Monday, December 13, 2010

New Canal Basin Lighthouse Museum and Education Center Is Still Raising Funds.

The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation is still raising money to rebuild the New Canal Basin Lighthouse into a Museum & Educational Center on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.   Thanks to the public's support in online voting, the lighthouse won Jeld-Wen's competition for free windows and doors.   However, they're still looking for funding for the rest of the building, and are over halfway there!

Check out the fly-around video below:


More Information on the Lighthouse
More info, and how to donate, at the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
More information on Jeld-wen's competition

South Central Construction announces the Winners of Best of 2010 Construction and Design Awards

Baton Rouge, La., December 2010 - HMS Architects, a full-service Architectural Firm based in New Orleans, La.  was recognized at the "South Central Construction" award program for the Best of 2010 Construction and Design Awards for the Region, held on December 2, 2010 at Boudreaux Restaurant in Baton Rouge. 

Charles B. Montgomery, AIA, ASLA, Principal accepted the following awards for HMS Architecs.
HMS Architects was founded in 1996 and is recognized for providing sound, creative and enduring design through a collaborative process. Using the very latest technology, talented and experienced staff, and a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, HMS offers accessible communication both within the firm as well as with clients, contractors and consultants.






  

Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School Recognized in "Landscape Architect and Specifier News"

New Orleans, LA, December, 2010 - Andrew H. Wilson Elementary school was recognized in the December issue of Landscape Architect and Specifer News for the design of its courtyard by HMS Architects, apc.

Another Brick in the Wall ....and the Ground - Permeable Pavers Prominent in School Projects
By Bruce H. Soileau



More about Andrew H. Wilson Elementary


HMS Architects was founded in 1996 and is recognized for providing sound, creative and enduring design through a collaborative process. Using the very latest technology, talented and experienced staff, and a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, HMS offers accessible communication both within the firm as well as with clients, contractors and consultants.


##

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

LEED for Schools Gold Certification received for Andrew H. Wilson Elementary

November, 2010) – HMS Architects, a New Orleans-based firm, received the notice of LEED for Schools Gold certification for Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School.

Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School, located in the Broadmoor Community in New Orleans, LA. is a New Orleans Recovery School District Quick Start School. The elementary school reflects the new movement in sustainability with a friendly site design, high performance building envelope, enhanced classroom acoustics, daylighting design, “green” construction materials and many additional elements that function as teaching tools. HMS Architects along with Innovative Design out of South Carolina managed the complete renovation of the existing school building flooded by Hurricane Katrina and an addition of approximately 50,000 square feet that completely restored a significant local Historic structure into a 21st century high performance school.

The LEED for Schools Rating System recognizes the unique nature of the design and construction of K-12 schools. Based on the LEED for New Construction rating system, it addresses issues such as classroom acoustics, master planning, mold prevention and environmental site assessment.

By addressing the uniqueness of school spaces and children's health issues, LEED for Schools provides a unique, comprehensive tool for schools that wish to build green, with measurable results. LEED for Schools is the recognized third-party standard for high-performance schools that is healthy for students, comfortable for teachers, and cost-effective.

“The results are pleasing to everyone who touched this project. The climate of the school looks and feels brighter. We are proud of this accomplishment and everyone, from students to staff, is invested in caring for it, so it continues to look great and feel good” said Charles Montgomery, Principal of HMS
##
Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School was chosen as one of the New Orleans Recovery School District’s Quick Start Schools after Hurricane Katrina flooded the Broadmoor neighborhood. As a showcase green school, the Wilson Elementary School building incorporates more than 40 specific green measures to enhance the building’s energy efficiency and student performance.
##
HMS Architects was founded in 1996 and is recognized for providing sound, creative and enduring design through a collaborative process. Using the very latest technology, talented and experienced staff, and a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, HMS offers accessible communication both within the firm as well as with clients, contractors and consultants.
##

HMS Architects Presented with Appreciation Plaque by City of Slidell's Department of Cultural & Public Affairs

The City of Slidell's Department of Cultural and Public Affairs took the opportunity at The Bayou Jam Concert Series on Sunday, October 24, 20101 a Plaque of Appreciation to the city’s 2010 – 2011 cultural season sponsors.   

