NAC ’s Post

NAC is thrilled to announce the completion of the University of Puget Sound Campus Development Plan, which resulted from an incredible collaborative effort with the University!   After meetings with the university constituents with a special focus on enhancing the success of students, each project in the Plan will bolster the student experience - from creating the Center for Inclusive Excellence in a highly visible, symbolic and accessible location, to a concentrated zone of student support in a newly formed Student Success Center. The Plan also creates open space improvements and indoor-outdoor connections which is essential to providing students, faculty and staff with a variety of outdoor spaces for gathering, learning, studying, socializing, teaching and recreation. These efforts have resulted in advancing excellence! Berger Partnership

Recently, NAC team members were honored to join the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County and NAMI OHIO in celebrating the official groundbreaking for Dani’s Place in Toledo, Ohio. This was such a wonderful day for the Toledo community and the organizations that have been supporting the development of this life changing facility. The event kicked off with an introduction by Scott A. Sylak, the Executive Director of MHRSB of Lucas County. The current MHRSB Board Chair, Reverend Dr. Otis J. Gordon, Jr. led the Invocation. Speeches then followed from NAC’s own Andrew von Lohr, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services Chief of Staff John Annarino, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, NAMI Ohio Executive Director, Luke Russell and NAMI Director of Housing, Raven Oglesby. The event closed with Dani’s parents Jeff and Donna Heck, and their son Joshua Leedy sharing the touching story of Danielle Leedy’s life, 33 Forever, Inc., and their dream for her spirit to live on helping others just like her. After a five-year effort to get this facility off the ground, it was evident how important this facility is for both future residents and families alike. With the breadth of partners, community leaders, government, and funding partners such as the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, MHRSB of Lucas County, NAMI Ohio, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), City of Toledo, fundraising and generous donations, Dani’s Place is on its way to finally becoming a reality! We are so excited to see this project come to fruition and start changing lives in Toledo, OH and the surrounding 20+ counties it will serve. This project was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2 Million with 30 percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Project of the Week: Riverfront Park Pavilion The renovated Pavilion, positioned in the heart of downtown Spokane’s Riverfront Park, is a dramatic landmark that has transformed the city’s visual and cultural experience. Each night, the Pavilion’s uniquely illuminated form creates an inspiring beacon that can be seen from across the city. It is filled with powerful, magnetic experiences that draw passive users and programmed events alike. Photography by Miles Bergsma and Meghan Montgomery NAC Engineering Garco Construction, Inc. MW Engineers Berger Partnership DCI Engineers

Happy Ribbon Cutting day to Northridge Early Education Center! NAC partnered with LAUSD and Nature Explore to create a place for children to learn, grow and find joy in the outside world beyond their classroom walls. We turned the center's existing asphalt play yard into a space filled with greenery and imaginative play opportunities. Areas exist now for children to participate in assorted activities including performance, messy building, gardening, music, movement, water, balance and quiet breaks. PBS Engineers, Inc. VCA Engineers, Inc.

We are thrilled to announce Wing Luke Elementary School received the People's Choice Award at the 2024 A4LE Washington Chapter Conference. Serving a growing multicultural community in the 7th most diverse zip code in the nation, Wing Luke Elementary celebrates students’ backgrounds and emphasizes connection, transparency and belonging. Inclusive teaching and learning permeate the school’s educational vision, reaching all students where they are. A4LE Washington Chapter Hargis Engineers Coughlin Porter Lundeen Photos by Benjamin Benschneider Photography

Happy groundbreaking to the new Cheney Aquatic Center! Once completed, the new aquatic center will feature lap and recreational pools, water slides, basketball hoops, a climbing wall, and a pool house with a community room. Walker Construction, Inc. Water Technology, Inc. Coffman Engineers Parametrix

Vanguard Academy fosters innovation in technology, hands-on learning, collaboration, trade, and professional development through a Project Based Learning model. Guided by the Moses Lake School Board's vision of rethinking high school education, the school's design creates a unique, experiential learning environment. At the heart of the school is the highly flexible "Marketplace," which connects six learning communities, fitness areas, administration, the career/entrepreneurial center, and additional educational support spaces. This versatile space supports various activities, including food service, fitness, presentations, art displays, and student gatherings, reinforcing the school's commitment to providing innovative, real-world educational opportunities. Photos by Benjamin Benschneider @benjaminbenschneider Team: Moses Lake School District Coffman Engineers DCI Engineers L & S Engineering Michael Terrell - Landscape Architecture, PLLC Western Pacific Engineering & Survey Absher Construction Company

NAC was thrilled to celebrate with La Mirada High School and Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District at the grand opening of La Mirada High School’s newly upgraded athletic fields and stadium. The project features a new all-weather track and artificial turf fields for football and various sports, along with new bleachers and field houses that include concessions, team rooms, restrooms, and storage areas. Team: Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Brandow & Johnston Carter Romanek Landscape Architects Turpin & Rattan Engineering, Inc. Cumming Group WM2S

We are excited to announce Hamid Estejab, EDAC has been awarded The Center for Health Design's Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC). This credential recognizes individuals who demonstrate an understanding of how to apply an evidence-based process to the design and construction of all settings that contribute to health, safety and wellbeing. Congratulations, Hamid!