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“Embracing Mixed-Use Development” by TFM President Robert Duval featured in May issue of High-Profile

Landscape Architecture and Civil Engineering was the Focus for High-Profile‘s May 2019 issue. TFMoran’s president, Robert Duval, PE, was featured as an Industry Expert in this special section, writing about the advantages for a mixed-use development. Using one of TFMoran’s high-profile examples of mixed-use, Market and Main in Bedford, NH (currently under construction), he quoted TFMoran’s Senior Landscape Architect, Michael Krzeminski, PLA explaining how he designs to provide a pedestrian-friendly experience. To view the story, click this link High-Profile May 2019_Embracing Mixed-Use Development or read below:

Embracing Mixed-Use Development
by Robert E. Duval

Adopted from urban environments, across the country, the mixed-use development concept is making its way into many smaller cities and towns in New England. These developments encompass a wide range of uses, including commercial, residential, cultural, institutional, and industrial uses in to an integrated whole.

Civil engineering benefits of integrated development include reduced traffic volumes, minimized parking needs, reduced stormwater flows, and greater density. Studies have shown that onsite parking supplies can be reduced by 10% or more because parking can be shared. Reduced parking cuts construction costs by reducing the amount of pavement as well as the extent of stormwater infrastructure needed to capture, detain, and treat pavement runoff.

Greater land use density can be achieved by avoiding internal line setbacks where multiple properties are combined into a single development. The result of this is efficiently designed parking and reduced need for land area, reduced construction costs, and minimized stormwater infrastructure and runoff.

Landscape architecture also plays a critical role in successful mixed-use development. Each building needs to be placed so as to provide convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian travel between all other uses. “Walking distance” in New England is approximately 1,400 feet (about 7 minutes’ walk). This figure is dependent on the ease of travel; having a clear, direct path with an attractive walking environment improves walkability and the volume of foot traffic. Landscape architects must work closely with site engineers to create these easily traversable pedestrian routes.

Market and Main, a 350,000sf, upscale mixed-use center currently under construction in the town of Bedford, N.H., is a prime example. Located at the former Macy’s site on U.S. Route 3, TFMoran’s civil engineers and landscape architects worked closely with the developers to provide a pedestrian-friendly experience. “We designed the landscape to include pavered furniture strips along the sidewalks with ample seating and bike racks,” said Mike Krzeminski, one of TFMoran’s senior landscape architects. “Tree grates, along with structural planting soil, have been worked into the sidewalk design to create rhythm, shade, and sustainability for the trees,” continues Krzeminski. “The pedestrian environment is further enhanced by a central green, with pergolas and seating walls to create an outdoor gathering place for all to enjoy.” The first two retail buildings, Trader Joe’s and The Friendly Toast, are now open. The development plans include a 600-seat deluxe cinema, an office building, a hotel, a variety of restaurants and retail shops, and two parking garages.

The benefits of mixed-use developments are being recognized by many community planners. As these communities embrace mixed-use developments in their zoning codes, we can expect to see increasing prosperity and vibrancy in the central cores of our New England cities and towns.

Robert E. Duval, PE, LEED AP, is president and chief engineer at TFMoran, Inc., Bedford, N.H.

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TFMoran is Celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month

This week, TFMoran is celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month! World Landscape Architecture Month is the month long celebration of landscape architecture and designed public and private spaces. Established by the American Society of Landscape Architecture, WLAM aims to demonstrate how landscape architecture affects our daily lives. WLAM is celebrated every April to coincide with Earth Day.

TFMoran’s Landscape Architecture Department consists of Michael Krzeminski, PLA; Adam Jimenez and Robert Hoover, PLA, ASLA who spend their days designing TFMoran projects, including adding those special “curb-appeal” details.

Michael Krzeminski, PLAMichael Krzeminski, PLA, is a Professional Landscape Architect licensed in the states of NH, MA and ME. He attended State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Association with Syracuse University and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Landscape Architecture. Mike joined TFMoran in 1995 as an Assistant Land Planner/Designer and is now a key member of the TFM Design team. He has an extensive knowledge of plant materials and design principles, which enables him to creatively solve design problems. His role at TFMoran starts at the conceptual stage and continues through project completion. Mike is responsible for planting plans, specifications and construction overview. His experience includes high-quality conceptual designs and renderings of commercial, industrial, and residential developments. He has been the lead Landscape Architect at TFMoran for 3 years and has a passion for the work that he does.

