Wellspring Headquarters
- Client
- Wellspring
- Location
- Malta, NY
- Service
- Landscape Architecture, Site Civil Engineering
- Market
- Private Development
Project Overview
The LA Group provided landscape architecture, civil engineering, and environmental permitting services for a new headquarters facility for the Wellspring organization located on Route 9 in the Town of Malta, NY. Wellspring provides domestic violence and sexual assault services for Saratoga County residents. The new location for the organization allowed for an expansion of their services, as well as a more visible facility; particularly for those who live in rural areas in Saratoga County.
The site location presented several challenges; including areas of steep topography, selective tree clearing and preservation, and proximity to a busy state road. The site improvements outside of the new 8,000-square-foot building included a new access drive, parking lot, site lighting, landscape beds, accessible routes, a new septic system to serve the building, and new stormwater features to manage runoff. Due to the nature of the facility the site layout needed to be well lit, safe, accessible, and welcoming.
The scope of work included a site plan application to the Town of Malta, representation at the planning board and Town meetings, coordination with the Department of Health for a new on-site septic system and well, coordination with the Department of Transportation due to proximity to Route 9, construction administration and oversight, as well as stormwater design and stormwater inspections during construction. Further coordination between the Department of Health was required for additional treatment required inside the building for the new on-site well. Architectural services were provided by others. The LA Group worked collaboratively with design teams, Wellspring, and the construction manager to meet project goals.
Project Highlights
- Capital campaign raised $3.1 million towards design and construction. Additionally, the project was made possible by generous donations of materials by the community.
- Design development from concept level through construction documents.
- Close coordination with the Town, Department of Health, and Department of Transportation.
- Unique site requirements and aesthetic considerations to improve visibility of the organization within the community.
- Coordination throughout construction via site observations and on-site problem solving with site contractor.
Challenges/Benefits
Due to the community service nature of the project, the design team was challenged to provide the best facility and design possible while also working with limited funds and donated materials in some instances.
Site limitations due to the proximity to a state road, the existing drive, and topography provided constraints with which the project had to work within.
There was strong desire from the client to make the facility as visible as feasible to the public. Site design carefully considered how to incorporate the elements of safety, visibility, and accessibility to help the organization achieve its goal of appearing welcoming to people driving by on Route 9.
Picture Coming
Picture Coming
Challenges/Benefits
Through value engineering The LA Group was able to work within funding constraints to provide an aesthetically attractive end product that is also functional for the organization.
The LA Group was able to perform site analyses using CAD, GIS, and other visual tools in order to provide the client with the best options for site design that would provide maximum visibility.
Our established relationships with municipalities and review agencies provided an efficient and communicative path for submission of land use board and engineering applications.