The sponsors included the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce; Living Magazine; Slidell Memorial Hospital; CLECO; Creative Picture Framing Inc. & Art Gallery; Northshore Conifer; Ronnie Kole Foundation; BP Oil; Candlewood Suites; DuBuisson Gallery; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien; The Purple Armadillo; Silver Slipper Casino; The Slidell Independent; Bargains Plus!/Postal Plus; Baskin Robbins/Coy and Donna Faucheux; Chateau Bleu; Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert; Representative Greg Cromer; HMS Architects, APC; Kathryn & Company’s A Touch of Italy CafĂ©; Krewe of Bilge; Textron Marine and Land Systems; Times Grill and Dr. Russell & Nancy Westfall.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

John Q. Adams Middle School Dedication

For Immediate Release
Contact: JoAnn Dugas
504.636.3434

New Orleans, La. (September 27, 2010) – John Quincy Adams Middle School celebrated the opening of their new Performing Arts Center at the Dedication on September 27, 2010.

A happy crowd was welcomed by Principal, Ginger Bruce. Jay Haydel, Band Conductor led the Adams Band in a musical selection.

Ms. Bruce recognized HMS Architects, APC as the designer of the 6,600 square-foot, state of the art addition that features a performance area with seating for 225, along with a band rehearsal room for 125 students and a proscenium area for school plays, pageants and programs. Other design elements include a percussion practice room for 30 students, two faculty practice rooms, a stage shop, two dressing rooms, and other supporting spaces and offices.

Keynote Address was delivered by Judy Colgan, School Board Member. A tribute to Mr. Paul E. Emenes, Assistant Superintendent 1932-2009 was delivered by Jay Haydel. A tour of the Facility was followed with a reception.
##
HMS Architects was founded in 1996 and is recognized for providing sound, creative and enduring design through a collaborative process. Using the very latest technology, talented and experienced staff, and a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, HMS offers accessible communication both within the firm as well as with clients, contractors and consultants.
##

HMS Architects Recognized in SchoolDesigner.com

For Immediate Release
Contact: JoAnn Dugas
504.636.3434


New Orleans, La. (October 25, 2010) – HMS Architects, a New Orleans-based firm, is recognized in the SchoolDesigner On line Magazine for high-quality K-12 school design in the renovation and addition to Andrew H. Wilson Charter School.


HMS Architects was responsible for the design and construction contract administration for the complete renovation of 48,060sf flooded building and the addition of a 50,786sf new building. The school features an environmentally friendly site design, high performance building envelope, enhanced classroom acoustics, daylighting design and many additional elements that function as teaching tools. The project was designed using LEED for Schools 2007 standards and is anticipated to achieve LEED for Schools Gold certification by the US Green Building Council.

Follow link to http://www.schooldesigner.com/architects/HMS-architects.asp

##
Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School was chosen as one of the New Orleans Recovery School District’s Quick Start Schools after Hurricane Katrina flooded the Broadmoor neighborhood. As a showcase green school, the Wilson Elementary School building incorporates more than 40 specific green measures to enhance the building’s energy efficiency and student performance.
##
HMS Architects was founded in 1996 and is recognized for providing sound, creative and enduring design through a collaborative process. Using the very latest technology, talented and experienced staff, and a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, HMS offers accessible communication both within the firm as well as with clients, contractors and consultants.
##
SchoolDesigner.com is the #1 resource for K-12 School Design. Here you will find creative school designs, high quality school design products, talented school design professionals and LEED Certified school profiles.
##

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Building of America Awards Announces Two Projects by HMS Architects Chosen for Gold Medal Feature

For Immediate Release
Contact: JoAnn Dugas
504-636-3434

New Orleans, Louisiana ( October 13, 2010): 
From hundreds of nominated projects, Louisiana State University, Music & Dramatic Arts Building and Andrew H. Wilson Charter School, both submitted by HMS Architects,APC, has been selected as a Building of America Award projects and will be  featured as Gold Medal Winners on the home page at http://www.buildingofamerica.com/.

