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Megan Apostol

Montgomery Municipal Center, Fueled by Robust Community Input, Reflects History and Identity

Montgomery Municipal Center, Fueled by Robust Community Input, Reflects History and Identity 789 444 DMR Architects

DMR Architects conceived the design for the new Montgomery Municipal Center to reflect the township’s identity as a close-knit suburban community with deep agricultural roots while providing a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the future needs of the community and administration.

The 62,000 SF building opened last summer delivering offices for Montgomery Township’s police headquarters and administration, a new branch of the Somerset County Library System, and the council chambers arranged around a central common public lobby.

It is unique in not only its design, hearkening back to old barns and farm structures, but also in its purposes and function, with connected spaces for municipal, library and community programs under one roof. The project was borne from a collaborative approach that included input from municipal and county voices, as well as more than 200 residents.

“The new municipal center has been planned to serve as a community gathering place, something that the township has long sought,” said Montgomery Mayor Devra Keenan.  “This is not just a building to us; it is a representation of Montgomery’s collaborative spirit and pride of place.”

The design takes cues from agrarian architecture with contemporary material choices, seen through the gable roof, stone exterior, metal roofing, wood siding, heavy timber canopies and abundance of glass. The result reflected the collective pride of Montgomery’s elected officials and residents so effectively that the building design was incorporated into an updated municipal seal.

“There is a distinct shift in attitudes away from building utilitarian municipal facilities that are seen as a place people ‘have to go to’. Trends are moving toward providing residents with a location that is more welcoming and engaging to the community,” said Kurt Vierheilig, AIA, LEED AP BD+C. “It’s important to a project’s success to work in unison with residents, county and municipal leaders. The spirit of collaboration was strong at all levels and the final product is something we are all proud of and that will be used for many generations.”

Ridgefield Celebrates Opening of Municipal Complex

Ridgefield Celebrates Opening of Municipal Complex 789 444 DMR Architects

On Nov. 6, DMR joined Mayor Anthony Suarez, the Ridgefield Borough Council, local dignitaries and residents for a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration, including entertainment, refreshments and tours of the new 27,000 SF municipal building.

State, county, and municipal leaders in attendance included Senator Paul A. Sarlo, Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco and Commissioners Mary Amoroso, Ramon Hache, Germaine Ortiz, Thomas Sullivan, and Tracy Zur, among many others.

The DMR-designed facility is a welcoming gathering place, in addition to functioning as the new home for the borough’s administrative offices, municipal/court chamber, and the police and building departments.

“We’re excited to replace the old building which was plagued by inefficiencies with this new complex.  It’s modern, safe and ADA-compliant, and will be the location for many more community activities like today’s celebration,” said Mayor Anthony Suarez.  “DMR has delivered a new asset to our community that will help grow our downtown district.”

“We took a comprehensive approach to determining the best location, design, and materials for the Borough’s new municipal complex to ensure that the final work product fulfilled the functional needs in a way which was welcoming to community members,” said Charles H. Sarlo, Esq.  “In addition, we developed an innovative delivery method to ensure that the Borough would be the recipient of the best value and quality.”

“As municipalities have outgrown the size and technical capabilities of their facilities, which were built in the 50’s and 60’s, there is the opportunity for municipalities to use the development of new municipal complexes as points of pride and centers for community interaction rather than just a unitarian facility.”

The new complex is across from the Ridgefield Nature Center and adjacent to the Ridgefield Community Center. It was designed to symbiotically coexist with its natural surroundings, incorporating the land’s topographic gradation and maintaining the nearby Wolf Creek tree buffer.

The complex was constructed with energy efficient materials and technologies and includes a new streetscape and a pocket gathering spot at the corner of Shaler Blvd. and Slocum Ave.

Pictured above: Charles H. Sarlo, Esq., General Counsel, Partner for DMR Architects; Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese; Senator Paul A, Sarlo; Commissioner Thomas
Sullivan; Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco; Commissioner Tracy Zur; Commissioner Germaine Ortiz;  Commissioner Ramon Hache. Front Row: Councilman Craig Dorsett; Councilman James Kontolios; Council President Russell Castelli; (hidden Fire Chief John Hoffman); Councilman Hugo Jimenez; Police Chief Thomas Gallagher; Councilwoman Lauren Larkin; Mayor Anthony Suarez; Commissioner Mary Amoroso.

