Building Blocks
Issue 54

MONONGALIA EMS

The expansion of Monongalia EMS stations is a vital step towards improving emergency response in our community. Mills Group is honored to contribute pro bono services to this important project, which will serve the needs of over 107,000 residents and a significant transient population. Together, we are building a healthier future for Monongalia County. This proposed concept will serve the southern end of the county as a substation and be the first aid center for Camp Mountaineer.

4-H CAMP PIONEER

Mills Group selected the 4-H Camp Pioneer, in Beverly, WV, to receive probono services. They have been an asset to the community for many years, with a goal to construct a 50-75 bed facility close to their existing dorm. The new facility includes space for bunk beds, bathrooms, a common room that can be rented out for gatherings, and a beautiful green-space between the proposed and existing building.

Our conceptual renderings will be instrumental in helping them kick off a capital campaign to raise the necessary funds for this project.

THE OLD OPERA HOUSE

In 1911, Annie Packette raised funds to build a theatre for the growing city of Charles Town, WV, that would take advantage of the active rail lines through town and help elevate the small town’s cultural offerings.In 1973, when the community theatre group restored the condemned building and had it recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, but the volume of needed restoration work meant the modest interior stayed. Now, 51 continuous seasons later, the OOH hosts over 11,000 patrons a year attending events presented by over 250 students and volunteers.

Mills Group is excited to be working on a design that takes the few elements of the historic theatre that exist and blending them into a new look for the theatre and lobby that honors the history of the building, and integrates the production equipment.

DUFFIELDS DEPOT SIGNAGE

Duffields Depot, which is on the National Register, was in operation for passengers and freight trains from 1843 until 1884 when the B&O Railroad built their own station 150 yards west, but continued as a freight station until the early 20th Century.

Mills Group is providing conceptual infographic panel design and site planning to the Duffields Depot to bring more attention to the important history that is a huge source of revenue for Jefferson County, WV.

After a remarkable decade as a Principal at Mills Group and years of dedicated service in architecture, Victor Greco has officially retired. His commitment to enhancing West Virginia’s built environment has left an indelible mark on our community. Vic’s exceptional architecture and project management skills have shaped numerous projects, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. We extend our heartfelt wishes for a fulfilling retirement.

Happy Anniversary to Julie Doerr (11), Ryan Baker (11), Ryan Hess (15), Sophia Gum (1), Tom Kilionski (2), and Xinyao Tignor (1).

As with other specialties in our graphics/visualization toolbox, photo-simulations offer a helpful perspective into what a project could look like when complete. Technically speaking, photo-simulation is a spatially accurate and photorealistic visual simulation of the proposed design concept superimposed onto a photograph of the existing building or site.

Through the combination of accurate photographing techniques, modeling software, animation and lighting effects, and some Photoshop detail work, we can create a photo quality representation of a design concept that the Client can use to either help visualize the final project or even use to help market/fund-raise for a project.

The restoration of Holly Grove Mansion, Charleston's oldest surviving home, marks a significant milestone in preserving our architectural heritage. Built in 1815 for the Ruffner family, this stunning mansion will become the new home for the State Historic Preservation Office team. Mills Group is excited to lead the restoration efforts, which will include museum-level work on the first floor and a preservation-focused approach on the upper floors. This project is a testament to our commitment to historic preservation.

Mills Group provided conceptual design renderings and site planning for a new stage in Morgan's Grove Park, Shepherdstown, WV. The stage itself would be a new addition to the already beautiful meadowed site offering a platform for music and theater events for local talent and family-oriented events.

Mills Group is thrilled to report the completion of the construction administration for a 3,000 sqft addition to the Belington Behavioral Health building. This new addition includes vital spaces such as behavioral health offices, a group room, and a testing center, all linked to the existing building through an enclosed walkway. The design ensures a cohesive look with the original facade, and we are proud to have completed this project in under a year.

Mills Group recently put our drafting paper down and headed out to appreciate a classic in person, Fallingwater. Famously designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935, this squat, cantilevered achievement has always stood as a beacon for architecture that is inextricably connected to the environment it sits upon. This harmonious union of art and nature is evident as you cross under beams embedded into existing stone, natural ventilation channels circling through the home's strategically placed windows, viewing and sunlight angles carefully designed, and let's not forget the big item: the whole building is placed over the edge of an active waterfall.

The breathtaking details of the design are too long to list here and the only real way to appreciate the masterpiece is by seeing, hearing, and feeling the space in person.

Do yourself a favor and visit, you'll never forget it.