The Building of America Network showcases the most innovative, unique and challenging new projects — projects that are particularly noteworthy and/or give back to their respective communities. The website is an essential link, bringing owners together with consultants, financial resources, architectural firms, program and project managers and others from within the construction and design industry.
Decision makers can read about the newest facilities joining the landscape in their respective region. More importantly, the Building of America Network provides a tool to help all decision makers learn from one another’s experiences and learn more about the teams behind each project’s success. Each case study will also include listings, advertisements, corporate profiles and additional information about the project team members, subcontractors, vendors and suppliers that were referred as qualified and reliable by the company or firms that chose them for their most important projects.
#
HMS Architects was founded in 1996 and is recognized for providing sound, creative and enduring design through a collaborative process. Using the very latest technology, talented and experienced staff, and a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, HMS offers accessible communication both within the firm as well as with clients, contractors and consultants.
#
Since 1996, Construction Communications and the Building of America Network have featured the country’s top projects as determined by our editorial board. The case studies are read and referenced by leaders within the region’s local governments, economic development groups, financial institutions, owners, architects and contractors. The website, accessed by industry leaders and decision makers throughout the country, combines more than 50,000 links and millions of searches each year

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Andrew H. Wilson Charter School Featured in Educational Interiors Showcase Honoring the Nation's Most Outstanding Learning Environments

New Orleans, Louisiana – Andrew H. Wilson Charter School, New Orleans, Louisiana has been selected for publication in Penton Media’s American School & UniversityR 2010 Educational Interiors Showcase. It is featured in the August 2010 edition of the magazine and also on the Web at www.SchoolDesigns.com. The Educational Interiors Showcase is an annual competition honoring educational interior design excellence and spotlights projects representing some of the most effective learning environments in America.

Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School is located in the Broadmoor Community in New Orleans, LA. The elementary school reflects the new movement in sustainability with a friendly site design, high performance building envelope, enhanced classroom acoustics, daylighting design, “green” construction materials and many additional elements that function as teaching tools. This 1909 structure received approximately two feet of water from Hurricane Katrina and sustained substantial roof damage. The school’s program included a complete renovation of the existing school building, demolition of the heavily damaged accessory building and adding approximately 50,000 square feet to the school.

A jury of American institute of Architects (AIA) members and education administrators evaluated submissions from architectural firms, schools and universities across the country. Ninety-five projects were chosen for publication in AS&U, a monthly educational magazine reaching 70,000 facility planners, school and university administrators and architects with this issue. This is the 20th year the competition has been held.
                                                                                   #
Founded in 1928, American School & University is devoted exclusively to education facilities/business administration. The authority for information about the educational facilities market, AS&U delivers an insightful combination of exclusive reports, special focuses and how-to articles each month. For more information, please visit www.ASUmag.com and www.SchoolDesigns.com

HMS Architects Receive Two Prestigious Awards From The American Society of Interior Design

New Orleans, La. (September 11, 2010) – HMS Architects, a New Orleans-based firm, received two Prestigious Awards from the American Society of Interior Design, South Central Chapter, for the 2010 Excellence in Design Award at a gala in New Orleans, La. on Saturday. Amy Savoie, Professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) was present to accept the awards on behalf of HMS.

The Silver Award for Sustainable Interiors was bestowed on the HMS Team which consisted of Char Montgomery, Principal of HMS, Jim Rogers, Project Architect, Scott Welty, intern Architect, and Amy Savoie, Interior Designer for their design of Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School, located in the Broadmoor Community in New Orleans, LA. The elementary school reflects the new movement in sustainability with a friendly site design, high performance building envelope, enhanced classroom acoustics, daylighting design, “green” construction materials and many additional elements that function as teaching tools.

The Bronze award for Adaptive Reuse was given to HMS Architects for their renovation and adaptation of an antique store and residence into offices for Doctor’s Imaging Services. This renovation project transformed the interiors with custom millwork, soothing colors and finishes to meet the needs of the medical standards and create a brand for Doctor’s Imaging Services.

