GOVERNMENT | Robert Darvas Associates

Globe Dry Dock Buildings Renovation

GOVERNMENT, LOW-RISE, RENOVATIONS

Structural Survey of historic masonry and steel frame factory buildings for adaptive reuse into an “interior” State Park and DNR offices. The Globe offers a unique silhouette on the Detroit River. RDA worked with the Architect (Hobbs+Black) to preserve and integrate portions of the historic masonry façade by designing solutions to retain them, allow for insulation and integrate current code requirements.
Peer review of existing Structural Survey that deemed the structure unfeasible for renovation because of the extent of the repairs. RDA reassessed the conditions to develop a feasible strategy for reuse and repairs. Developed Schematic Design and Specifications that received bids within budget.
The Globe Building, which is home to the new William H. Milliken State Park and Harbor Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit, was awarded the Engineering News-Record Midwest’s Best Project of the Year in Renovation/Restoration for 2014.

Credits
Location – Detroit, MI
Completed – 2014
Award – ENR Midwest’s Best Project of the Year in Renovation/Restoration for 2014
Michigan DNR, Lansing, MI – Owner
Hobbs+Black Architects, Ann Arbor, MI – Architects
The Roxbury Group, Detroit, MI – The Developer
Erik R. Majcher, SE, PE, RDA, Ann Arbor, MI – Structural Engineer

Romulus Recreation Center

GOVERNMENT, LOW-RISE, RENOVATIONS, COMMERCIAL

The 90,000-square-foot project at 35765 Northline Rd., near Wayne Road, was designed with an aviation motif to reflect Romulus’s status as the home of Detroit Metropolitan Airport and gateway to the world. The 40,000 square-foot warehouse had most recently been a distribution facility for steel products, the new design incorporated many of the existing structural elements and blended the building in extremely well with the surrounding area.The recreational center was designed to be a “multi-purpose” center. Along with an indoor track, a climbing wall, and work-out areas, it boasts several swimming areas, complete with water cannons and sprayers. The center also has multifunctional areas suited to weddings, birthday parties, and business meetings.The indoor track and a lounge area are on the building’s newly-built second floor – the perfect vantage point for watching airport arrivals and departures.

Credits
Location –
Project Completed –
– Architects
– General Contractor
RDA – Structural Engineer
RDA – Project Manager

Ingham County Fairground Horse Arena

GOVERNMENT, COMMERCIAL, LOW-RISE

In partnership with Straub Pettitt Yaste Architects, RDA provided design services for the foundation for “hoop house” covered practice arena for the Ingham County Fairgrounds. The “hoop house” is a tension fabric style building, estimated to be 75’W x 144’L and has 2 fourteen foot overhead doors (one on the east end and one of the west end) and 4 people doors (two on each end). It also has a lighting package and an air exchange system. The building is primarily a horse practice arena and animal facility.

Credits
Location –
Project Completed –
– Architects
– General Contractor
RDA – Structural Engineer
RDA – Project Manager