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Megan Apostol

Blue Foundry Bank Experience Debuts in Rutherford

Blue Foundry Bank Experience Debuts in Rutherford 789 444 DMR Architects

Blue Foundry Bank’s Rutherford location redesigned by DMR Architects has opened at 19 Park Ave. reflecting the bank’s reinvention as the banking option of today’s movers and shakers.  Blue Foundry Bank offers a full service, crafted banking experience.

DMR worked with the financial institution on a design that reflects the bank’s brand through an open floor plan and a more connected approach to banking, replacing traditional physical divisions such as counters and desks with Universal Bankers, supporting an environment conducive to helping customers plan for their financial success. The branch also includes space for community collaborations.

The aesthetic in the 1,600 square foot branch incorporates elements of the bank’s  industrial history with exposed brick, steel, distressed wood, and concrete wall panels. The location features curated pieces of art, an art deco moss wall, three-dimensional logos, and modern new ATM designs.

“Our reimagined Rutherford branch experience and design elements represent Blue Foundry Bank’s new brand and commitment to the hard-working businesses and individuals that we serve in Northern New Jersey,” said James D. Nesci, President and CEO of Blue Foundry Bank. “At Blue Foundry Bank, we look beyond providing financial services. Our new location will serve as a hub for strengthening the Rutherford community, and we look forward to deepening our footprint in this wonderful town.”

“People want to feel comfortable—like they’re sharing their vision with a trusted confidante, not just entering into a transaction—when discussing their personal and professional financial goals,” said Lloyd Rosenberg, AIA, President and CEO for DMR Architects. “By stepping away from the almost clinical banking décor, Blue Foundry has made an intelligent business decision that will set them apart when today’s investor shops for an banking institution.”

Montgomery Breaks Ground on New Municipal Center

Montgomery Breaks Ground on New Municipal Center 789 444 DMR Architects

On Oct. 15, the Township of Montgomery broke ground on the DMR-designed new municipal center, designed to reflect the history and identity of Montgomery Township residents while addressing its current and future civic needs.  It will be the new home for municipal offices, the police department, council chambers and a branch of the Somerset County Library System.

DMR’s plans for the 62,500 square foot municipal center were created after a unique collaborative approach that included input from more than 200 residents in addition to Montgomery Township and Somerset County officials, and embrace a contemporary style with spaces for community artwork and items of historical and cultural importance.

“It is exciting for the entire Montgomery community to begin construction on a new municipal center and library that will serve our community for generations to come,” said Montgomery Mayor Sadaf Jaffer, speaking on behalf of the Twp. Committee.  “I am so thankful to all the elected officials, professionals, and community members who worked on this project and ensured that it will be a beautiful representation of our diverse history and community.”

The new facility will offer seamless transitions between the interior and exterior through aesthetic touches such as the utilization of the same wood materials for columns supporting the exterior colonnade inside the library, glass wall dividers where appropriate to allow for transparency and emphasize connection, and stone floors and counters inside that reflect the zinc cladding used on the building’s façade.

“It is refreshing to work with a group of elected and civic leaders who take such pride in their community, and we’ve enjoyed creatively interpreting their functional and aesthetic needs,” said Pradeep Kapoor, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Partner at DMR Architects.  “It continues to be an honor to work with The Somerset County Improvement Authority and Montgomery Township.”

The entire building is ADA accessible and will be built to LEED standards with a roof that allows for the future installation of solar panels.  The grounds of the 45-acre complex will preserve the view from Rt. 206 with multiple green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy, out-of-doors meeting places, a rain garden and an outdoor event space.  Additionally, the parking lot will feature multiple EV charging.

“This project shows how well local and county government can work together, providing state of the art municipal offices and innovative library services that will benefit the community for decades,” said Freeholder Melonie Marano, who serves as a liaison to both the Somerset County Improvement Authority (SCIA) and Somerset County Library System.  “This is truly a joint effort, with Somerset County Improvement authority financing helping build a municipal complex for Montgomery businesses and families that will house a library for residents here and in surrounding communities to enjoy.”

 

DMR and Hackensack BOE Celebrate Conversion of Middle School Field

DMR and Hackensack BOE Celebrate Conversion of Middle School Field 789 444 DMR Architects

On Oct. 3, DMR Architects joined the Hackensack Board of Education to celebrate the reopening of the Middle School’s turf field.

The artificial field at Hackensack Middle School will be used for the middle school’s physical education classes and team practices during school hours, and will be available for the larger community to use the rest of the week.

“Safe, well-maintained, and welcoming outdoor spaces are essential to the wellbeing of our school community,” said Hackensack Superintendent Robert Sanchez.  “DMR guided us in the design to maximize field use and kept the project on track. We are looking forward to watching our students use this space once again.”

“Schools and their outdoor recreational spaces are vital components of thriving neighborhoods,” said Donna Coen O’Gorman, AIA, LEED Green Associate, and Project Manager for DMR Architects.  “We commend the Board of Education for prioritizing the revival of this space for the benefit of the entire Hackensack community.”

