Greater Baden IV
Owner / Tenant: Greater Baden Medical Services Inc.
Description: Symmetry First lead the design of a 1,090 square feet alteration to a unused portion of the existing 7,354 square foot ground floor of a medical office building for open offices, private offices, ADA compliant restroom and accompanying spaces.
New construction includes: 2 Private Offices, Open Office area able to accommodate up to 13 separate work stations, Storage area, ADA Compliant restroom and an additional egress door into an existing corridor.
Project Completed in 2012
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Greater Baden III
Owner / Tenant: Greater Baden Medical Services Inc.
Description: Symmetry First lead the design of a major interior renovation of two existing and adjacent tenant spaces. The total square footage of the new combined tenant space is 4,578 square feet, inside a 39,340 square foot building shell.
The demising wall between the two existing tenant spaces was partially demolished to make way for a new staircase and ramp to connect the adjacent spaces, as the existing southern tenant space’s floor line is 1’-4” above the existing northern tenant space. The new staircase is located in the rear of the space and the ADA compliant ramp is conveniently located in the front of the space, both serving as access between the Pediatric Services area and the Prenatal Services area.
The northernmost tenant space was separated from the new tenant build out by constructing a new demising wall underneath an existing bulkhead.
New Construction Included:
8 Exam rooms, 8 Offices (CMA’s, Doctors, Financial, Case Manager, Office Manager), 2 ADA Restrooms, 2 Staff Restrooms, 1 Sample Storage Area, 1 Vaccine Storage Area, 1 Vitals Monitoring Area, 2 Waiting Areas (Pediatric & Prenatal), 1 Staff Lounge, 1 Conference Room and 1 Laboratory.
Project Completed in 2011
Dental Suite Expansion, Charlotte Hall Veterans’ Home
Owner: Charlotte Hall Veterans’ Home
Client: Maryland Department of General Services
Description: Symmetry First Architects designed a renovation for 1,300 square feet of the existing space used for dental services. Pre-design included a plan layout which required modifications to the followings systems: sprinkler, fire alarm, plumbing, HVAC, electrical power and lighting, all within the limits of the designated space. The completed expansion allowed space for larger reception and treatment areas.
Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Engineer: Siegel, Rutherford, Bradstock & Ridgway, Inc.
Trap & Skeet Facility
Client: Maryland National-Capital Park & Planning Commission
Description: An existing 2700 square foot heavy timber building was increased in size by 800 square feet, adding office and meeting space. In addition to the building expansion, work included replacement of windows and doors, and a complete roof replacement, which utilized ventilated roof sheathing to introduce proper ventilation under the asphalt shingle roof.
The construction work was performed in large part by M-NCPPC maintenance personnel.
Velatis Caramels
Client: Velatis of Maryland, LLC
Contractor: Albrecht Construction Corporation
Description: Symmetry First designed the Tenant Build-out of 1,325 square feet in a ‘warm vanilla’ shell space, for use as a caramel manufacturing facility (1,000 square feet) and retail shop (300 square feet). In addition to normal building permit approvals, the food manufacturing aspect of the plan required approvals by the Montgomery County and State of Maryland Health Departments. The facility includes a commercial kitchen, designed by foodservice consultant, Barry Harden. Kitchen equipment included a through-the-roof range hood and a make-up air unit.
In order for Velatis to open as early as possible before the 2009 holiday season, both the design and construction schedules were fast-tracked.
Village Crest Retail / Office Building
Client/ Owner: Historic Ellicott Properties
Description: Construction began in August, 2004, for this 25,000 square foot 2-1/2 story building situated within the new community of Taylor Village in Ellicott City, Maryland. The building houses a blend of retail shops and business offices.
As designed, it was intended to qualify for a “Silver” level certificate in the United States Green Building Council’s LEED Program. Building materials were selected for their recyclable content and local points of origin. Building systems have been designed for energy efficiency well beyond code minimums.
Walker Mill Health Center
Client/Contractor: Albrecht Construction Corporation
Tenant: Greater Baden Medical Services, Inc.
