Spring 2007

For the first newly constructed library in Savannah in over 10 years, BMW Architects ( www.bmwarchitects.com ), collaborating with The DesignGroup of Ohio, are designing this 55,000SF, 2-story library. It is located on a site behind Savannah Mall at the corner of Rio Road and Shawnee Street next to a grove of large Live Oak trees which will be a trademark feature of the building's design and landscape. This building will qualify to meet LEED Silver Certification with such design features as: 2 green roof areas, bicycle & pedestrian access, recycling availability, natural day lighting, light pollution reduction, optimal energy performance, recycled content and regional building materials, and construction waste recycling.

The major role of Ward Edwards in the LEED accreditation process involves the stormwater management of the site. Solutions were implemented to reduce and filter stormwater before it exits the site. One such solution involves the implementation of filtering devices that extract 80% of the total suspended solids from the stormwater run-off. These devices were presented at a recent workshop attended by Ward Edwards employees. Pat Livingston, Ward Edwards Project Manager, looks forward to the success of the project and is very proud of what the team has accomplished thus far. We are tremendously excited about being a member of this team and a part of this LEED certification process.

Currently in the design phase, construction is expected to begin in May of 2007 with the new facility to open in the fall of 2008. Spaces include: a 200-person multipurpose meeting room; Children's, Teen & Adult Services; individual conference spaces; quiet study rooms; administrative spaces; a coffee/snack cart and a retail-style adult browsing area.

For more information on Live Oak Public Libraries http://www.liveoakpl.org

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PMAs Key to Successful Coordination

About a year ago, Ward Edwards began staffing each Project Management team with a Project Management Assistant (PMA). We felt that this position would contribute to the efficiency and ultimate success of a project due to a number of factors including:

Changing Market conditions (More clients that are not located in this region)
Increasingly complex engineering and construction methods
Increased government regulations
Greater number of projects requiring coordination of multiple consultants
Growing demands for quality assurance

The Project Managers have seen many benefits to having PMAs. Daily, PMAs assist in managing personnel, gathering data for proposals, and monitoring engineering and construction contract activities. They have also proven to be instrumental in creating tools that the Project Managers now use to control budgets and schedules.

"Maintaining a positive working relationship with utility companies, planning departments and sub-contractors is essential," said PMA Heather Brower, "and I enjoy the ability to interact with people on all levels as we work together to meet and complete the goals and objectives of each project."

Site Certification to ImproveEcomonic Development in Hardeeville

The City of Hardeeville is asking all individuals or companies interested in marketing commercial and/or industrial property in the city to be a part of its 2007 Site Certification Process as part of a new economic development marketing strategy being headed by Ted Felder . Along with being a crucial part of certification, the property inventory will also be meshed into the Citys new economic development website and marketing packet that Ted will be taking on the road. When I am out telling Hardeevilles story, havingaccurate, professional information about our properties to put at potential investors fingertips is a must, said Felder.

George Weeks, who recently joined Ward Edwards to develop projects in the coastal region, attendedthe City's economic development meeting on February 26th. "I am excited about the economic gowth in the region," said George, "and we support Hardeeville's efforts to improve the site certification process to encourage smart, healthy development."

Anyone who would like to get more information can reach Ted at (843) 784-2231 or by email at tfelder@cityofhardeeville.com

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We're Going Green !

Ward Edwards is now a proud member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

The USGBC is the nations foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to advance buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. At Ward Edwards, we have always been dedicated to Building Healthy Communities . In 2007, we are making an even greater commitment by becoming more involved in local projects, sponsoring events and organizations that contribute to the quality of life in the Lowcountry and by rewarding others in the community that are also making a difference.

Visit the USGBC website for more information on green building and the new certification for Neighborhood Development www.usgbc.org

Congratulations to Project Manager Patrick Livingston on passing the Landscape Architecture exam!

Chatham County gets New Library

PMAs Key to Successful Coordination