Hillsdale Plan Reflects Collaboration Between Residents and Elected Officials

Hillsdale Plan Reflects Collaboration Between Residents and Elected Officials 789 444 DMR Architects

The Hillsdale council recently approved the Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan for the former Waste Management site following over two years of collaboration between the public officials and residents of the community.

The redevelopment plan for the almost 12 acres known as the Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan was written in consultation with DMR Architects and includes a requirement for the developer to provide approximately 5,000 square feet of community space within the project.  The redevelopment plan allows for residential rentals to represent a significant portion of the overall area with 255 residential units of which 20 will be affordable housing.  It also requires a new public park located at the corner of Patterson Street and Piermont Avenue.

“These facilities will provide meaningful gathering spaces for meetings, sports, and recreation, improving everyone’s quality of life as well as increasing their property values,” said Janetta Trochimiuk, Council President. “The redevelopment zone was established in 2019 and encompasses 12 acres of underutilized industrial land at Knickerbocker Ave., Brookside Place, Piermont Ave. and Prospect Place.”

“Resident engagement is a critical component to municipal planning. It provides insights on what the community needs are and how redevelopment of underutilized properties can solve affordable housing requisites and also provide alternative market rate housing,” said Francis Reiner, PP, LLA.  “We are working with municipal leaders throughout New Jersey to create customized protocols for requesting and collecting feedback and refashioning plans that make everyone feel heard.”

A partnership between Claremont Development and March Development of Morristown has been chosen as the developer of the site.

Introducing DMR NY

Introducing DMR NY 789 444 DMR Architects

With more than 50 projects in New York City in its current pipeline, DMR Architects has opened DMR NY Architects (DMR NY) to accommodate its growing business practice in The Empire State.  Pradeep Kapoor will lead the DMR NY team.

DMR Architects’ dynamic growth outside of New Jersey has been bolstered by its architectural consulting services provided to the New York City School Construction Authority’s (NYCSCA) Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) across New York City.  Since 2006 it has been addressing projects of varying scale in technical complexity and cost magnitude for more than 350 projects with a construction value of more than $1 billion.

“Historically, we have expanded our practice areas in anticipation of need,” said Lloyd Rosenberg, AIA.  “The development environment throughout the Tri-State area is very strong and warrants DMR taking its commitment to creative vision, persistent energy and dynamic ideas that our New Jersey practice areas have been providing for more than 30 years into new markets.”

DMR NY will build on DMR Architects’ portfolio of efficient designs that honor the identity and history of New York’s infrastructure, including a $19 million restoration to JHS 162 in Brooklyn, built in 1909; extensive interior and exterior upgrades to the art deco-inspired PS 269 in Brooklyn and extensive interior and exterior upgrades to the 110,000 SF PS 81M in Manhattan.

“DMR NY will add a new dynamic to the marketplace by offering New York’s lower peninsula clients the same end-to-end in-house capabilities that we have been providing in New Jersey and New York City,” said Pradeep Kapoor, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, COO and partner at DMR Architects and President at DMR NY.  “I am honored and excited to lead our team into new geographic and artistic territory.”

In addition to Mr. Kapoor, DMR Partners Lloyd Rosenberg and Kurt Vierheilig will round out the DMR NY leadership team.

For more information about DMR NY visit www.dmr-ny.com.

Transformational Municipal Park Planned for Woodcliff Lake

Transformational Municipal Park Planned for Woodcliff Lake 789 444 DMR Architects

A $500,000 grant from Bergen County and two anonymous donations totaling $1 million – $750,000 from a private person and $250,000 from a local corporation – have given a strong start to the construction of a park in Woodcliff Lake that is unlike any in New Jersey and will transform how residents interact with its downtown.

Previously home to the Galaxy Gardens Nursery, the municipality acquired the site at the intersection of Werimus Road and Woodcliff Lake Avenue in 2018. By connecting the two-acre parcel to the Westervelt-Lydecker House and the municipal pool and athletic fields, DMR’s designs for the site creates a recreation, cultural and civic corridor featuring a passive great lawn, water feature, dog park, picnic areas, pergolas for shaded seating, a playground, as well as an amphitheater with a stage for concerts and other public venues.  Other elements of the municipal park include walking paths with an approximately quarter mile loop, lighting, and landscaping.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to provide our residents with a central gathering place in our Borough,” said Mayor Carlos Rendo.  “Woodcliff Lake’s history, athletics, entertainment, and outdoor living will all come together in one place, creating a community asset that will be unique to our extraordinary community.”