DMR managed the project on the 201 by 135-foot field which also includes new fencing and the installation of soccer barrier netting.

Governor Murphy Joins Carteret to Break Ground on Innovative Junior High School

Governor Murphy Joins Carteret to Break Ground on Innovative Junior High School 789 444 DMR Architects

Above: Former NJ Commissioner of Education and Current President of Kean University Lamont Repollet, Carteret Board of Education President Martin Murray, Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly Craig Coughlin, Carteret Mayor Daniel Reiman, NJ Governor Phil Murphy, Carteret Superintendent Rosa Diaz, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, and Gregg Stopa, AIA, Vice President and Partner at DMR Architects at the Sept. 29 groundbreaking. 

Governor Murphy was on hand to celebrate the groundbreaking of Carteret’s DMR Architects-designed junior high school that will support the municipality’s 21st Century educational practices and enhance the learning experience for all students.

State and local officials in attendance also included Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly Craig Coughlin, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, Carteret Mayor Daniel Reiman, Superintendent of Carteret Public Schools Rosa Diaz, and President of the Carteret Board of Education Martin Murray.

Plans for the 60,000 square foot school include 24 classrooms for traditional subjects with dedicated spaces for enhanced art and music education, a think tank, and a STEM lab for 600 seventh and eighth graders.

“Carteret continues to move into the future with vast improvements to our schools,” said Daniel Reiman, Mayor of Carteret.  “The new Junior High School will provide a greater environment for our children to learn and will increase property value, helping to make Carteret an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“Studies show that students exposed to the arts and innovative sciences like coding generally perform better in school,” said Rosa Diaz, Superintendent for Carteret’s school system that educates 4,000 students.  “The new school is much more than a brick and mortar building. It is a major step that will bring us closer to becoming the premier school district I know we were destined to be.”

“Carteret is making an investment in its students’ futures by providing them with educational spaces beyond traditional subjects,” said Lloyd Rosenberg, President and CEO of DMR Architects.  “We’re being asked to create ‘maker’ and ‘FAB’ and other alternative learning spaces that allow kids to explore, learn and tinker, and secure critical thinking skills that will benefit them in high school and beyond.”

The new Junior High School is part of a $37 million referendum passed in September 2019.  Also as part of the referendum, DMR is completing renovations to the district’s five existing schools, with projects including upgrades to the high school auditorium and bathroom, HVAC, and stair tower upgrades across multiple schools.  

Once completed, the new junior high school will allow for a reassignment and realignment that would result in the three existing elementary schools serving pre-K-fourth grade; the existing middle school serving grades five and six; the new junior high school serving grades seven and eight; and the existing high school serving grades nine-12. In addition to addressing overcrowding, the construction of the new school will open up space to provide full-day kindergarten and additional pre-K programs.

The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2022. 

Kurt Vierheilig Talks Pandemic Related Residential Shifts in NJBIZ

Kurt Vierheilig Talks Pandemic Related Residential Shifts in NJBIZ 1644 925 DMR Architects

On the Aug. 31 edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Kurt Vierheilig joined editor Jeffrey Kanige to discuss how today’s largely at home workforce might influence the next evolution of residential design.

As DMR’s lead designer, Kurt has seen DMR’s portfolio of nearly more than 10,000 residential units through design and during that time has seen the sector take several turns, most recently a largely amenity-focused approach that focused on impressive packages that brought people out of their units and into common areas.

However, today, with an unprecedented number of workers working from home, Kurt discusses how DMR’s commitment to creating functional, comfortable, and accommodating spaces to call home has taken on a new challenge – and offers some insight that might be helpful to those right now particularly eager to improve their home workspace.

Watch the full conversation or read a summary on our blog. 

Henry Ossi Achieves Cost Estimating Certification

Henry Ossi Achieves Cost Estimating Certification 2000 1125 DMR Architects

We are proud to congratulate our Director of Construction Administration and firm Associate Henry Ossi, CPE, ICS, LEED AP on recently becoming a Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) from the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE).

The CPE certification process measures proficiency in general construction estimating and ethical awareness through a detailed process that included workshop attendance, a technical paper and a written examination.

Henry’s certification will greatly expand DMR’s services and credentials and strengthens our in-house services, while also improving estimating accuracy and helping to greater protect our client’s project budgets.

Monmouth County Breaks Ground on Security Vestibule

Monmouth County Breaks Ground on Security Vestibule 789 444 DMR Architects

Construction for the West Wing Security Vestibule addition to the Monmouth County Courthouse, designed by DMR Architects, began last month following a groundbreaking ceremony in Freehold Borough.

DMR Architects designed the 3,400 square foot screening area to address modern security equipment and measures that the existing facility, built in 1954, could not accommodate.  It will be used as the lone entryway for all employees and visitors to the building, replacing the courthouse’s previously- used East and West wing entrance hallways.