Description: In a Design/Build partnership with Albrecht Construction Corporation, Symmetry First designed a tenant build-out out of 4,634 square feet of an existing commercial space and existing medical practice in order to expand the Walker Mill Facility. Additionally, Symmetry First also designed an ADA-compliant ramp to enable accessibility throughout the entire health center. The design and construction was performed in two phases, which allowed the tenant to remain operational throughout the construction, with the exception of a one-week changeover period.
Waterloo Shell Gas Station
Owner / Tenant: Mr. Kumar Naresh
Description: Symmetry First in a partnership with Kindred Builders designed the renovation of an existing gas station / service center located at the intersection of Route 175 and Route 1 in Elkridge, Maryland. The project included the construction of three new additions including a new canopy over the gas pumps, an automatic car wash bay, carry out restaurant, a 2nd floor open office and storage area and basement.
Waverly Park Retail / Office Building
Owner: Waverly Woods Development Corp.
Description: Symmetry First had the opportunity to design a new two story office / retail building located in Howard County, Maryland, consisting of Office Suites, Retail and Restaurant spaces. The office suites are divided in increments of 1000 square feet, and are built to client specification. There is ample room for a restaurant and retail space on the ground floor of the building.
The accessibility and convenience of this premier location creates a unique offering for employees and customers alike.
Project Completed: 2006
WD Schaefer House
Owner: Maryland Department of General Services
Description: Originally built as luxurious single-family homes in 1913, the pair of residences and their various outbuildings was converted to a campus for troubled youth. Operated by the Department of Juvenile Services, the facility provides housing, counseling and educational programs.
Under several contracts, Symmetry First Architects has designed various renovations:
- Complete renovation of the dormitory bathrooms
- Repair and painting of the exterior of both buildings
- Replacement of the windows
- Removal of the existing window air conditioning units and conversion to a central air conditioning system (not built)
Weinberg Center for the Performing Arts
Client: City of Frederick
Description: Located within the City of Frederick Historic District and listed on the National Register, the Weinberg Center for the Arts is a 1920’s movie theater that is transitioning to a properly appointed live-performance venue. After developing a master plan for the changes required to make this transition, the first two phases of design and construction have been completed – 1) the addition of new public restrooms and an elevator shaft and 2) complete replacement of all stage rigging.
Former Rosenstock Department Store
Client: Historic Ellicott Properties
Description: Design for the construction of a 3-story 12,000 square foot mixed-use building to replace a building in the Ellicott City historical district. The original building was destroyed in the November 1999 city fire. The new building will accommodate a variety of retail, office and residential space.
The building spans the 35’ wide Tiber River. The first floor of the building is approximately 4’ below the 100-year flood plain. The structural system for the building was selected to assist in meeting the requirements of FEMA. The floor systems are concrete plank, set on columns and beams at the river retaining walls. The side walls of the first floor are poured concrete, waterproofed up to 1 foot above the flood plain. The first floor is dramatically thickened to increase the overall weight to resist the uplift pressure of a flooding river. The party walls to the neighboring buildings are 3-hour fire rated CMU.
The exterior of the building fits within the historic context of the street, meeting The Ellicott City Historic District Guidelines. The approval of this main street building and exterior design was secured from the Howard County HDC during the initial presentation. The sides of the main façade reflect the original Rosenstock Department Store building at the turn of the century. The center of the façade is more contemporary, and allows a view from the street into all three floors of the building.
Elkridge Warehouse Building
Client /Owner/General Contractor: Middle Patuxent Properties
Description: Symmetry First Architects initially designed a 9,000 square foot prototypical shell building for use as flexible office/warehouse space. The approved Site Development Plan will permit the construction of three of these shell buildings. As of August, 2010, two of the buildings have been constructed. The buildings are fully sprinklered and include an expandable mezzanine. The property is zoned M-1 (Light Manufacturing.)
In preparation for tenant occupancy in Buildings 1 and 2, Symmetry First has prepared construction documents and secured construction permits for three tenants.
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Fitness Center, Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va
Owner: US Department of the Navy
Client/Contractor: Allen & Shariff Construction
Description: In a Design/Build partnership with Allen & Shariff Construction, Symmetry First designed two gym connecting structures (650 and 1200 square feet) featuring a skylight with a Kalwall Skylight to let in natural light. Various alterations also were made to the existing spaces (26,800 square feet). This construction has taken three separate Fitness Center buildings and transformed them into one integrated complex.