“We only get to do this once, and by patiently reviewing a wide array of concepts and then meticulously planning this use, we’ve arrived at something we can all be proud of – and something that already has drawn spectacular support from the private sector. The construction of this park will provide an integrated home to the resources and activities in Woodcliff Lake that not only will serve and delight our residents but become a focal point for the arts and sports communities in Bergen County,” said Council President Jacqueline Gadaleta.

“Meaningful and vibrant outdoor spaces like this one are essential to residents’ health and quality of life and will have a positive impact on the community for generations,” said Francis
Reiner, PP, LLA. “DMR has a long history of designing green spaces that have profoundly transformed the surrounding neighborhoods and how they are used. The design of this park is one of the more unique opportunities we have been involved with and we are excited to be part of such an important project with the Borough and its residents.”

“We want to congratulate Woodcliff Lake on creating a productive collaboration with a broad array of constituencies and stakeholders to arrive at this wonderful plan,” says County Executive James Tedesco. “Woodcliff Lake has found impassioned and motivated partners, including Bergen County for a project that will be a benefit to everyone.”

The borough continues to seek corporate and foundation donors for the $3.7 million project and is offering individual and family sponsorship opportunities that will be commemorated in the park.  Woodcliff Lake collects between $210K and $225K per year through its open space tax which will go toward paying off any potential bond for the project.

Montgomery Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Municipal Center

Montgomery Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Municipal Center 789 444 DMR Architects

DMR joined Montgomery Mayor Devra Keenan, local and county officials to open the new DMR Architects-designed Montgomery Municipal Center on June 16.

DMR designed the 62,500 square foot building through a collaborative approach that included the input of more than 200 local residents.  The result is a contemporary style that connects the building to its natural surroundings through the use of similar wood materials, glass walls, stone flooring, and zinc cladding on the façade.

It will be the new home for municipal offices, the police department, council chambers and an additional branch of the Somerset County Library System, and also includes gallery space for displaying community artwork and items of historical and cultural importance.

“The new municipal center has been designed to serve as a community gathering place, something that our community has long sought, and which has proven even more essential after two years of the pandemic,” said Montgomery Mayor Devra Keenan.

“Its rare that we get to work with residents in addition to both county and municipal leaders on a project, but the spirit of collaboration was strong at all levels and the final product is something we are all proud of and that will be used for many generations,” said Pradeep Kapoor, AIA, LEED AP BD+C.

Achievements in Downtown Economic Development Recognized

Achievements in Downtown Economic Development Recognized 1644 925 DMR Architects

Downtown New Jersey announced the winners of their Excellence Awards, which recognizes projects, programs and individuals for their impact on downtown economic development. This year, two friends and clients of DMR will be among the honorees, including:

Mayor John P. Labrosse, Jr., City of Hackensack

Individual of Excellence – Public Official

Since 2011, the City of Hackensack has undergone a tremendous renaissance, illustrated by more than $1 billion in private investment, 4,000 new residential units, with another 2,000 on the boards, and many sophisticated infrastructure, outdoor space, zoning, funding, and connectivity efforts. This level of success would not have been possible without the clear vision and dedication of Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse. During his nearly ten-year tenure as mayor, John Labrosse has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the redevelopment of downtown Hackensack. Elected to the Hackensack city council in 2009 and becoming mayor in 2013 when the city’s redevelopment efforts were in its infancy, Mayor Labrosse has remained the City’s elected leader through its most significant stages of redevelopment.

“The remarkable redevelopment success in Hackensack would simply not have been possible without the clear vision and commitment of the city’s municipal team, led by Mayor John Labrosse,” said Francis Reiner, PP, LLA. “All you have to do is look around Main Street: the rising buildings, attractive streets, art, culture and overall vitality are all due to his unparalleled dedication.”

Borough of Dunellen Pop-Up Park

Honorable Mention for Excellence in Placemaking

In the summer of 2021, the Borough of Dunellen implemented the first of several community revitalization and placemaking efforts of the mile-square borough – a pop-up park located along the main commercial corridor of North Avenue. Reflecting the importance of public space and placemaking initiatives, the low-cost, high-impact project brought to life an under-utilized parking lot in the heart of the downtown. Located near businesses, the train station, and Borough Hall, the temporary place provided space for residents and visitors to sit, relax, engage with their community and take part in special programming, such as yoga classes, musical performances, Coffee with a Cop, and programming in support of the arts, the library and local businesses. Through community support and corporate sponsors, the Dunellen Pop-Up Park engaged hundreds of residents and visitors and more than 15 local businesses and organizations.

