| JS Vig Gives a Hand to Hands-On Museum |
 For its 25th anniversary, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (AAHOM), wanted to spruce up the building for its celebration event. “Of course, being a not for profit, there was no money and no time,” says Mel Drumm, executive director, AAHOM. JS Vig had the strongest proposal, says Drumm, for what would be a six week project completed in October. “They were willing to work with us, help us and make it happen, which it did.” The project consisted of moving and opening up space, says Greg Copp, project manager, JS Vig. “What they wanted to do was reconfigure some of the interior space to make the flow better,” he says. “We rotated three spaces; classroom, exhibit and a preschool area so it made more sense.” Traffic flow had been ongoing problem, says Drumm. The popular preschool area was crowded, the classroom area lacked atmosphere and accessibility as did three floors of exhibit space and the historic firehouse. “Even though they had lots of signage to direct people where to go, they weren’t finding their way,” says David Esau, architect, Cornerstone Design. The team moved the preschool area to a larger space and the classrooms into the preschool space. Drumm says while the rest of the building is visible and highly active and fun—the classrooms were sequestered into an office environment he describes as sterile. “Many people weren’t even aware that these classrooms were there or that we offer exciting hands-on workshops.” Lastly, JS Vig opened up the office area to increase connectivity to much of the museum, including the museum’s original foundation—a historic, 1882 firehouse. The removal of balconies and some walls also added new gallery space the museum dubbed Legacy Gallery. “What it did was allowed us to have a series of connected points to the firehouse to the new building to adding a whole new exhibition space to the building and solve a lot of problems we had through the years,” says Drumm. One of the challenges and blessings of the job, says Copp, was that it was an occupied space. “Kids love construction and everything in the museum is considered a learning space,” says Cropp. “This is foreign to us because usually when you work in an occupied building it’s viewed as a hindrance.” Because of the little ones underfoot, safety was, of course, paramount, says Cropp. The project was completed safely, on budget and on time, says Drumm. “There is a whole new feeling and level of energy to the museum. “JS Vig has exceeded our expectations and in this world today it’s difficult to do that.” |
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“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