The judging panel was comprised of professional level board members from the ASID Missouri East Chapter.
                                                                                    ##
Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School was chosen as one of the New Orleans Recovery School District’s Quick Start Schools after Hurricane Katrina flooded the Broadmoor neighborhood. As a showcase green school, the Wilson Elementary School building incorporates more than 40 specific green measures to enhance the building’s energy efficiency and student performance.
                                                                                     ##
Doctor’s Imaging Services utilizes all of the latest and most technologically advanced equipment and are dedicated to meaningful innovation with new procedures. As a National Show Site for Siemens Medical Systems, DIS is the region’s only freestanding center to offer powerful Ultra High-Field 3T MRI, patient-friendly short bore and Open MIR. DIS is prepared to meet your unique MRI needs.
                                                                                      ##
HMS Architects was founded in 1996 and is recognized for providing sound, creative and enduring design through a collaborative process. Using the very latest technology, talented and experienced staff, and a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, HMS offers accessible communication both within the firm as well as with clients, contractors and consultants.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Feedback on Andrew Wilson Received

HMS recently received this feedback letter  regarding our work on Andrew Wilson Elementary School:



Mr. Montgomery – I recently realized that you were the person behind the incredible renovation of the Andrew Wilson school in Broadmoor.  I wanted to just sent a quick note to let you know how much I admire the work that you and your firm accomplished for the students and the community.  I have had the opportunity to tour the school on several different occasions (one time with U.S. Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez) and each time I discover something new and wonderful about the building.  I wondered if you were doing any other school projects in New Orleans….I am hopeful that we will see more historic renovations similar to Wilson. I respect both your creative adaptation of connecting the historic building with the new wing and your mindfulness of the costs associated with operating and maintaining a public school through your design, and your use of energy conserving materials and equipment.

As we all work together to create a new public education system in Orleans Parish, I think we can all learn a thing or two about the facility side of education reform from you and your team.   I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am with the Wilson Project and that I hope to see more of your work throughout New Orleans.  Please let me know what school(s) you are working on next.


Kathy

Kathleen Padian
President
Board of Directors
NOLA 180

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

IIDA/AIA/IFMA/USGBC/Global Green Host Tour of Andrew Wilson Elementary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 8, 2010

Contact: JoAnn B. Dugas
504-636-3452

IIDA/AIA/IFMA/USGBC/Global Green Host tour of Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School

New Orleans, LA – Charles B. Montgomery, Principal at HMS Architects, an architectural firm offering professional services for specialized complex educational projects, conducted a tour of the newly renovated Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School located in the Broadmoor neighborhood on January 27, 2010. The tour was conceived and hosted by IIDA, New Orleans, AIA New Orleans, IFMA, New Orleans, USGBC, La. Chapter,.Global Green USA

The original Andrew H. Wilson school building was designed by local architect E.A. Christy in 1909. Three years later a classroom wing was added north of the site. In the 1940’s an accessory school building was constructed on the corner of S. Miro Street and Milan Street. Andrew H. Wilson School remained operational for nearly 100 years until 2005 when Hurricane Katrina flooded the Broadmoor neighborhood. The school received approximately two feet of water on the first floor and sustained substantial roof damage. In 2007, Andrew Wilson School was chosen as one of the five New Orleans Recovery School District’s (RSD) Quick Start Schools. The school’s design program included a complete renovation of the existing school building, demolition of the heavily damaged accessory building and a new addition of approximately 50,000 square feet to house a cafeteria, gymnasium, library, music rooms and an administrative wing.

The walking tour highlighted the new facilities environmentally friendly site design, high performance building envelope, enhanced classroom acoustics, daylighting design, “green” construction materials, and many additional elements that also function as teaching tools. The project was designed using LEED for Schools 2007 standards and is anticipated to achieve LEED for Schools certification by the United States Green Building council. The project restores a significant local Historic structure into a 21st century high performance school.