“Through the pop-up park, hundreds of residents and visitors who may not have otherwise spent time downtown last summer were able to connect with neighbors, businesses, and organizations; and most importantly, experience the great downtown atmosphere of Dunellen. The project was made that much more special because of the heart of Dunellen, our community of volunteers, who brought this project to life,” said Mayor Jason Cilento.

For more information on the other award winners or the May 24 award ceremony, please visit the Downtown New Jersey website.

Schools Turn to DMR To Redesign Entryways For Identity and Security

Schools Turn to DMR To Redesign Entryways For Identity and Security 789 444 DMR Architects

Education boards in Carteret and Hackensack have recently turned to DMR to help solve the equation of how to make school front entryways more secure for students while still being a welcoming focal point for those visiting the building.

Hackensack High School is a 260,000 square foot facility that was previously using a nondescript walkway to a security door as its main entrance, while signage down the street misdirected people to the school’s annex.

“They needed something that said, ‘Here I am,’ and is a point of pride for students, parents, teachers and administrators,” said Donna Coen O’Gorman, AIA.  “When we create a new front entrance, we are giving a school and the neighborhood an identity, welcoming people into the building, improving safety and foot traffic patterns, and providing a preamble for what to expect inside the facility.”

The rewards of building esteem in the school community from visual impact are only the secondary benefit:  in a day when security threats are an unfortunate pre-occupation with administrators, the challenge of protecting teachers and students is a critical focus.

Plans for the new entrance on Beech Street include an 1,100 square foot portico, with backlit aluminum letters atop, new landscaping and an ADA accessible drop off.  The entrance will be ready for the 2022-23 school year and also includes bullet resistant glazing, closed circuit televisions, key card access, a secured vestibule and security lighting that have been seamlessly integrated into the overall design.

“It’s a mistake for school boards to assume that a building entrance upgrade is just modernizing doors and windows,” said Lloyd A. Rosenberg, AIA.  “It’s about aesthetics, security, and how buildings function in service to students, staff, and visitors, which requires experienced architects to make programming and design choices.”

Work on Carteret’s new state-of-the-art Junior High School started long before construction workers broke ground when DMR Architects created a design plan that integrated the already-existing High School on the same property through a pedestrian bridge connected to the new, 60,000 square foot school. With the new Junior High School opening this fall, exterior upgrades were also designed at the high school to distinguish its identity and increase security.

Also in Carteret, an exterior renovation to the Columbus Elementary School required identifying a new location for the main entrance and several programming changes, including moving the main office and creating a main entrance lobby.

“In the case of Carteret’s Columbus Elementary School, the main entrance needed to be located at a prominent location but also to a space where it would function more efficiently,” continues Donna Coen O’Gorman.  “We created a portico addition that would make a visual impact but also support the school’s programming.”

The entrance design will include controlled and secure access, a security office, bullet resistant glazing and bollards and will now be located next to the cafeteria, streamlining drop-off and pickup of early- and late-entrance and eliminating the need for visitors to walk through the school.

Two DMR Leaders Highlighted in Women In Architecture Showcase

Two DMR Leaders Highlighted in Women In Architecture Showcase 2000 1125 DMR Architects

Thanks to AIA NJ for honoring two of our women leaders and AIA members this month as part of their Women in Architecture Month highlight. These posts originally appeared on the AIA NJ blog.

Donna Coen O’Gorman, AIA, Delivers Educational Design Excellence With Experience As A Client And An Architect

Donna Coen O’Gorman graduated from NJIT with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1981, when less than 8% of the School of Architecture’s graduating class were women.

Her career trajectory soon led her to educational work, a sector she has dedicated her professional life to for more than 25 years. She has been employed by the Newark Public Schools, Rutgers University, Kean University and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority.

In 2015, she retired from public service and joined DMR Architects. As a senior project manager, she brings the unique perspective of the client, as she spent the previous 25 years of her career working for the clients the DMR team services. Today her vision is mostly focused on educating her clients on how to support today’s learners in advanced, sophisticated and effective learning environments, while also helping to implement these projects in a cost-effective way.

