A LOOK AHEAD
Here is a quick glimpse into projects in the works
across the country. Watch for more on them in our blog
(AyresAssociates.com/blog/) and in future TRENDS issues.
A MOVE LIKE NO OTHER
Moving from one home to another can be an exciting
but stressful and overwhelming process. Relocating a
state governor’s residence takes the process to a whole
new level, but Ayres Associates is rising to the challenge.
sites and participated in a regional tour of governor’s
residences across the West: in North and South Dakota,
Utah, Colorado, and Nevada.
Lack of functionality of the current residence, which
was built in 1976, coupled with increased security issues
and other noted deficiencies, prompted the house
hunting. However, remodeling or rebuilding on the
current site is one of the options being considered.
Ayres’ planners began work on the project in July and
presented their final report in November.
ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER CONNECTS
PEOPLE WITH ECOLOGY
Six years ago, Ayres Associates began master planning
a new public park and urban ecological education center
at the confluence of Turtle Creek and the Rock River
in South Beloit, Illinois. As the visioning of the project
developed, it quickly became apparent that nature was
the overarching theme of what would one day happen in
this space – and now has.
Phase 1 of the “Nature at the Confluence” project, the
first 5 acres of the 75-acre site, opened in June 2017 and
has seen tremendous success ever since, said landscape
architect Jacob Blue of Ayres. The park and preserve are
connecting people with nature and the local landscape.
Blue said the urban ecological center regularly draws
scores of people to its nature-based events and programs
and has attracted more than 3,000 visitors since opening
its doors.
Selected by a cross-section of representatives from
the State Building Commission, legislators, and the State
Construction Department, Ayres has been helping guide
discussion surrounding the topic of identifying the best
locations for a new Governor’s Residence in Wyoming.
Work on the project involves visioning sessions,
alternative site concepts, cost estimating, and a strategic
report with final recommendations. Ayres is also
providing site development concepts for four different
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