Construction was completed in 2009. Construction cost was $1.7 million dollars.
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Annapolis/Anne Arundel County Conference & Visitors Bureau
Client /Owner: Annapolis/Anne Arundel County Conference & Visitors Bureau
General Contractor: Tuckman-Barbee Construction Co., Inc.
Joint Venture with Terry Averill Architects
Description: The circa 1760 house and the 1970’s era contemporary addition behind it houses Bureau staff and provides a Visitors Center that welcomes over 175,000 guests a year. In joint-venture partnership, Symmetry First and T. Averill Architects designed an expansion and renovation. The project included a 1,400 square foot addition, the rearrangement of interior space to separate the Visitors Center use from the administrative office use, and upgrades of all facility systems and interior finishes.
Approvals for the addition and renovations were secured from the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Annapolis and the Maryland Historic Trust.
Florence Bain Senior Center
Client: Howard County Bureau of Facilities
Description: Originally constructed in 1981, this 21, 500 square foot center required a major renovation and addition. The project includes a 3,500 square foot addition, the rearrangement of interior space to improve the space efficiency and functional use, and the upgrade of facility systems.
The massing of the addition complements the unusual geometry of the original building while screening new rooftop equipment from view.
Concept plans, design development and full construction documents were prepared including an opinion of construction costs.
US Marine Swim Training Facility
Owner: US Department of the Navy
Client/Contractor: Allen & Shariff Construction
Description: In a Design/Build partnership with Allen & Shariff Construction, Symmetry First designed renovations to the existing pool house and the addition of a Collapsible Air Dome over the pool. The new construction provides the Marines with a swimming / training facility that can be utilized year-round.
Hilton Mansion Administration Building
Owner / Client: Community Colleges of Baltimore County
Description: The central portion of the Hilton Mansion was originally constructed between 1828 and1835. In a major renovation that occurred between 1917 and 1919, wings, with gabled slate roofs, were added to the east and west sides of the mansion, and porticos, with flat-lock seamed copper roofing, to both the north and south elevations. During that renovation, the roof over the central portion of the mansion was raised from a gabled profile to the gambrelled profile evident today. Original construction drawings, dated July 28, 1917, by Edward L. Palmer, Architect, indicate the general scope of work. The existing green slate roof is believed to date back to this renovation. Therefore, the age of the slate roof is approximately 85 years.
An exterior renovation occurred in the mid-1980s, which included limited replacement of slates and metal flashings, and lining of the built-in gutters with EPDM. Construction drawings, dated April 2, 1984, by Building Restoration Consultants, Inc., indicate the general scope of work to include cleaning and painting of stucco, replacement of damaged wood columns and trim, replacement of deteriorated metal roof flashings, lining of built-in gutters, and replacement of damaged roofing slates.
The Hilton Mansion is on the National Historic Register and is listed with the Maryland Historic Trust. The mansion was subject to an easement regarding renovation/restoration work. Maryland Historic Trust approval of proposed work was required.
The deteriorated copper flashing and flatlock seam roofs also were replaced.
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Ellicott City Senior Center
Client: Howard County, Maryland
Description: The Ellicott City Senior Center is centrally located in Howard County, adjacent to the Miller Public Library on Old Frederick Road. In an effort to meet the needs of a growing older adult population, Howard County constructed this new 12,500 square foot facility in 2002. The Center offers opportunities for active adults along with a Senior Center Plus Program for health-impaired seniors. Activities include arts and crafts, educational classes, exercise, trips, computer instruction, community meals, and drop-in activities. The Ellicott City Center provides a central meeting place for seniors, serves the community with information about senior services, and offers facilities for general community use.
Pre-design included space and use programming for the facility along with a review of existing site conditions. Concept plans, design development, and full construction documents were prepared. Schemes showing maximum development and alternatives for limiting the amount of additional land required also were developed.
The one-story building overlooks a reforested stream valley. The main entrance tower allows the building to be identified from Frederick Road. The main structure for the building is steel studs, columns and beams with a wood truss roof. The building design included a commercial kitchen.
