(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K), local professional construction firm, announces the additions of Bob Byrne, Kevin Hufnagel, Jennifer Kloosterhouse, Jared Gauss, Michael Schneidt, Garrett Smith, and Gabe Raymer.

Bob Byrne, Project Manager, brings 17 years of commercial construction experience in West Michigan. He specializes in healthcare and industrial facility construction and holds his bachelor’s in construction management from Ferris State University.

Kevin Hufnagel, Estimator, joins the team with 25 years of estimating experience in various market segments. His budgeting experience ranges from high-profile higher education facilities to intricate healthcare renovations. Kevin is also a graduate of Ferris State University and holds his bachelor’s in construction management.

Jennifer Kloosterhouse, Communications Coordinator, joins O‑A‑K’s marketing team with seven years of professional experience and a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations from Grand Valley State University. Jennifer’s expertise includes employee recruitment and retention, event management, and corporate communications.

Jared Gauss, Project Superintendent, holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Accounting from Davenport University and brings 19 years of construction leadership experience. Jared is currently overseeing major renovations to Rockford Public Schools’ Lakes Elementary School.

Michael Schneidt, Project Superintendent, is a recent graduate of Ferris State University’s construction management program. He has five years of construction experience and holds certifications in density technology (through MDOT) and aggregate testing. Michael joined the O‑A‑K team in May, within weeks of graduating and getting married.

Garrett Smith, Project Superintendent, also graduated from Ferris State University’s construction management program in 2017. His interest in construction began in high school, working for a residential builder in the Holland area. Before coming to O‑A‑K he worked as an intern overseeing K-12 construction projects.

Gabe Raymer, Project Engineer, is our final Ferris State University graduate to join the team this summer. Gabe earned his bachelor’s in construction management earlier this year. His first assignment will be on site at Portage Public Schools, acting as a communication liaison among our management team overseeing several construction projects.

Students, staff, parents and community supporters of Holton Public Schools gathered Monday evening to celebrate the groundbreaking of the district’s $6.9 million bond project. The project will focus on making the schools safe and secure, and warm and welcoming. The first summer of construction projects is currently underway.

Among the speakers were: Steven Kersting, 7th grade student; Drew Trygstad, 12th grade student; Lainey Giddings, 2nd grade student; and Christian Tyndall, 3rd grade student. Holton Superintendent, Adam Bayne, and Holton Board of Education President, Amy Brookhouse, expressed gratitude for the students’ enthusiasm.

“This investment will allow Holton Public Schools to continue to serve the children of this community for many years to come,” said Holton Public Schools Superintendent, Adam Bayne. “I am thankful to our community for their support.”

The work will be phased around ongoing school activities, completed within condensed summer timelines. The overall timeline of the bond improvements is as follows:

2019

• Secure entries: Renovated secure building entries at both school buildings with keycard access systems in order to better monitor access into the buildings
• Extensive sitework: To address pedestrian and vehicle traffic challenges, traffic reflow, new bus loop, new parking lots, and relocating the elementary playground
• Replacement of roofs and mechanical systems: Failing roofs and boiler systems will be replaced
• Miscellaneous work including new bleachers and office renovations

2020

• High School improvements: Upgrades and renovations within the theatre and multipurpose/cafeteria spaces
• New weight and fitness center: With potential for community use
• Roof improvements at high school

The bond to fund these projects was passed by the community in May of 2018. Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. is providing construction management services. GMB Architecture + Engineering is the project architect.

More than 400 church members and project partners gathered Sunday morning to celebrate the completion of Trinity Lutheran Church’s $5.8 million capital campaign, which funded a three-phase expansion and reconfiguration to their existing facility as well as the restoration of the church’s iconic cross tower. The expansion project was completed over the course of one year while the church remained occupied and operational.

“We begin this morning with a rite for the Dedication of a remarkable building project, completing a yearlong effort to house our mission while renovating and refreshing most of our physical facility,” said Senior Pastor, Robert Linstrom. “In those orders we pray, ‘We give you thanks, O God, for you transcend the boundaries of space and time, yet you are willing to make your home in human hearts. We are the temple of your presence, and this building is the house of your church.’”

Special guest, North/West Lower Michigan Synod Bishop Craig Satterlee, provided the sermon for all three services.

Several additional contributors were recognized at the dedication event, including church member and expert craftsmen, Gene Gunderson, who volunteered his talents to build a custom altar, pulpit and baptismal font using reclaimed wood from former church pews. Among the others recognized were church building committee members, project donors, Progressive AE (design firm), and Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (construction management firm).

Fellowship Addition

The design intent for the fellowship addition was to unify an evolving congregation that supports multiple worship styles and generations. Formerly a lower-level courtyard, the new 3,000 square-foot fellowship space features cathedral ceilings with clerestory windows, a central glass-paneled staircase leading to the main floor, and an open wall connecting to the contemporary worship area, known as the church’s “Rejoice Worship Center.”

Rejoice Worship Center

The existing Rejoice Worship Center was completely renovated and features: a new acoustical cloud ceiling; a new stage area with integrated theatrical lighting, an inductive hearing loop system beneath the floor for the hearing impaired; and upgraded finishes throughout.

New entrance and corridor transformation

A new building entrance and corridor provides direct access into the new fellowship space, with adjacent renovations and building reconfigurations to increase wayfinding and enhance church operations. Additional renovations provided a new youth area, offices, and gathering space.