Building Blocks
Issue 55

The Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia, is embarking on an extraordinary project that promises to redefine the concept of wildlife interaction. In collaboration with the Mills Group, the resort is set to introduce a unique lion exhibit at its Good Zoo, a venture that will allow guests to experience the majesty of these magnificent creatures up close. This initiative is particularly noteworthy, as it will be one of only four such exhibits in the world.

The centerpiece of this innovative project is the addition of specially designed cabins that will face the lion habitat. These accommodations will provide an unparalleled opportunity for guests to observe lions in their naturalistic environment, all while enjoying the comforts of modern lodging. Each cabin will be equipped with large glass windows, ensuring that visitors can safely admire the lions without any barriers to their view. This immersive experience is designed to foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the importance of conservation.

As the project unfolds, it is anticipated that the lion exhibit will attract visitors from across the country and beyond. The combination of luxury accommodations and the thrill of being so close to these powerful animals is sure to create lasting memories for all who partake in this unique experience. The Oglebay Resort is poised to become a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike, offering an adventure that is truly one of a kind in the United States.

Mills Group is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Clark, RA, to Principal of our Wheeling, WV office. This achievement highlights his unwavering dedication and exceptional skill set, which have significantly contributed to the growth and success of our organization. Chris's commitment to delivering high-quality architectural solutions tailored to our clients' needs, while prioritizing sustainability, sets a remarkable standard for our team.

Tyler Peterson has joined Mills Group as an Architectural Designer in our Shepherdstown, WV office. While attending the CAUS at Virginia Tech, Tyler was exposed to a world of historical tools, practices for woodworking and architectural drafting that was captivating.

This interest slowly evolved into a passion for Historical Preservation that shaped his career in architecture. After completing his bachelor's degree at Virginia Tech, Tyler returned to the Shenandoah Valley where he was exposed to Mills Group's shared love of preservation and approached the firm.

Tyler's hobbies include woodworking with hand tools, playing guitar, lifting, reading and manual architectural drafting. He is most proud of the many pieces of antique furniture he has restored with hand-tools and the progress he has made as a craftsperson. Tyler enjoys making pieces to serve his family and friends for generations to come.

Congratulations to our remarkable architectural designer, Xinyao, on becoming a US citizen! Your hard work and determination have led to this incredible milestone. We are proud to celebrate this achievement with you!

Happy Anniversary to Dan Garvin (2 years), Hannah Tarcy (2 years), Chris Clark (11 years), Alexis Behrens (5 years), Stephen DeNeui (3 years) and RJ Spellman (3 years).

In our ever-growing technology toolset, we are always looking at how we can make our design processes faster, more accurate, and more frictionless for our designers and clients. With that in mind, we've recently started utilizing a new LiDAR (light detection and ranging) software that works with our mobile phones and tablets. Using this software/hardware combination, we can scan the interiors and exteriors of most small-to-medium sized buildings in under an hour, sometimes getting a full interior scan of a residence in mere minutes. Once the scan is complete, the software quickly stitches the point cloud in real time and provides various informative and graphics-oriented exports for us to share with the client while on site.

This technology helps us bypass the sometimes lengthy need to visit the site, capture our data, return to the office, download the data, process it, and then provide sharable graphics to our client at a later date while off-site. We can now scan everything from small, detailed objects to large buildings and be able to pan, zoom, and orbit around the digital mesh, inspecting entire projects with the client. Some other highlights include providing automatically scaled blueprints that can be exported and shared as PDF’s, AR (augmented-reality) guided room modeling, and real-time volume, distance, and area measurements.

All these benefits add to our ability to capture data, share information, and visualize with the client in-person and right from the moment the project begins without any downtime or disconnect. We believe that the more frictionless and transparent we can be with our clients, the better our projects will serve them.

The transformation of a former Dollar General store into a new Outpatient Clinic for Valley Health Care represents a significant step forward in enhancing community health services. This architectural project aims to repurpose an existing structure, thereby promoting sustainability while meeting the growing healthcare needs of the local population.

The renovation will begin with a comprehensive interior redesign of the existing building. This will involve reconfiguring the layout to create functional spaces that cater to various healthcare services. Patient examination rooms, waiting areas, and administrative offices will be thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and efficiency. The goal is to create an inviting atmosphere that fosters a sense of well-being for patients and staff alike.

A redesigned façade will also be a key feature of this project. The exterior will be updated to align with Valley Health Care's branding, creating a cohesive and professional appearance. This visual transformation will not only enhance the building's aesthetic appeal but also signal the community's commitment to health and wellness.

The Woods Country Clubhouse has long served as a cherished gathering place for members and guests alike. However, following a devastating fire that ravaged the kitchen last summer, the need for a comprehensive renovation became evident. This unfortunate event has provided an opportunity to reimagine the clubhouse, transforming it into a modern and inviting space that meets the needs of today’s patrons.

Our architectural services have focused on creating a thoughtful design that enhances the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the clubhouse. The renovation includes meticulous space planning, ensuring that each area serves its purpose while promoting a seamless flow throughout the building. The upper-level Pro-Shop has been redesigned to offer an engaging shopping experience, featuring a layout that allows for easy navigation and accessibility.

As we move forward with the renovation of The Woods Country Clubhouse, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. This project not only aims to restore a beloved space but also to elevate the experience for all members, ensuring that the clubhouse remains a vital part of the community for years to come.

Oglebay Resort has recently unveiled a stunning transformation that enhances the guest experience through a newly designed port cochere and reimagined dining spaces, c. This renovation marks a significant upgrade to the arrival experience, ensuring that guests are welcomed with both elegance and practicality.

The redesigned port cochere features four illuminated pillars that guide visitors toward the front entrance, creating a visually striking approach. This area is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, providing shelter from inclement weather and clear guidance for arriving guests. A new water feature, accompanied by informative signage, serves as a captivating focal point, further enriching the overall ambiance of the resort.

Upon entering the lodge, guests are greeted by a thoughtfully redesigned desk area that incorporates open workstations. This layout is intended to foster natural and friendly interactions between staff and visitors, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere of the lodge. The interior renovations reflect a harmonious blend of natural stone and dark wood, which contributes to an inviting and warm environment throughout the space.

In addition to the arrival experience, Oglebay has significantly expanded Sarita’s Coffee & Goods. This new retail space offers a delightful selection of private label barista-style coffee, freshly baked pastries, grab-and-go foods, and a curated assortment of Oglebay apparel and keepsakes. This expansion not only enhances the culinary offerings but also enriches the overall guest experience.

Furthermore, the resort has introduced new dining and relaxation spaces designed to delight guests. These areas feature cozy fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows that invite natural light, and an open display kitchen that adds a dynamic element to the dining experience. With natural wood accents and eclectic atmospheres, these spaces are sure to provide a memorable setting for guests to unwind and enjoy their time at Oglebay Resort.

Mills Group is honored to once again be the recipient of Morgantown Magazine's BOM- Best Architectural Office! Now in our 20th year of service to Morgantown, and the State of West Virginia, we are forever grateful to the community for your ongoing support.