September 2010 – Hudson, Wisc. – Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates recently announced the completion and grand opening of The Avanti Center–Therapeutic Services for Children and Adults, a project in which the company worked with lead architect Lars Glockzin of Lars Architectural Services, LLC.
The Avanti Center is a nonprofit organization located in Hudson, Wisc., that provides critical occupational, physical and speech therapy services to the west-central Wisconsin region. Structural engineers from KOMA and Lars Architectural Services worked together to provide the organization (formerly known as Special Children’s Center) with its impressive new facility – complete with a warm-water therapy pool, expanded treatment rooms and exercise facilities.
Lars Architectural Services delivered the overall design for the structure and partnered with KOMA structural engineer Mike Lisowski, PE, for the engineering portion of the project. “Working with Mike and KOMA was a real pleasure,” said owner Glockzin. “Beyond their obvious experience and expertise, the team at KOMA brought fresh ideas, critical thinking and a commitment to customer satisfaction that matches our own. I feel good that together we provided the leadership team at The Avanti Center with a facility that not only assists them in delivering the crucial services they provide, but that also offers a comfortable, relaxing and safe space for them to do so.”
“We have a long history of partnering with other architectural firms for projects like this,” commented Lisowski. “Working with Lars was highly enjoyable, as it was clear from the get-go that his values, work style and approach meshed well with ours. We think highly of his work, and we loved participating in this project for the success of The Avanti Center.”
The new building almost doubles the therapy and rehabilitation space offered by the organization. A special structural component includes an indoor, heated therapy pool and hot tub, which allows the organization to provide specialized treatment year-round. An occupational therapy classroom boasts an indoor climbing wall, swings and tumbling mats.