“HMS Architects was honored to be chosen to design the renovation and addition of Andrew H. Wilson. This school has played a significant part in the history of the Broadmoor community. Today, it serves as the core anchor of their redevelopment plan. The people of Broadmoor with their vibrant and resilient spirit have been a delightful bonus as we see their excitement in the development of Wilson”, said Mr. Montgomery.

BUILDING FACTS: Construction Cost $25.8 Million: Cost per Sq.Ft. $261: Building Square Footage: 48,060sf Renovated, 50,786sf New, Total square feet, 98,846:

DESIGN TEAM: HMS Architects, New Orleans, LA; Innovative Design, N.C.; Morphy Makofsky, Inc.; Moses Engineers; Reich and Associates; FutureProof; BAi Acousticians: Construction was by Walton Construction Co.

CONTRIBUTORS: Broadmoor Improvement Association: Global Green: FutureProof: Clinton Global Initiative
###

ABOUT HMS ARCHITECTS: HMS Architects has been recognized for providing sound, creative and enduring design through collaborative processes. Using the latest in technology, a talented and experienced staff, and a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, HMS offers accessible communication both within the firm as well as with clients, contractors and consultants. This commitment to collaboration ensures each client the greatest possible breadth of ideas and outstanding results. For more information visit www.hmsarchitects.com


Charles Montgomery, Principal at HMS Architects welcomes the attendees in the cafeteria. Note the daylighting optimized through the use of curved translucent interior lightshelves in south facing windows.  
A View of the courtyard and the 12,000 gallon rainwater collection tank and permeable pavers that allow underground percolation systems and detention areas.


Charles Montgomery, Principal at HMS Architects points out the indoor environmental quality including material selections that are rapidly renewable such as the bamboo flooring.





Ninety percent of interior walls were salvaged, thus retaining original classroom layouts.  The Design Team focused on improving the indoor environmental quality of the classroom.  Each classroom has ample vision and daylight glazing with direct glare eliminated through the use of sun shading devices.  High efficiency T8 dimming lamp fixtures were used in conjunction with occupancy sensors and daylight dimming sensors. Teaching walls and SMARTTM boards are strategically placed to prevent glare while seating areas receive abundant, controlled daylight.


The classroom spaces are acoustically isolated from adjacent classrooms with acoutical insulation and increased separation through a storage space.  Additional daylighting strategies include selective glazing types per function and orientation of the windows, roof monitors at top floors with fabric baffles, as well as vertical fabric baffles and interior lightshelves at east and west facing classrooms.

An elaborate educational mural was created for the main staircase that explains facts about New Orleans history and the development of the Broadmoor community through a series of maps and timelines.  The goal is to not only create a wonderful environment for children, but to enable them to understand their role in their environment.




Throughout the project's construction over 4,400 tons of construction waste was reduced and diverted to recycling facilities.  This accounts for over 80 of the total construction waste.   Over 90% of the existing building structure was reused.  Careful selection of materials for high recycled content were chosen throughout the project.  Examples include, gym flooring-recycled rubber, front benches-recycled milk cartons, site fill-recycled concrete.




Monday, February 1, 2010

Andrew Wilson Elementary featured on EarthTimes.org


EarthTimes.org has covered the rebuilding of Andrew Wilson Elementary School and its impact on the Broadmoor neighborhood, courtesy of EdisonLearning. The school is slated to re-open this January, after years of work from the neighborhood, HMS Architects, our consultants, and the contractor, Walton Construction.



Full story at EarthTimes.org
More information about Andrew Wilson Elementary

Andrew Wilson and other RSD Schools featured in Times-Picayune

Quotes concerning Andrew H Wilson: 

"As a parent, I can tell you that the kids are now in a safer environment, " said Lona Edwards Hankins, Director of Capital Improvements for the Recovery School District. "You no longer have to worry about asbestos or lead or anything like that. It's a cleaner environment."

"It's amazing to have a building that's not an obstacle, " said Nicole Pulkkinen, who teaches sixth and seventh grade at Wilson. "It's huge. It's wide open. It's clean. It's bright. It's beautiful."

"My kids have so much more respect for their space now, " Ballal said. "And it makes them feel special."

Click here for full story at nola.com.