When Michael DeLong, Project Manager for AV, worked in the health care industry more than a decade ago, he partnered with Kahn on a number of what he calls “exciting” hospital design projects. So as he searched for a master architect for the Desmond Landing development, DeLong made certain to include Kahn among the seven national firms he invited to enter into a design competition to win the project. Three survived the initial process – a Toronto firm, one from Chicago, and Kahn. In the ensuing round of final presentations, says DeLong, “one of the firms brought a complete model of the project but just totally missed what we were looking for. The other had great ideas but they missed our culture. But Kahn got everything right.”

Stephen White, ASLA, OALA, LEED®, a member of that Kahn presentation team who has since become the project’s principal, believes Kahn “made a strong connection” with AV “because we understood that their mission was to enhance the quality of life for the people on the south side of Port Huron. This would not just be a destination for people elsewhere in Michigan and North America – though it certainly would be that as well.”

“We’re a maritime community, and their renderings reflected that,” says DeLong, “But they weren’t overpowering. They incorporated entities of scale that would be comfortable for this community but that would also serve as attractions for others.”

Envision and Revamp

“AV is unique in that it’s not necessarily driven by the same factors that drive other developers,” says White. “They’re motivated by finding the best solution, and by doing what’s right.”

That philosophy, however, renders AV particularly receptive to changes in direction – the most prominent example being its decision not to have a related development issues but also participating in various local events and community fundraisers.

And though the Desmond Landing development is still a work in progress, it has already made a substantial positive impact on the area.

“We can’t keep people away from the Maritime Center, even in the middle of winter,” says White, noting that other organizations have asked the secret of its success in attracting so much activity to the waterfront’s Vantage Point, where the Maritime Center is located. “It’s just a great place to interact – and that’s the essence of what we’re trying to achieve with every project.”

White says that turning around this neglected south side property “would be a huge legacy in itself for AV to leave the city of Port Huron – just reclaiming that property.” But of course AV is doing so much more than that.

“AV is a fantastic group to work with. I can’t speak highly enough about them. It’s an honor and a pleasure to be involved in this project.”