The Walter French Project: A Tale of Transformation

Episode 2 of the Building Reuse is Climate Action, a Tangible Remnants limited series sponsored by Quinn Evans, is all about the transformation of the Walter French Academy in Lansing, MI. From the owner's side Nakita is joined by the current Executive Director of Capital Area Housing Partnership, Emma Henry, as well as the former Executive Director of Capital Area Housing Partnership, Rawley Van Fossen, who is now the Director of Economic Development and Planning for the City of Lansing. From the Quinn Evans design team Nakita is joined by Ann Dilcher, Principal and lead architect of the project, and Jaclyn Peterson Melfi, project architect who have been instrumental in transforming this once vacant historic building.

From navigating financial hurdles to engaging with the community, if you've ever wondered what it takes to breathe new life into a long-abandoned building this episode is for you. Our guests share their experiences and discuss how a shared vision with a dedicated team can transform not just a building, but an entire community.

Links:

Walter French Before and after photos Capital Area Housing Partnership The Residences at Walter French Walter French and Capital Area Housing Partnership | Michigan Business Quinn Evans Guide: Navigating Historic Tax CreditsTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music

Bios:

Ann Dilcher, AIA, LEED AP

Ann focuses on community-building projects such as libraries, museums, and art centers. Her work often centers around adaptive reuse or renovation of existing buildings, usually historic buildings valued by the community. She is known for her ability to communicate with large groups of diverse stakeholders and create inclusive design solutions. Ann’s attention to detail and coordination of expertise provided by specialty consultants exercise her mature understanding of technically demanding projects.

Jaclyn Peterson Melfi, AIA, LEED AP

Jaclyn breathes new life into old buildings, particularly for residential uses. She believes that all spaces matter and works with clients to create modern, functional, and comfortable spaces within existing structures. Jaclyn brings a problem-solving mindset and is willing to iterate design solutions until the right one is found. Her holistic approach to design encompasses both the big picture and the details that make it come to life.

Emma Henry

After serving on the CAHP Board of Directors for 2 years, Emma was eager to further support the organization’s mission by becoming a staff member in 2017. Her years as a Team Leader at the City of East Lansing cultivated this desire to support and develop the local community. Experience in the private real estate sector helped to develop an understanding of the needs in the community where she has been a lifelong resident. As Executive Director, Emma is focused on program design, affordable housing development, organizational growth and strategic partnership building with the goal of utilizing CAHP’s strengths and skills to better the communities they serve.

Rawley Van Fossen