East Central Catalyst Project 1: Lower Waverly

F.A. Johnson Consulting Group \ East Central City Consortium

Completion Date
TBD

Project Budget
N/A

The East Central City Consortium is a public/private partnership charged with redeveloping portions of Columbia’s inner core blighted by socio-economic challenges and stagnant development. The overall objective of this first catalyst project is to propose strategies for new infill mixed use development to inspire a new vision for these underutilized districts with a variety of market-driven housing compatible with the existing adjacent neighborhoods. The plan seeks to establish a new quality benchmark for neighborhood infrastructure, encouraging pedestrian activity and a healthy, active public realm. The 28.2 acre parcel is located in the Lower Waverly Historic District Community and as such features new housing that responds to the historic context of the area. The plan envisions a quality neighborhood that attracts a variety of new residents, from empty nesters to young professionals and traditional families- in a variety of housing types that are oriented towards the street to create synergy within the community.

Showcase Project

Lib Jackson Student Center Annex

This project is a two-phase renovation and expansion of the Lib Jackson Student Center. Phase 1 of the project consists of an approximately 40,000 sf addition primarily to the south and west of the existing building with Phase 2 anticipated to be of a similar size positioned to the east. The project is designed to expand student services and provide support for individuals, groups and student organizations. The program spaces facilitate social interaction, recreation, administration and meeting rooms, and features a 250-seat theatre.

Northeast Engineering / Science Classroom Facility Construction

This 68,000 sq. ft. classroom building addition at the Northeast Technology Campus will become the new home of the Engineering and Science departments of the College. The program features teaching labs and classrooms focusing on clean energy technology, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, supporting the mission of the College’s regional research partners. The design features strategies to provide student centered “casual” spaces that encourage social interaction and collaboration. The facility will showcase flexible spaces and planning strategies to respond to changes in mission and technology.

School Designs Change with the Times

If back-to-school brings visions of the proverbial little red schoolhouse, better think again. Today’s schools are more a combination of brain research, educational advancements, sustainability and technology, bringing new challenges for school architects and designers. This amphitheater was built into the design of the Center for Knowledge as another area of learning. (Photo/Courtesty Quackenbush Architects & Planners) “It’s really like the chicken and the egg,” said architect Doug Quackenbush, as educators and architects collaborate on designing new schools using resources and ideas from both fields. “We give school districts good advice on a fully performing 21st century school while they inform us of new teaching techniques and educational trends.”