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GVSA Helps Amana Academy Launch West Atlanta Campus

Goode Van Slyke Architecture is helping Amana Academy, an Atlanta-area charter school, launch its newest campus – Amana Academy West Atlanta. Amana announced plans for the new school, to be built at the Girl Scouts’ Camp Timber Ridge.

GVSA’s work for the West Atlanta campus started three years ago when it began helping Amana investigate possible locations. This included evaluating existing buildings as well as undeveloped land. Once Camp Timber Ridge was chosen, the firm worked to mesh Amana’s long-term strategy with that of the Girl Scouts’ 270-acre site. It is also working to locate structures for immediate move-in this fall while accommodating expected growth.

Both the original Amana Academy North Fulton in Alpharetta and the new Amana Academy West Atlanta in Mableton are public, tuition-free, STEM-themed charter schools. Each uses the Harvard-based EL Education model, which emphasizes critical thinking and active engagement.

Ehab Jaleel, Amana’s Executive Director, says Goode Van Slyke fully understands the school’s unique educational approach to teaching and learning. He added that the diversity of the firm’s team reflects the diversity of the charter school’s faculty and student body.

“There’s clear alignment with our philosophy for innovation and education and how to create spaces and features in the architecture that match that approach,” Jaleel said. “They are eager to understand what we’re looking for and then they come back with creative solutions. That kind of temperament is very easy to work with.”

The firm’s relationship with Amana Academy began more than a decade ago when it developed the flagship school’s master plan and renovated what was formerly a big-box retail space into its middle school. Its many individual projects since then included redesigning the overall cafeteria and lobby. The cafeteria now doubles as an open, welcoming assembly space and the new lobby includes aspects of a community art gallery showcasing student work. Additional projects are also underway.

Jaleel says GVSA has been his “right hand” for both campuses. “Charter schools are very lean in terms of their resources,” Jaleel added. “We’re looking for not just architects but consultants. GVSA doesn’t shy away from wearing different hats – taking on different roles we need and being flexible with us.”

“Amana has become more of a mission/heart-based pursuit for GVSA versus a business pursuit and this fits with the kind of firm that we are and are continuing to try to be,” said Partner Paul Van Slyke.

“We are excited that Amana Academy is entrusting us to design this inspiring project,” added GVSA Managing Partner Chris Goode. “Creating great educational environments has always been part of the culture of our firm.”

For more about Amana Academy, which is now enrolling students at both campuses, visit AmanaAcademy.org

The Arts Center at Spelman College

A media outlet for the arts in Atlanta covered the design for the new Center for Innovation and the Arts at Spelman College. Goode Van Slyke is the associate architect on the project with lead architect Studio Gang. ARTSATL describes how a gift from LaTanya Richard Jackson, her husband Samuel L. Jackson, and other philanthropists allowed for new construction and renovation on the campus of the historically black liberal arts college for women.

 

Empty Stocking Fund Renovation Complete Thanks to Atlanta Businesses

It’s heartwarming to hear about the generosity of almost two dozen local businesses coming together to renovate the Empty Stocking Fund’s headquarters just in time for Christmas. Acts of kindness like these truly exemplify the spirit of the holiday season.

Brasfield & Gorrie’s pro bono work as the general contractor and Goode Van Slyke Architecture’s donation of free design services are remarkable contributions to the project. These businesses have not only provided their expertise but have also shown their commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Additionally, the fact that the team also volunteered at the nonprofit on December 6, 2021, by helping families find toys to brighten the holidays demonstrates their dedication to the cause. It’s clear that these local businesses are not only investing resources but also their time and effort to make a difference in the lives of those in need during the holiday season. Their support will surely bring joy and hope to many families during Christmas.

The Empty Stocking Fund moved into a 20,000 square foot warehouse in Southwest Atlanta’s Capitol View neighborhood near Downtown last year. Earlier this year, businesses donated time, services, and materials to convert the warehouse into useable public “shopping” areas with an office. The building’s entrances and exits are also now up to code.

Empty Stocking Fund Executive Director Manda Hunt has said that thanks to the renovations, the nonprofit finally has a real home of its own for the first time in our 94-year history.

 

Businesses that donated time, services, and supplies:

  • Brasfield & Gorrie – general contractor
  • Goode Van Slyke Architecture – architect
  • Advantage Fire
  • B&M Masonry
  • Brasington Bailey
  • Cleveland Electric
  • Complete Recycle & Demolition
  • Construction Clean-Up Specialists
  • Corporate Environments of Georgia (DIRTT Glazing System)
  • Convergint Technologies
  • Dixie Membrane
  • Glass Inc.
  • Home Depot
  • Integrity Painting
  • Mazzetti
  • McKenney’s, Inc.
  • Metro Waterproofing
  • Pinnacle Waste
  • Shear Structural
  • Southern Door & Plywood
  • Spectra Flooring
  • Tom Barrow Co.

At GVSA, we believe in the power of giving back to our communities and making a positive impact beyond our business endeavors. Our commitment to volunteer work is an integral part of our corporate ethos. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of service and philanthropy among our employees and stakeholders.