Health Sciences Laboratories.

His current projects include the five-phase, $50M renovation of the historic Windsor Residence Halls at Purdue University, West Lafayette. The complex’s historic interiors are being carefully preserved while providing updated mechanical and electrical systems. The buildings will feature improved ventilation, energy-efficient systems and finishes selected for their contributions to high indoor air quality.

Jason Barisano
Barisano, is a 2005 graduate of Ball State University’s College of Architecture and Planning. His design passions include the areas of mixed-use developments, hospitality, and multi-family residential.

He was influential in launch of the A2SX furniture line by designing Adaptaguity, a modular series of interlocking storage components.

His recent sustainable design work includes Noblesville Fire Station No. 7 which is on track to be the first LEED certified fire station in the State of Indiana.

A2SO4 Celebrates Three Newly Accredited LEED Professionals

A2SO4 is pleased to announce that three firm members have recently earned the U. S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (AP) status. The LEED Green Building Rating System is designed to encourage energy and resource conservation in the construction and operation of buildings.

Kate Warpool, Jim Cates, and Jason Barisano have all passed the accreditation examination. A2SO4 now has 6 LEED AP’s on staff. A2SO4 projects currently seeking LEED certification are the Indianapolis International Airport Parking Garage + GTC, Noblesville Fire Station No. 7, and the IUPUI California Street Parking Garage.

Garner Awarded 2009 AIA Service Award

About The Juliet Peddle Award
Created in 1999, this award is named after the first female registered architect in Indiana. A Terre Haute native, Juliet Peddle (1889 – 1979) was the second woman to graduate from then University of Michigan School of Architecture. Employed for a time with Edward H. Clark, Inc., in Chicago when also co-founded the Chicago Architectural Women’s Forum and edited The Architrave. Peddle returned to Terre Haute and opened her own office in 1939 which she ran for more that 30 years.

Peddles’ interest in architecture and local history led her to do a research project concerning historic buildings and houses for the County Historical Society. By 1940, she developed an idea for a series of newspaper articles on local historic buildings to enlighten the community about structures which had either been altered or completely removed. When first displayed her 60 pencil sketches were high praised for the exactness and charm. She decided to limit the scope of her series to buildings built before the Civil War in order to recreate Terre Haute in an earlier era of growth and prosperity.