2021 is nearly over, so of course, it's time for our year in review. While COVID remains in the headlines and challenges normalcy, MSB Architects has accomplished a lot this year. Here are a few highlights 2021 brought us.
After almost two years of design and more than three long years of construction, Saint James Pohanka Fine Arts Center is finally completed. It features multiple practice rooms, two art studios, several classrooms, a digital studio, and a small recital hall. This fall, students were able to use the new facility for the first time and absolutely loved it. Our design has inspired several of their art students to create paintings, drawings, and other artistic representations of the building. It's always exciting to see our designs inspiring others.
Our community is also fortunate to have construction wrapping up on The Arc of Washington County's new addition/renovation. Prior to design and construction, their campus included several buildings so it was difficult for new visitors to know where to go. The main entrance was unified into a single canopy between the buildings and added vertical entrance elements to each side to help direct people to the entrances. The administration building to the right includes offices, conference rooms, and other support spaces. The left building is dedicated to their programs and the clients they serve. It includes multiple classrooms, exercise rooms, a computer lab, a cafeteria, and offices for the program staff. The administrative staff recently moved into their new space, and they couldn’t be happier with it. We can’t wait to hear the reactions from their clients once they move in first of the year.
With only two major construction jobs this year we have been busy working on design concepts for several new projects. We expected to start construction in 2022 for the Saint James Turner Athletic Center, Elizabeth Seton Shrine Museum, Mischief & the Mule restaurant, and several residential projects. We also have another exciting school project which we can’t share yet but stay tuned!
The challenges of the past few years have crystalized what is important to each of us. The clarity of vision and values has is coming through stronger in the client stories we tell here at MSB Architects. We wish everyone a safe rest of the year with family and friends and a successful 2022.