brwarchitects is pleased to announce that Carl Schwarz and Natalie Feaver have completed their journey to Professional Licensure.  For Architects, this process includes a Masters Degree in Architecture, an Intern Development Program (IDP), minimum of three years, and finally, completion of seven Architectural Registration Exams (ARE).  With these accomplishments, brwa now proudly boasts five registered architects on staff.  Congratulations to both!

Site work is under way and footings have been poured for a new residence carefully situated on an expansive lot in pastoral Keene, Virginia. The commencement of the construction has been gratifying for the design team, the contractor Matt Robb, and the Owners as the product of their collective efforts over a lengthy and deliberate design phase begins to manifest itself in the landscape.

Designed using the principals and august materials of the Arts and Crafts tradition, the houses contemporary building systems includes sustainable technologies such as a geothermal mechanical system and insolated concrete foam block (ICF) walls.

The mild winter has enabled the site preparation and excavation for the 10,000 square foot home, and substantial foundation walls will soon follow to support the generous masonry walls of the first floor.

During the previous two years, brwarchitects has worked with the congregation at the Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg to develop a Master Plan for their campus. The first key component of the Master Plan is focused on Accessibility Improvements to the Sanctuary, a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places dating back to 1832. The major component of this work includes a new custom-designed elevator, providing accessibility to the historic sanctuary and basement. Completion of the first phase is scheduled for the end of March 2012. The building committee has authorized brwa to begin planning for the start of Phase Two : Education Building Additions and Associated Mechanical Upgrades.

During the schematic design for Phase Two, brwa will assist the committee in identifying a scope of work possible within their established budget. This scope aims to provide handicapped accessibility to the three levels of the existing education building, improved and accessible restroom facilities, an expanded Fellowship Hall with new commercial kitchen, and a entry lobby large enough to facilitate the congregation gathering between services. Upon completion of schematic design, brwa will facilitate the development of a schematic design budget and collaborate with the building committee to establish a specific scope of work. In collaboration with 2RW consulting engineers, options for geo thermal wells are being evaluated for providing heating and cooling for both the education building and the historic sanctuary. Once a complete profile of the scope of work and budget are developed, the project will be submitted to the Session for consideration and authorization to move forward.

This fall, BRW held its first annual Fall Chili Cook Off. Each week, two people brought in a pot of chili alongside its required side dishes. The variety of chili was surprising! Chili pot-pies won the ‘Best Presentation’ award. Other chili dishes fighting for best flavor included Cincinnati chili, complete with spaghetti noodles; Beef & Beer, served on rice; white bean chili, with cilantro & green peppers; Pumpkin & Pork, with pumpkin creme; Vegetarian; and even Cajun chili, with mangoes and limes. The winner for best taste has yet to be determined… but we’ll keep you posted.

On Wednesday, July 27, 2011, the construction of the High Street United Methodist Church, Franklin, VA, reached a milestone. The steeple was ready to be raised.

Set on a base 42 feet high and soaring to an overall height over 105 feet in the air, the prefabricated steeple, painstakingly designed and proportioned by Bruce Wardell and manufactured by Campbellsville Industries, is a new landmark for all of Southampton County and the crowning ornament to the new church.

To mark the occasion, the entire congregation gathered at the site to watch the events unfold. Arriving in 3 pieces, the steeple would be slowly and carefully set into place, each tier gently rotating in the air to be precisely positioned like a giant wedding cake.

After the final piece was secured, its new copper spire shining brightly in the sun, Pastor Susan Reeves and architect Bruce Wardell rode the 105 feet up into the air in the crane’s basket to ceremonially bless the steeple’s cross, a symbol of the congregation’s faith, set high above Franklin for all to see.

As the basket slowly lowered to the ground, the gathered crowd was met with a special surprise. From within the steeple, the pealing of the church’s historic bell rang out, a familiar sound now beaconing the congregation to its new home.

Things are moving ahead at a rapid clip at The Crossings at Fourth and Preston. BRW’s first single resident occupancy building project.

Since breaking ground in March 2011, work has been progressing smoothly with general contractor Martin Horn, Inc. leading the construction team. As winter approaches the
focus is on getting the building dried in. The membrane roof Is installed, fiberglass apartment windows are installed and exterior brick masonry work is moving ahead rapidly. Once the masonry openings are complete they can be measured for the store front windows and doors.

Meanwhile, the interior of the building is a bee hive of activity with HVAC, electrical, plumbing and insulation crews working toward gypsum board installation as the completion date of mid-February approaches.

The building has already established a presence at the corner of Fourth Street NW and Preston Avenue and will continue to do as the envelope of the building takes shape.

Returning students to the Brody Jewish Student Center at UVa were surprised to find a gleaming new addition that doubles the space of the existing student center.

The addition to the Brody Center allows for a broad range of activities from large gatherings in the multi-purpose room to intimate events in the chapel. Students will also find a completely refurbished lounge area, private study rooms and recreation space for table tennis and other activities.

The Brody Center has already established itself as a source of pride among the UVa Jewish student community as well as the university at large. This state of the art student center, although it almost killed the project manager, Charles Dickey, is a valuable resource for both the Jewish students and townspeople alike.