During her six years at DMR, in addition to managing hundreds of projects, she organically expanded her role to client advocacy, business development and understanding evolving educational programming needs. Through a commitment to continuing education, conference involvement and thought leadership, she is a published author and a frequent lecturer on topics such as school security, new project delivery methods, and design trends. Her enthusiasm and skill earned her the position of DMR’s educational sector’s first Director of Business Development in 2021.

A licensed architect, Donna is also an empowering advocate for professional licensure, having achieved her professional registration when the percentage of women starting the licensure process hovered around 10% of all applicants, with even less completing the process, as reported by The National Council of Architectural Registration Board.

Consistency and Strong Relationships Push Janet Pini, AIA, To The Top

In 2002, shortly after graduating from NJIT with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, Janet Pini joined the production department at DMR Architects. Now a senior project manager and associate of the firm, she rose through the ranks of DMR, advancing from a graduate architect to her current role as one of DMR’s most senior project managers and the first woman member of DMR’s management team.

Having spent her entire career at DMR, Janet distinguished herself at every level of the firm, consistently taking on new responsibilities, mastering her understanding and ability to communicate complex codes and procedures, and forming meaningful and lasting relationships with clients, some of which have worked with her consistently for more than 10 years.

In every role, Janet has been assigned to some of DMR’s most complex projects, helping to bring to life projects such as a new 350,000 SF educational campus, four new college academic buildings, a specialty emergency operations center, sophisticated healthcare environments and more than 300 architect of record projects for DMR’s preK-12 clients.

Now a licensed architect, today Janet leads entire project teams, in addition to management responsibilities as an associate of the firm. Drawing on her own path of growth at DMR, Janet has committed herself to staff development and mentorship, leading efforts at DMR to engage DMR’s multi-generational workforce, counsel early-career architects, communicate and emulate DMR’s values to new staff, and provide professional guidance and learning opportunities.

Ceremony at Iconic bergenPAC Celebrates Construction Start

Ceremony at Iconic bergenPAC Celebrates Construction Start 789 444 DMR Architects

The ceremony also marked the start of a $5 million capital campaign to fund future improvements

DMR joined bergenPAC’s Founder Frank Huttle, III, board members, Congressman Josh Gottheimer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Darlene Love earlier today to celebrate the groundbreaking and $5 million capital campaign to transform the beloved and historic theater into a modern backdrop for the 200 yearly world-class concerts, comedy events, and dance performances that perform there.

Construction on the first phase of the $15 million renovation project has already begun on areas that were designed by DMR to appeal to bergenPAC’s eclectic audience.  The lobby, concessions/bar area, and a new VIP section with its own entrance will boast a hip vibe through the use of raw industrial design elements—bare beams, exposed brick, pendant light fixtures and visible ductwork—juxtaposed to the refined traditional décor expected in a theater setting. The 1,367-seat theater opened in 1926 as a vaudeville and movie theater and is one of the few such buildings still operating in the United States as an entertainment venue.

“The redesign of bergenPAC represents an investment in the incredibly talented local theater and arts community members as well as a catalyst for Englewood’s long-term economic stability,” said Pradeep Kapoor, AIA, LEED AP BD+C.  “We’re excited to apply the knowledge we’ve acquired through our work on previous performing arts centers to guide bergenPAC through the redevelopment, design and construction processes that come together to fulfill the modernization of the traditional night at the theater experience.”

At the event, bergenPAC announced that they’ve successfully raised $10 million; $4 million from donors during their silent phase and a $6 million fund from the County of Bergen. bergenPAC hopes to raise an additional $5 million during their public fundraising phase. This campaign will fund additional enhancements to the theater venue as well as its Performing Arts School that boasts alumni including feature film and Broadway actors.

Pictured above at the March 15 ceremony are Mauro Raguseo, Bergen County Improvement Authority; Assemblywoman Ellen Park; Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso; Lloyd Rosenberg, DMR Architects; Valerie Vainieri Huttle, former assemblywoman; Ray Reduce, Ray Reduce Development; Congressman Josh Gottheimer; Darlene Love, Grammy Award winner; Robert Cook, bergenPAC chairman of the Board of Trustees; Frank Huttle, III, bergenPAC founder; Vince Ermitas, student performer, presently Simba in Disney’s Lion King on Broadway; City of Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes; Bergen County Executive James Tedesco, and Dominic Roncace, President and CEO of bergenPAC.

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