Architecture

Areas of Expertise > Sustainable Development

Pokagonek Édawat - Phases I & II Dowagiac, MI

Developed a Master Plan for this 320- acre, mixed-use site.
  • This 43-acre condominium development is one of the area’s first open space/cluster designs.
  • It consists of 17 single-family units on 20 lots, with environmental elements including restoration of the surrounding area to native prairie, woodlands and agricultural uses, preservation and accentuation of rare circular glacial depressions, and considerable open space around the homes.
  • The development also includes private roads and drives with interlocking pavers, walking paths, and underground public gas, electric, telephone, sanitary sewer, and cable.
  • Future phases will expand on the site restoration, and may include commercial and retail amenities.

    This project received the Best Practices and Innovation Award by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, office of Native American Programs.

Services Provided:
Surveying - Site Design - Design Engineering - Construction Engineering - Right-of- Way - Construction Administration - Permitting - Landscape Architecture - Architecture
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Tribal Administration Building, Dowagiac, MI
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WAI provided the design/build firm with a clear description of the scope of work for comparative accurate bidding.
  • Coordination with USDA Rural Development, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) and consultation with the design/build firm.
  • The new Tribal Headquarters is a one-story administration building, will be approximately 18,802 square feet and will feature a steel sustainable roof.
  • The building reflects cultural and traditional needs of the Pokagon Band and it's members.
  • The site features a wetland and native plants and flowers providing natural and native landscaping.

Services Provided:
Programming - Project Coordination - Preliminary Architectural Design - Site Engineering - Bid & Contract Administration - Development of a Design/Build Project Manual
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Work In Progress

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians Community Center


The Community Center is intended to serve as a central gathering space for meetings, parties, celebrations, and other uses to benefit tribal citizens.  The location was chosen to minimize impact to the property.  The Community Center will be constructed of natural materials and is designed to meet the standards for LEED Silver Certification.  As a part of this project, 7.8 acres will also be planted with native prairie grasses.

Nottawaseppi Huran Band of The Potawatomi
Mishkoswen Master Land Use Plan & Development Athens, Township, MI -

A 13-unit development will be constructed north of T Drive and be accessed from the existing reservation property (Pamptopee Trail).  A private water system consisting of wells and 8” water main, new roads and five LEED homes are included in the project.