October 23, 2008
 Residents, officials and the township mayor celebrated the unveiling of the improved streetscapes along Lawrenceville's Main Street in the village of Lawrence, N.J., in a ribbon-cutting event in early October. For two years, KSS Associate Matthew McChesney, AIA, has been volunteering with Lawrenceville Main Street's Design Subcommittee as part of his hometown's long-term, resident-initiated revitalization plan. About 10 years ago, residents saw their historic downtown declining and decided to do something about it. They formed Lawrenceville Main Street, a volunteer-based civic improvement organization that worked to bring businesses, the arts and community events to the area. The town's three-block-long Main Street is now lined with restored historic homes, small businesses and lively restaurants. However, its sidewalks, curbs, bus stops and crosswalk areas remained in poor condition.
In its efforts to improve the streetscape, Lawrenceville Main Street applied for a state Department of Transportation grant through the federal government's Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century program. After the state denied two applications submitted by consultants hired by the organization, McChesney led the group's efforts to write and submit the third application themselves. The state approved the project, awarding it a $275,000 grant to fund new concrete and brick paver sidewalks and driveways, decorative street lights, benches, bicycle racks, and grass.
Construction began in September and the project is almost complete. See photos on Lawrenceville Main Street's website. The project has helped beautify the village's downtown area, stimulate the local economy, encourage alternative modes of transportation and build upon the efforts of more than 150 local volunteers who have participated in the long-term revitalization plan.
Read an article about the town's revitalization in The Lawrence Ledger.
|
October 21, 2008
 On Sept. 22, KSS Architects partners Michael Shatken and Allan Kehrt presented the 2008-09 KSS Architects Endowed Scholarship to Alexander Merlucci at the New Jersey School of Architecture, which is a part of the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. Merlucci is a third-year honor student from Kinnelon, N.J. Urs P. Gauchat, the dean of NJSOA, said Merlucci is a talented, hardworking student as well as an outstanding young designer.
Established in 2005, the KSS Architects Endowed scholarship is awarded annually to a third-year architectural student at the NJSOA. The winner must exhibit academic excellence, show a strong sense of initiative and a bias toward action, and demonstrate excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills. The winners are offered an internship at KSS Architects.
.
At the school's 26th annual Awards Ceremony, 32 students were recognized for their academic excellence with scholarships and awards provided by generous individuals and firms.
Read the press release.
NJSOA Weston Hall Image courtesy of NJIT.
|
October 14, 2008
 On Oct. 16, The Calais Foundation will honor KSS with its "Making a Difference" award at its second annual Renaissance Gala. Funds raised at the gala support programs at The Calais School and other nonprofits throughout New Jersey serving the learning challenged community and students with special educational or behavioral needs. Last year, the gala raised more than $100,000, which funded a number of programs in visual and performing arts and athletics for students. This year's list of goals include fitting out The Calais School's Science and Library/Media Centers and strengthening transitional programs for its high school graduates, many of whom achieve remarkable success.
KSS designed the 2007 renovation and expansion of the 100-year-old school building that houses The Calais School and has provided construction management, fundraising and marketing support. Michael Shatken, AIA, KSS' partner-in-charge for project, said the firm was honored by the recognition.
"Teaching and encouraging a student with special needs to become a positive contributor to society is a remarkable achievement, and The Calais School achieves this for countless young people," he said. "KSS Architects is proud to be associated with The Calais Foundation."
The Renaissance Gala will take place at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, N.J., on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Jack Clark, The Calais School, at 973.884.2030.
Read the full press release here.
|
October 13, 2008
 KSS team members along with family and friends celebrated the waning days of summer at the annual KSS summer party in mid-September. Allan Kehrt and his wife, Michaele, hosted the event at their lakefront home in Cranbury, N.J. Kids and adults alike played by the lake and everyone had a chance to relax, laugh, and enjoy a delicious meal full of appetizers, dips, seafood, salads and desserts galore in a low-key but beautiful setting. A thrilling softball game preceded the party in which one team nearly came back from a double-digit deficit to take the game. It was a great opportunity for members of both offices to come together and meet each other's family members and friends.
Images (courtesy of the Meacocks)
|
October 1, 2008
 In September, Hobart and William Smith Colleges students returning to campus for their first day of classes were greeted by the opening of the newly renovated and expanded Scandling Campus Center. According to HWS' website, students and campus members raved about the renovated center, which was upgraded from its original primary program as the colleges' dining center. The 73,000 sf building has been expanded to include multipurpose spaces, a Cafe with multiple food stations, an outdoor terrace, and spaces for student organization offices.
Daylight now streams into the Campus Center, which is now true to its name with inviting entrances on its front and back elevations, versatile interior spaces, and inclusion of multiple student-centered programs.
Pamela Lucas Rew, AIA, HWS '81, led the KSS project team that designed the renovation and addition. Their goal was to make Scandling more than just a building that students cut through to get from one side of campus to the other. Now the Scandling Campus Center is a destination at which all campus community members can gather and enjoy.
|
