MichiganConstruction.Net

Design Features: Computer-programmed temperature control system with humidity sensitive sensors to safeguard irreplaceable exhibits. Structural systems include a caisson foundation system, extensive use of cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete, steel columns and beams, laminated wood beams and tongue and groove wood decking. The exterior materials include 5 different colors of brick, precast concrete panels, glass block, glass window wall system, terne-coated roofing. Interior Features: An antique 52-horse riding carousel 145-seat dome planetarium 35-ton antique steam engine installed on 2nd floor before roof was in place Six-foot-tall clock from Grand Rapids’ old City Hall “Gaslight Village” a 2-story re-creation of a street in 1890’s downtown GR 25,000 item Furniture Exhibit Public areas to serve an anticipated 400,000 annual visitors Construction Features: 7,800 cubic yards of concrete 650 tons of reinforcing steel 500 architectural precast panels, weighing up to 10 tons Carousel pavilion extending out over the river required sheet piling, gravel support base, and a scaffolding system to temporarily support a weight of over 2,500,000 pounds Coordination of 5 cranes and over 100 workmen during much of the project operated on a restricted site. Constructed on the west bank of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, the Van Andel Museum Center was awarded the 1994 Practice Division Award and Award of Excellence from the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. It was also an award winner in the Institutional Division of the Associated Builders and Contractors 1995 Construction Awards Competition (Western Michigan Chapter).

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. - Michigan

Design Features: Computer-programmed temperature control system with humidity sensitive sensors to safeguard irreplaceable exhibits. Structural systems include a caisson foundation system, extensive use of cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete, steel columns and beams, laminated wood beams and tongue and groove wood decking. The exterior materials include 5 different colors of brick, precast concrete panels, glass block, glass window wall system, terne-coated roofing. Interior Features: An antique 52-horse riding carousel 145-seat dome planetarium 35-ton antique steam engine installed on 2nd floor before roof was in place Six-foot-tall clock from Grand Rapids’ old City Hall “Gaslight Village” a 2-story re-creation of a street in 1890’s downtown GR 25,000 item Furniture Exhibit Public areas to serve an anticipated 400,000 annual visitors Construction Features: 7,800 cubic yards of concrete 650 tons of reinforcing steel 500 architectural precast panels, weighing up to 10 tons Carousel pavilion extending out over the river required sheet piling, gravel support base, and a scaffolding system to temporarily support a weight of over 2,500,000 pounds Coordination of 5 cranes and over 100 workmen during much of the project operated on a restricted site. Constructed on the west bank of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, the Van Andel Museum Center was awarded the 1994 Practice Division Award and Award of Excellence from the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. It was also an award winner in the Institutional Division of the Associated Builders and Contractors 1995 Construction Awards Competition (Western Michigan Chapter).

ASCOM, Inc.

A DIGITAL VIDEO UPGRADE BY ASCOM, Inc.

LOCATION: In the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan within the city's public museum; VAN ANDLE MUSEUM.

In this project the design staff at ASCOM, Inc. and the Van Andle Museum directors worked together to design an upgrade to an existing and outdated "slide" presentation room, The Oval Theatre. The system, consisting of eight surround 47" LCD Displays, uses digital storage and scheduling for synchronizing the "History of the Michigan Indian" story. Now for the viewer the story comes alive in a new and more realistic way.  

The projected was completed on time and within budget in June of 2009.

ASCOM, Inc. has consulted with the curator and staff on several other display projects resulting in the installation of many other AV systems.