Hillandale Office Building
Owner:Maryland National-Capital Park & Planning Commission
Description: Symmetry First performed a Building Evaluation for this dental office building adjoining the Hillandale Park. The evaluation included code review and cost estimation for alternative uses: either solely as an office building or as a combination office and assembly facility. Subsequent to the Building Evaluation, Symmetry First provided fast-track design services to meet M-NCPPC‘s timeline for re-location of two departmental divisions. The work included complete renovation of interior spaces, replacement of a deteriorated egress stair, and a new handicap ramp at the main entrance. The construction was performed in large part by M-NCPPC Central Maintenance staff.
Parkside Headquarters Interior Renovations
Owner / Client: M-NCPPC, Montgomery County Department of Parks
Description: This interior renovation project included a building condition assessment, space programming and subsequent design for four of the five divisions (including the IT Division) headquartered at the M-NCCPC Montgomery County Department of Parks Parkside Building. Features such as the building-wide data network, server rooms, telecommunication, HVAC and security systems were assessed and the impact of plan modifications on these systems were factored into the final design.
Project Completed in 2011
Paul’s Homewood Cafe
Joint Venture with Terry Averill Architects
Description: Paul’s Café, located in Annapolis, Maryland, was renovated from its existing condition to a fully functional restaurant with Commercial Kitchen and Accessory Storage, Mechanical and Equipment Spaces.
Scope of work includes selective demolition; installation of new structural beams and columns in existing building; construction of addition; installation of new drywall ceilings and partitions, paint and floor finishes. The work also includes modifications to existing HVAC systems, power and lighting, and plumbing.
Modifications were also made to the existing sprinkler system , and designed by the sprinkler subcontractor.
Pope Farm Nursery Addition
Owner: MNCPPC-Montgomery County
Description: Symmetry First designed an approximately 400 square foot outdoor space between the Potting Room, Boiler Room and Storage Room that is enclosed in construction matching the existing building – concrete footings, CMU foundation and building walls, wood truss roof framing, architectural asphalt shingles, wood siding and vent at gable end.
The Potting Room Addition has two exterior openings:
- An insulated metal overhead door
- An insulated hollow metal swinging door (3’ x 7’) with hollow metal frame
Miscellaneous items included modifications to gutters/downspouts, repair of finishes throughout the existing building where HVAC demolition or new work occurs, and replacement of missing attic insulation in existing attic. Structural design included concrete slab and footings, CMU foundation and building walls and roof framing.
Quantico P110 Warehouse ISB Facility
Owner: US Department of the Navy
Client/Contractor: Allen & Shariff Construction
Description: In a design/build contract with the Owner, the United States Marine Corps. Symmetry First designed site development and construction of 3600 square foot pre-engineered warehouse on Quantico Marine Corps Base. Constructed by Allen and Shariff Construction, the design met LEED certification criteria.
Design submissions consisted of design concept, 50% CD and 100% pre-final, with 21 days between notice to proceed/receipt of Owner comments and next submission.
Tiber Hudson Senior Housing
Client: Howard County Housing and Community Development
Description: Located just outside the Ellicott City Historic District, Phase One of this project for the Howard County Department of Housing & Community Development will add elderly housing to an existing multi-family community. This 3-story apartment building will be ADA accessible, and will include several room styles. The ground floor, which has nine efficiency apartments, was designed with the flexibility to be transformed into an assisted living facility, should the County be able to develop and staff such a facility.
An attached community room, with restrooms and a pantry kitchen, will be accessed via both a public entrance and a conditioned breezeway from the apartment building. It will afford program and meeting space for seniors and all members of the community.
The design was completed in January 2004 and the County is in final negotiation with a contractor. Application also is being made for state funding.
Symmetry First met the challenge of designing a building that fits aesthetically into this established neighborhood. Phase Two of the project will include ADA Accessibility and Universal Design improvements to the existing buildings.
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St. John Cemetery
Client: Board of Directors, St. John’s Cemetery
Description: Symmetry First Architects designed an 24 x 24 foot, one-story building to house the cemetery’s administrative functions, adjacent to the existing caretaker’s residence on the St. John’s Cemetery property. Kelly Engineering Associates, Inc., as a Consultant to Symmetry First Architects, provided structural engineering.
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