WMU Business Technology & Research Park

The goal was to take an innovative approach to design to attract progressive life sciences and high-tech research development.

OCBA was retained by Western Michigan University (WMU) to perform land planning, site design and construction administration services for the development of a state-of-the-art Business, Technology and Research Park, and new College of Engineering Campus for WMU; a cooperative venture undertaken by the University, City of Kalamazoo, and Southwest Michigan First.

Residents living adjacent to the 200 acres of former farmland were concerned about stormwater from the project being released into their neighborhood. OCBA responded to input from these stakeholders by developing a land plan that has a stormwater management system as a focal point of the park. It allows water to flow through vegetated swales, breaking down pollutants and slowing runoff released from the site, and doubles as a beautiful, natural open space area with trails that are open to the public and a variety of habitat areas.

OCBA retained the services of Fishbeck and J.F. New as consultants to provide engineering and plant selection assistance for the development of this unique approach to stormwater management.

AWARDS

Honor Award, 2003, Michigan Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects

 Public Works Project of the Year, 2001, Southwest Michigan Branch of the American Public Works Association

DATE COMPLETED

BTR           July 2001

BTR 2.0     May 2020