DMR’s design supports easy sightlines, an intuitive and efficient queuing system, ample space for machines including metal detectors and up to four x-ray machines, and technological upgrades with access to restricted areas and video monitoring systems.

“By investing in the space and technology required to support the most sophisticated safety protocols available today, Monmouth County is demonstrating its commitment to the safety of all those who work in the County courthouse and the hundreds that visit daily,” said Lloyd A. Rosenberg, AIA, President & CEO of DMR Architects.  “We’re honored to provide the infrastructure that will allow Monmouth County’s judicial machine to continue running effectively.”

In addition to the construction of the West Wing Security Vestibule, the project provides for the reconstruction of the East Wing main entrance stairs, landing and handrails, along with the restoration of additional exterior entrance stairs throughout the building. All improvements will comply with standards enumerated in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“It was important to address the practical needs of the county while seamlessly integrating the new addition with the aesthetic of the original Courthouse,” said Kurt Vierheilig, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Director of Design and Partner at DMR Architects. “The new security Vestibule will be the new public lobby to the Courthouse, expressing an appropriate Civic presence with its modern exterior design, while improving the efficiency and safety of security screening and interior circulation.”

The Monmouth County West Wing Security Vestibule is one of hundreds of municipal buildings that DMR has designed in New Jersey, and one of ten municipal projects either recently completed or currently underway.

DMR’s Culture of Collegiality Keeps $1B in Construction on Track During Pandemic

DMR’s Culture of Collegiality Keeps $1B in Construction on Track During Pandemic 789 444 DMR Architects

Despite the challenges we are all facing due to COVID-19, today we are happy to share some good news: nearly all of the 150 projects that make up our nearly $1 billion pipeline have remained actively under development or construction throughout the pandemic.

These projects include significant progress in projects across all sectors. Construction is near completion on The Residences at 30 Court, a luxury apartment building in Morristown and the design of Wyndham Place at Ridgefield Park is underway, bringing our rental unit count to 4,500. The DMR team is also currently working at 80 schools, including renovation projects at 44 facilities in New York City, and new schools in Carteret, Plainfield, and Paterson in New Jersey. Our team also continues to marry functionality and aesthetics at public facilities throughout New Jersey and is currently working on municipal building projects for Monmouth County and the municipalities of Montgomery, Ridgefield, and Red Bank. DMR’s municipal planning team is now working as the municipal planner in Dunellen and Roselle.

“I’m very proud that across all our practice areas we’ve maintained our culture of collaboration despite our staff being physically separated by shelter-in-place directives,” Lloyd Rosenberg, President and CEO, said.  “Each of our team members are trained in the most innovative planning and communication tools available, and take personal pride in each project to ensure that the long-term goals of our clients are met in the same way they would without a quarantine and its complications.”

Integrity Health Cuts the Ribbon on Partnership Health Center in Brick

Integrity Health Cuts the Ribbon on Partnership Health Center in Brick 789 444 DMR Architects

On March 2 Integrity Health cut the ribbon on their newest Partnership Health Center, an on-site healthcare office, at the Warren H. Wolf Elementary School in Brick.

DMR designed the project in approximately 7,000 square feet, converting five existing classrooms and connecting corridor spaces into a new Partnership Health Center, an on-site healthcare office where members of the board of education can receive primary care, pharmacy, laboratory and physical therapy services in one location. The space includes general exam rooms, a procedure room, X-Ray equipment, lab and blood draw, pharmacy, physical therapy, behavioral health and staff support spaces and offices.

Founded by Doug Forrester, Integrity Health teams up with employers to find and renovate space in existing, employer-owned buildings for Partnership Health Centers, where members can receive routine medical services in one location. The services are provided without fees or deductibles and are available only to members and their dependents, resulting in convenient and fast routine medical services.

Voters Approve Carteret Referendum Projects

Voters Approve Carteret Referendum Projects 789 444 DMR Architects

Voters in Carteret approved a $37 million referendum which will fund renovations to each of the district’s facilities, and also construct a new, state-of-the-art Junior High School.

In preparation of the referendum, DMR was contracted to update the long-range facility plan and provide schematic design services for renovations to each school and the proposed, new Junior High School. Renovations at each of the district’s five existing schools include upgrades to the high school auditorium and bathroom and HVAC and stair tower upgrades across multiple schools.

The proposed Junior High School would educate approximately 600 seventh and eighth grade students. Completion of the project will allow for a reassignment and realignment, resulting in the three existing elementary schools serving pre-K-4; the existing middle school serving grades 5 and 6; the new junior high school serving grades 7 and 8; and the existing high school serving grades 9-12. In addition to addressing overcrowding, the construction of the new school will open up space to provide full day kindergarten and additional pre-K programs. The 60,000 SF school will be arranged in a departmentalized environment, with 24 classrooms, enhanced art and music education spaces, a think tank and STEM lab.

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