Category: News
Sapp Design Celebrates 25 years!
Posted By bsapp – Apr 10 | 2011
New Woodneath Branch Library
Posted By bsapp – Mar 31 | 2011
The Woodneath Branch Library will be the newest addition to the Mid-Continent Library District’s collection of library facilities that cover the surrounding metropolitan areas of Kansas City spanning three counties. The new 35,000 square foot “destination” library will partially encompass the existing historic Elbridge Arnold “Woodneath” Homestead located at 8900 NE Flintlock Road in Kansas City, Clay County, Missouri. The original homestead, which is currently situated on a 33 acre site, was constructed circa 1855-1856 and is recorded with the local and federal historic registers.
The new library will include many amenities such as public meeting areas, an automated collection sorting system, a drive thru window, considerable computer resources, private study areas, and an area dedicated to food service. The collection areas will be divided into spaces that serve appropriate age groups with the individual areas separated by seating and reading areas. The children’s library will be themed in an agricultural setting to pay homage to the rich history of the homestead’s past. The new facility will be constructed using high efficiency mechanical and lighting systems along with a high performance building envelope and will strive to achieve a LEED Silver Certification.
SDA is currently in the design development phase, working hand in hand with MCPL thru the city of Kansas City MO planning process, of which the project recently received its Certificate of Appropriateness from the KCMO Landmarks Commission. This was a huge step in the process and we’re excited to have attained this accomplishment. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to develop this exciting project!
Mid-Continent Public Library Grand Opening
Posted By bsapp – Mar 11 | 2011
On Saturday, March 12th, the Mid-Continent Public Library celebrated the Grand Opening of their recently renovated North Independence Branch with a Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. SDA attended the event, along with several local patrons, state and local representatives, and MCPL past and present Board and staff members. The 45,000 sq. ft. project entailed a complete interior remodel along with some exterior enhancements. SDA worked closely with the MCPL staff and the Board of Trustees to develop a “destination library” concept for the facility. Construction for the renovation began in December of 2009 and took approximately 12 months to complete. Congratulations to MCPL and all those who worked on this successful and exciting venture.
Waynesville East Elementary School Renovations
Posted By bsapp – Feb 28 | 2011
The Waynesville East Elementary School project was very unique and challenging, like most of SDA school projects. This existing K-2 elementary school was a victim of multiple additions by various architects, resulting in a overall school layout that was fraught with spatial organizational problems.
These are the worst kinds of problems because as devoted as the staff and administration are, their effectiveness is lessen by poor spatial relationship. In this case, one side of the school (the kindergarten), could not physically go to the other side of the building (the first/second grade wing) without passing through the always crowded multipurpose cafeteria/auditorium space.
Over the years, to compensate for this spatial challenge, the administration functions were split up. A main office for the principal was located at a poorly marked “main” entry at the first/second grade side of the building, and another redundant administration office for the assistant principal was located at the kindergarten side near another minor front entrance to the building. When a visitor would drive up to the front of the building, there were numerous entrance, leaving little visual queue on where to enter and check-in. Along with this internal dysfunction, there were problems with the front visitor/bus parking lot. This is where over 50 buses in three shifts arrived each day to drop off and pick up the kids.
SDA fixed all of these problems. First, we designed addition at the front of the building that housed ONE main administration suite, ONE well-marked secured main entrance with high visibility of the bus/parking lot and all of the new corridors leading to various areas of the building. Secondly, we expanded the front bus/visitor parking lot to accommodate visitors and buses who are now able to co-exist.
To top this challenging project off, we will do all of this work during the summer vacation of 2011. Now that’s great planning!!!
Monett Elementary Ground Breaking
Posted By bsapp – Jun 23 | 2010
Ground-breakingOn Wednesday, June 23 the Monett R-1 School District celebrated the start of construction of the Additions and Alterations to their Elementary School with the Groundbreaking Ceremony. The District Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal, past and present school board members, and the elementary summer school students and teachers were on hand for a photo opportunity and a chance to turn some dirt at the location of the future Commons Area and Administration Suite. They were joined by members of SDA Architects, who worked closely with the Board of Education, faculty, and staff to design the school additions, which will join three of the nine existing campus buildings under one roof. The Project Manager and on-site Superintendent from R. E. Smith Construction were also present and ready to begin demolition and construction.
Carl Junction Community Center Update
Posted By bsapp – Jun 19 | 2010
Well, we are almost there . . . . Construction on the Carl Junction Community Center is almost complete and it is looking great! It even has that great new building smell! All of the flooring is down, the carpet and the resilient flooring all look great. One of the most impressive elements is a curve that meanders throughout the entire building consisting of different flooring materials depending on where in the building it is. The curve even makes its way out of the building and is incorporated in the planter outside.
The furniture is in! The senior center, city hall and the recreation lounge area have all received new furniture this week, and it looks great, everybody will definitely be sitting in style. One of the concepts behind this building was being environmentally friendly, here at SDA we are very pleased at how bright the building stays during the day. Both the clerestory windows in the Lobby and Senior Center allow an abundant amount of light to flood the spaces and keep everything bright without using all of the lights. Also, the offices within the city hall have light shelves. These shelves allow light to reflect back upwards and fill the office with ambient light. They work great and also keep the offices bright. This is truly a one of a kind community center and we are very excited for the citizens of Carl Junction to be using this building. If you have not been by yet make a trip out to the center, you will be glad you did!
SDA Attends Clever Career Fair
Posted By bsapp – Apr 6 | 2010
The career fair at Clever consisted of 7th – 12th grades. 9th and 11th grades were brought in for 30 minutes and were allowed to talk with the business or trade of their choice. All of the students were required to complete a handout and had to ask questions of the attendees on a one-on-one basis in order to receive credit. The setting was very similar to a tradeshow in that students who were interested in construction or architecture came by our “booth” to find out more. SDA can be proud of the fact that we were one of the most popular booths attended. The kids asked great questions and sincerely demonstrated an interest in architecture and construction. In addition, after attending multiple educational and outreach formats, this was one of the most successful methods of engaging the students.
A Review of Green Topics with 6th Graders
Posted By bsapp – Mar 1 | 2010