| J.S. Vig tackles McKinley Towne Center revitalization |
|
J.S. Vig Construction Co. is playing a key role in the transformation of McKinley Towne Center into one of Ann Arbor’s hottest business addresses. J.S. Vig is handling a wide-ranging renovation of the former 100,000-square-foot TCF Bank regional headquarters for client McKinley Associates of Ann Arbor. The three-building property is best known as the new home of the Google’s marketing unit, AdWords. J.S. Vig has overhauled the HVAC system for the building’s south tower, added 10,000 square feet of new ground floor retail space (including a new free-standing building), and renovated all the existing common-area finishes, among other tasks. The project is an example of a trademark McKinley Associates turnaround. McKinley is considered one of the top real estate companies in the country and has excelled at acquiring underperforming retail, residential and office properties and then taking them to their full potential. Mike Adams has been J.S. Vig’s superintendent for the project, and David Esau of Cornerstone Design is the architect. “It started out as an average building, and we are working with McKinley to make it into a landmark,” Adams said. “The end product is going to revitalize that particular area.” The new retail space in half of the building’s underground parking is one of the most dramatic changes. The construction company is also adding a restaurant patio, refreshing its exterior, and repaving the parking lot. While J.S. Vig painted the building’s exterior and did some interior work in 2005, the project began in earnest in May 2006, and is headed for completion in February 2007. J.S. Vig performed many of these renovations while tenants continued to work inside the building. The J.S. Vig staff minimized the effect on them by delivering materials before the business day began and by restricting materials storage to a narrow strip of the parking lot. The staff routinely tackled construction changes as tenants with new space needs signed leases. “It’s a tight urban site with a large volume of work,” said Greg Copp, a J.S. Vig vice president. “It was unique project for everyone involved because of the challenges.” “Since it was an occupied building, we did a lot of weekend and after-hours work. We maintained access to the space with minimal disruptions.” The property originally had a TCF branch office on the first floor of the main structure, and its employees occupied most of the administrative offices above. McKinley Associates had attracted Google to the building by mid-autumn of this year, scoring one of the biggest coups in the Ann Arbor real estate markets in years. Google is taking about 80,000 square feet of office space and is handling its own build-out. Bodman LLP, a law firm, moved into 10,000 square feet of space earlier this year. Besides the downsized TCF branch, Towne Center has Cingular, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina and Bar Louie as retail tenants. With the added ground-floor space, McKinley Towne Center is targeting retailers who may be attracted to downtown Ann Arbor’s busy retail scene. TCF has also reduced its bank branch space at the site by more than half, opening up still more space for retail. The patio, along Division Street near one of the entrances, will serve the Bar Louie restaurant planned for the site. J.S. Vig has also undertaken the renovation of the Chelsea Clock Tower Complex and various Glencoe Shopping Center renovations for McKinley, among other projects. |
news/events:
what others are saying:
“With its tremendously skilled, hard-working team, J.S. Vig Construction helped fulfill the vision that the City of Romulus had in mind when we set out to build the Romulus Athletic Center. Thanks to J.S. Vig, the Romulus Athletic Center is now a beautiful, award-winning and popular athletic facility that has become the jewel in Romulus' crown.”
Tim Keyes
City of Romulus
Tim Keyes
City of Romulus
“It has been a pleasure working with J.S. Vig on numerous projects over the past few years. They exhibit professionalism and honesty in their work, along with a willingness to look at options and alternate approaches to make project happen and succeed.”
David Esau, AIA, LEED AP
Cornerstone Design Inc
David Esau, AIA, LEED AP
Cornerstone Design Inc
“ J.S. Vig is a company that is easy to work with because of their integrity. Our two firms have prospered from an over 30-year relationship, including many projects and personnel, which could not have happened without ongoing dedication to quality and honesty.”
David Zanely, LEED AP
Wilkie & Zanley Architects, A Sidock Company
David Zanely, LEED AP
Wilkie & Zanley Architects, A Sidock Company
“I have enjoyed over a 20-year relationship, built on honesty and professionalism, with J.S. Vig Construction Company.”
John Wilkie, AIA
Wilkie & Zanely Architects, A Sidock Company
John Wilkie, AIA
Wilkie & Zanely Architects, A Sidock Company
“J. S. Vig Construction Company has built over 500,000 sf for Avis Farms. We have found their staff and subcontractors to be honest, creative and responsive in meeting our aggressive project goals.”
Trish Kalmbach
BOSC Equities
Trish Kalmbach
BOSC Equities
“…Simply one of the most organized and talented construction teams that I have had the pleasure of working with in 25 years.”
Greg Heil
President, Heil Partnership
Greg Heil
President, Heil Partnership
“J.S. Vig Construction Company is honest, efficient, responsive, and completes each project with the client's needs in mind.”
Jerry Reinhart
President, Pomeroy Investment Company
Jerry Reinhart
President, Pomeroy Investment Company
“While this was an extremely difficult project in terms of phasing and working around our children, the employees of J.S. Vig did an outstanding job!”
Kurt M. Sebaly M. Ed.
Pentickton Center for Blind Children
Kurt M. Sebaly M. Ed.
Pentickton Center for Blind Children
“Through the entire pre-construction and warranty phases, your people have been responsive, professional, and cost-efficient. I would welcome the opportunity to recommend your firm and look forward to working together in the future.”
Larry Reed
Metavante Corporation
Larry Reed
Metavante Corporation
