Grand Rapids Magazine: DH 2013 & If You Build It, They Will Shop

Our excitement over Grand Rapids Magazine's December issue is two-fold....

First of all, it introduces the Design Home 2013!  We are thrilled to once again be a part of this great showcase, our sixth Design Home since 2004.  Stay tuned for an exclusive look at this great home as the story unfolds in GR Mag's 2013 issues!

Second of all, there is a fantastic article on one of our most significant projects of 2012 - AK Rikks.  As the article is titled, "if you build it, they will shop."  And it was built and we are shopping!  Read the background story of how this retail gem brought the Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive experience to Grand Rapids.

Thank you Grand Rapids Magazine for another great issue!


For ease of reading, click here to view the full articles on our website.

Michigan Blue Magazine: Winter 2012

The winter issue of Michigan Blue Magazine is out and oh what splendors of the season are gracing the cover!  Page four of this issue features our cozy cabin, the Shelburne, as the Lakestyle cottage, full of stone details and space for all the holiday family gatherings.  But if any of you are dragging your feet kicking and screaming into this coldest season, just flip your issue over to the back cover, where you will be transported into the gorgeous living room of our design, the Pinecliff, with expansive views of the beautiful sandy beach and white-capped waves of Lake Michigan.  

Click here to take a pictorial tour of the Pinecliff and it's unique design solution to the common waterfront problem of a narrow lot.

Dining Rooms that Wine and Dine

If you are a typical American, at some point today, you will most likely partake in a bountiful meal with family and friends as a time to celebrate and give thanks.  Where will your feast take place?  Do you have a formal dining room that will be jammed packed with people and dishes to pass?  Or do you layout a buffet for guests to dish themselves up with the delicious vittles?  Or will your gathering involve a smaller group in an intimate dining space?  No matter which way you slice the turkey, the food has to go somewhere and so do the people consuming it.  Here are a few inspirational dining spaces that fit a variety of Thanksgiving scenarios.

This dining room offers two intimate dining spaces - a round table and a small built-in booth.  Perfect for medium sized groups that want to maintain proximity of guests without sacrificing personal conversations.

This formal dining room is separated from the kitchen by a pass-through that can allow easy access to the service area during dinner preparation, but with the added benefit of cabinet doors that can be closed to keep the kitchen preparatory mess out of view of your guests during the feast.

Legacy Wood's tuscan dining space acts as both open and intimate.  The room is separated from it's surrounding areas by stone pillars and archways that give the feeling of closeness without the complete separation of walls.  The coffered ceiling adds character and charm to the space.

This contemporary kitchen and dining room would be perfect for a Thanksgiving buffet.  A large stone-top table can seat up to twelve with close proximity to the large kitchen island with ample space for food display.

Sunset View has a cozy built-in dining option.  This sweet booth is perfect for a smaller celebration and even has a pass through to the kitchen that makes setting the table easy as apple, pumpkin or pecan pie.

This kitchen and dining room offers not one but three smaller dining spaces - the built-in booth, round dining table and kitchen bar.

This traditional formal dining room is the perfect space for the classic American Thanksgiving.  One turkey away from a Norman Rockwell painting.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.  From our dining room tables to yours.

MoDiv wins 2012 Ideation Award from Associated Builders & Contrators

Our downtown 'retail incubator' called MoDiv won the 2012 Ideation Award for Innovation from the Associated Builders and Contractors - West Michigan Chapter as a part of their Excellence in Construction Awards!  Check out this great article on the accolade from MLive.com.

Congratulations to the entire team who made this project award-winning!

Construction group lauds downtown 'retail incubator' for filling empty space with trendy shops

By Jim Harger | jharger@mlive.com 
on November 05, 2012 at 2:00 PM, updated November 05, 2012 at 2:40 PM

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MoDiv offers its tenants flexible space and short-term leasesJim Harger | Mlive Media Group

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – MoDiv, Rockford Construction Co.’s “retail incubator” in downtown Grand Rapids, has won the “2012 Ideation Award” from the Associated Builders and Contractors– West Michigan Chapter.MoDiv, which offers its trendy tenants short-term leases and flexible space at the corner of Monroe Center and Division Avenue, opened in Januaryafter Rockford was left with empty space after a restaurant closed and a clothing shop moved out in the old Peck Building.
The 'retail incubator' was lauded because “it encourages new retailers in the downtown market and fosters a creative and entrepreneurial environment,” according to the ABC, which presented the award at its 27th annual “Excellence in Construction” dinner on Friday, Nov. 1.

To view full article, click on this link: http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2012/11/downtown_retail_incubator_laud.html

Here are a few photos of the award-winning retail incubator.  For more information on this project, please visit some of our previous posts...
•MoDiv is a hit!
•MiBiz Article: MoDiv's Motive to Offer Downtown Retailers Options
•MoDiv's Grand Opening

VA + GAF @ Greenbuild

Wayne Visbeen is representing Visbeen Architects and GAF Materials Corporation at this year's Greenbuild International Conference & Expo in San Francisco.  Greenbuild is the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building with educational seminars, renowned speakers, green building tours and networking events.  Wayne is manning GAF's booth as an expert in their green roofing options and will be sketching there LIVE from 10am-3pm PST today!  Check out a few photos of Wayne at the conference (courtesy of GAF's facebook page).   

Dramatic Lakefront Remodel & Addition: Cambray

Visbeen Architects’ remodel of this lakefront home makes it easy to forget its recent past as an outdated structure in need of a major update. What was once a low-profile 1980’s ranch has been transformed into a three-story cottage with more than enough character to go around.

Street-facing dormers and a quaint garage entrance welcome visitors into the updated interior, which features beautiful custom woodwork and built-ins throughout. In addition to drastic improvements in every existing room, a brand new master suite was added to the space above the garage, providing a private and luxurious retreat for homeowners. A home office, full bath, laundry facilities, a walk-in closet, and a spacious bedroom and sitting area complete this upstairs haven.

Architecture and interior architecture by Visbeen Architects
Remodel by Jeff Segard Builder
Interiors by Julie Holmes Design

Pine Valley

Pine Valley is not your ordinary lake cabin. This craftsman-inspired design offers everything you love about summer vacation within the comfort of a beautiful year-round home. Metal roofing and custom wood trim accent the shake and stone exterior, while a cupola and flower boxes add quaintness to sophistication.

The main level offers an open floor plan, with multiple porches and sitting areas overlooking the water. The master suite is located on the upper level, along with two additional guest rooms. A custom-designed craft room sits just a few steps down from the upstairs study.

Billiards, a bar and kitchenette, a sitting room and game table combine to make the walkout lower level all about entertainment. In keeping with the rest of the home, this floor opens to lake views and outdoor living areas.

Built by Tim Schollaart Builders