Inclusive Construction Connects Community
Wolverine Update
When you enter the doors at the new HQ of Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC), you may not notice all the slight adjustments built to welcome everyone. The electric outlets above the desk, rather than below, the colorful carpet to assist wayfinding for the visually impaired, wider hallways to make mobility less of a hassle…all these items make sense for any office environment. That’s the point.
Accessibility is important everywhere. These new offices for DAKC aim to showcase that universal design is for everyone, everywhere. The team at Wolverine Building Group was honored to construct the new space inside the Unified Sports & Inclusion Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“The team at Wolverine Building Group offered expertise and empathy while constructing our new offices and the Wolters Home Accessibility Center,” said Dave Bulkowski, Executive Director of Disability Advocates of Kent County. “Because of their dedication, we were able to continue our work with minimal interruptions to operations. Their integrity and honesty created a high level of trust, to which we owe the ultimate success of the project.”
Recently, the project management teams toured the offices to learn more about universal, also known as inclusive, design. They were able to interact with the home accessibility center features and discuss ways to advocate for the demonstrated design principles.
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- The Project Managers gather to hear about the inclusive features of the space.
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- Project Managers Kyle VanDeWeert and Mike Judy check out the subtle shift of an accessibly installed sink.
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- The group listens to Executive Director, Dave Bulkowski, share DAKC mission and purpose for the newly constructed space.
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- Senior Architect Jack Watkins examines the mechanics on the moveable wall, demonstrating how a few extra inches of planning can make your home accessible.
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- Project Manager Daniel Escobar-Bercini demonstrates features of accessible kitchen.
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- Project Manager David Paquet checks out the dishwasher designed for accesibility.
“Building this interactive space gave us the opportunity to demonstrate how accessibility can empower, include and connect community,” shared project manager Daniel Escobar-Bercini. “Small changes can make a tremendous difference to so many.”
DAKC’s inclusive mission was also demonstrated in the practical application of the build out. Over 30% of the subcontractors were minority owned businesses. Inclusion is for everyone, everywhere.