Arbor Circle is the new Grand Rapids outpatient counseling center. The non-profit Arbor Circle Corporation selected the design-build team of a.j. Veneklasen Construction Company and Paradigm Design to deliver their new 15,500 square foot building. Starting with the programming and continuing through the entire design process the team members representing both design and construction worked with the owner’s representatives.

The result is a highly functional, economical, and environmentally friendly project. The low-lying site, which is set far back from city streets and utilities, was a particular challenge for Paradigm Civil Engineers. Using the owner’s goal of minimizing environmental impact as a starting point, our Civil Engineers envisioned a series of rain gardens to handle rain water and avoid potentially budget-busting storm sewer structures. The final design required working closely with the City of Grand Rapids engineering staff and neighboring property owner, Prime Development. The shared rain gardens increase the “green quotient” of Prime’s adjacent office development as well as serving the Arbor Circle site.