From June 6th to June 10th, over 500 volunteers including LAN Associates gathered together with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh for its annual Builders Blitz event to construct a three-story home and business for a hard-working local family in need.
This was Habitat Newburgh’s first mixed use project which includes a commercial element, so it enlisted the services of LAN Associates to develop final plans and construction drawings to ensure full code compliance, in addition to providing volunteer labor.
Builders Blitz is a yearly event held by Habitat for Humanity chapters across the country where volunteers gather to build new homes or businesses in only one week. 2016 is the fifth Builders Blitz the Newburgh chapter has conducted; whereas in each previous year the chapter built two homes in five days, this year was Newburgh’s first “Live/Work” building – a three-story mixed-use building with space for a local business on the ground floor. On Saturday, June 11, keys to the new home were turned over to the Acevedo family, who will be operating a photography studio and gallery business at the first floor storefront.
LAN was a platinum sponsor of Habitat of Greater Newburgh and this is their first Builders Blitz. One of LAN’s lead Architect’s, Jim Diana, collaborated with Habitat on the project and organized an office team of volunteers for the Builders Blitz. “The Live + Work project was a huge success and was completed on time. LAN understands the importance of teamwork to help support the mission of Habitat to provide affordable housing for those in need. This project demonstrates the significance of architectural design being integrated into the historic neighborhood of Newburgh and is a testament to achieving their goals.”
“The whole atmosphere of the Builders Blitz was fantastic as people of all skill levels volunteered their time for a good cause. Everyone was contributing to the project in any way that they could and were in good spirits despite the marathon build schedule,” said Chris Bechtler, a first time Builders Blitz volunteer and Intern Architect at LAN. “I’m especially pleased to have been able to join them on a project that LAN Associates had worked with them to design.”
Despite the long hours and lofty goals, spirits remained high throughout the week and the project was completed right on time. “It was definitely a very positive experience and I would love to be able to work more with Habitat for Humanity in the future,” added Mr. Bechtler. Habitat Newburgh will continue to work tirelessly for members of its community in need throughout the year, as well as for one tumultuous week at Builders Blitz.
For more information, visit http://www.habitatnewburgh.org/events/builders-blitz/
