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Savannah’s Enmarket Arena Now Open

The Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia, is now open and is being hailed as the largest public works project in the city’s history. This new venue, which officially opened on February 5th, is expected to bring a wide range of music, sports, and entertainment experiences to Southern Georgia. The opening ceremony, which included a community day and ribbon-cutting event, attracted hundreds of attendees.

One of the architectural firms involved in the design of the Enmarket Arena is Goode Van Slyke Architecture, which is based in Atlanta. GVSA served as an associate architect on the project, working alongside the design lead firm Perkins&Will. Their contributions to the project included designing various aspects of the building, including non-public areas like operations offices and visitor lockers, as well as many of the public areas located on the concourse and overlook levels. This collaboration between architectural firms has resulted in the creation of a significant new entertainment and sports venue for the Savannah community.

Webinar on COVID Safety in S.C. Charter Schools Planned

Atlanta (February 2021) Goode Van Slyke Partner and Co-Founder Paul Van Slyke will speak at an upcoming event designed to inform educators at South Carolina charter schools about ideas and actions to make educational facilities safer during the pandemic. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) helps schools improve COVID-19 prevention efforts.

Atlanta Intown Features Seven88

Atlanta Intown, a news outlet covering the city’s intown neighborhoods, profiled GVSA high-rise Seven88 in its July issue. The Perspectives in Architecture column by Melody Harclerode was titled: Firm Reaches New Heights with Skyscraper. It examines the history of skyscrapers in the U.S. and Atlanta, noting that luxury condo Seven88 West Midtown is Atlanta’s first commercial skyscraper designed by a Black-owned architectural firm.

It also illustrates the project’s uniqueness in other ways as well. “Two outdoor amenity decks with a saltwater pool and whirlpool pool spa, yoga lawn, and dog spa offer contemporary, resort-style relaxation for condo owners and visitors,” Harclerode wrote. The column also illustrates the firm’s versatility with mentions of other high-profile projects.

Lou Walker Senior Center Recognized as a Nationally Accredited Senior Center of Excellence

The Lou Walker Senior Center in DeKalb County, Georgia, has achieved recognition as a Nationally Accredited Senior Center of Excellence by the National Council on Aging’s National Institute of Senior Centers. This accreditation is a significant honor, with only 200 senior centers nationwide earning this distinction. It highlights the commitment and excellence of the center in serving the senior population.

The Lou Walker Senior Center, designed by Goode Van Slyke Architecture and opened in 2005, has a mission to provide a world-class environment where seniors are valued, respected, and supported in aging well. The facility in Lithonia, Georgia, offers a wide range of amenities and programs, making it a hub for senior citizens in the area. Some of the features include learning areas, a pool, a computer lab, a kitchen, and a hair salon with a barbershop and spa.

The center provides a diverse selection of classes and activities to cater to the interests and needs of its senior participants. These programs encompass fitness, technology, martial arts, self-defense, dance, music, art, drama, public speaking, photography, and more. This extensive range of offerings reflects the center’s commitment to promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of seniors.

Eligibility to participate in the Lou Walker Senior Center’s programs is open to any citizen of DeKalb County who is aged 55 and over. Additionally, non-residents who are part of the Silver Sneakers programs are also welcome, further extending access to senior services in the community.

 

Redesign Bethel Towers – Iconic Affordable Housing Community

The involvement of Goode Van Slyke Architecture in providing architectural and engineering design, along with construction administration services, indicates their crucial role in the project’s success. The fact that it was a $34.5 million renovation of Bethel Towers, a historic 16-story residential tower, suggests a substantial effort to preserve and improve the affordable housing community.

The partnership between The Benoit Group LLC and the owner, Big Bethel A.M.E. Church, highlights the collaborative effort between private and nonprofit entities to revitalize this important housing resource. Such projects are crucial for maintaining and improving affordable housing options in urban areas.

Pacesetter Awards Honor

Congratulations to Goode Van Slyke Architecture (GVSA) for receiving recognition as one of Atlanta’s Fastest-Growing private companies at the 25th annual Pacesetter Awards! This is a significant achievement, especially considering the challenges posed by the pandemic.

GVSA’s inclusion on this prestigious list highlights their outstanding performance in the business landscape. It’s particularly impressive that GVSA is the only architecture firm to make the cut, showcasing their expertise and growth in the industry. Their ranking in the top seven among real estate-related firms and #92 overall reflects their dedication and success.

The fact that GVSA’s projects, such as the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Seven88 West Midtown luxury condo high-rise, and educational developments, were featured in the video by the Chronicle further underscores their contribution to the Atlanta community. Additionally, their involvement in The Bailey, a spa wellness mixed-use and healthcare development in Alpharetta, shows their commitment to shaping the region’s future.

GVSA’s commitment to community involvement, including affordable housing renovations and new developments, highlights their positive impact beyond their architectural projects.

Managing Partner and co-founder Chris Goode’s optimism about the firm’s future growth and expansion into other areas of the Southeast region is promising. It’s clear that GVSA’s dedication to excellence and community engagement has played a significant role in their success.

Being recognized by the Pacesetter Awards is a testament to GVSA’s resilience, innovation, and contribution to Atlanta’s business landscape. This achievement speaks volumes about their ability to thrive in challenging times.

 

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.

 

 

 

Award-Winning Seven88 West Midtown

Seven88 West Midtown a luxury condo designed by Goode Van Slyke Architecture, has earned five OBIE awards. Awards, presented by the Atlanta Sales and Marketing Council on behalf of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, recognize outstanding achievements within the home building industry and serve as the premier awards given in the Atlanta new home construction industry.

Seven88 West Midtown received three Gold and two Silver OBIEs for its floor plan and model home design, as well as its marketing efforts. “We’ve had a fantastic year of traffic and sales, and we’re honored to be recognized for the marketing efforts and beautiful model homes that are a big part of making this project so successful,” said McKinley Homes VP of Marketing and Sales Don Gale.