Adam Jimenez, Land PlannerAdam Jimenez has a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Rhode Island and joined the TFM Design team in 2016. He is an Assistant Land Planner and is working towards getting his landscape architecture license. His design experience includes commercial and residential land planning. Prior to joining the company, Adam was employed at a local company designing and installing hardscapes and softscapes for commercial and residential applications.

Robert Hoover, PLA, ASLARobert Hoover, PLA, ASLA, is a Professional Landscape Architect licensed in the states of NH, MA, ME, CT, NY, RI and PA. He serves as a Project Manager in TFMoran’s Portsmouth division since joining the company in 2017. Rob has over 40 years of experience in the practice of Landscape Architecture, specializing in designing with nature as a therapeutic, restorative, healing medium. He has personally designed over 100 built “nature as restorer” projects. Rob has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Design from the University of Massachusetts and his Masters Degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. He has over 35 years of professional experience in the practice of Landscape Architecture. Rob founded HBLA Inc. in 2001 and maintained the company for 15 years. Based on his pioneering efforts, in 2001 Rob was invited to participate in the establishment of Chicago Botanic Gardens flagship Healthcare Design Program. This program remains the only advanced certificate program of its kind in the country.  Rob continues his involvement as faculty and program adviser to this day.  He is recognized nationally as a leader and pioneer in this field, receiving over 50 awards and special recognition including national publication and international exhibitions.  He is published, taught numerous classes and lectured throughout the country.

During this celebratory Landscape Architecture Month, a different ASLA student chapter will take over the ASLA National Instagram account each day, highlighting projects of the next generation of landscape architects. TFMoran has also posted on their own Instagram account to acknowledge the hard work that their landscape architects do to make our projects even more attractive.

We thank Mike, Adam and Rob for their contribution to TFMoran’s multi-disciplinary services we provide to our Clients in-house.

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Lunch N Learn at the Bedford Office

Members of the TFMoran Bedford office attended a Lunch N Learn on January 29, 2019. The Lunch N Learn was held in the first floor conference room and was taught by Jason Lenzen from Genest Paving Stones and Walls, who discussed proper maintenance of permeable interlocking concrete pavement. Jason brought Panera Bread sandwiches and salads, which were enjoyed by all in attendance. The list of attendees included Maureen Kelly, Jeremy Belanger, Mike Krzeminski, Jen Porter, Jason Hill, and our marketing intern, John DiFrancesco. The room was filled with chatter as the attendees asked questions about proper maintenance and use of the permeable pavement, and its ability to withstand salt and snow-plows during the winter months. Thanks to Jason Lenzen for a great Lunch N Learn.

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TFMoran Project in May Issue of High-Profile

The May 2018 issue of High Profile is focused on Civil Engineering and Landscape Architecture, and features an article on the Bedford Land Rover redevelopment on South River Road. TFMoran provided civil, structural and traffic engineering, permitting, and landscape architecture for this project which is currently under construction. We invite you to read the story below, or click on this pdf link High Profile_May2018_page 33_Land Rover

TFMoran Part of Land Rover Redevelopment Team

Bedford, NH – TFMoran is part of a New Hampshire-based design-build project team providing services for Land Rover’s new facility on South River Road (U.S. Route 3). The team also includes Warrenstreet Architects of Concord and Eckman Construction of Bedford.

The construction of the new facility is underway and will be completed in the fall of 2018.

TFMoran supplied civil/site/traffic and structural engineering, permitting, and landscape architecture services for the new 19,200sf auto showroom and state-of-the-art service area. The architecture of the proposed dealership is contemporary in nature with aluminum composite cladding in a dark grey and a champagne silver. The structure will include very prominent floor-to-ceiling plenar glass windows to display the interior showroom.

The window facing South River Road will extend approximately 61 feet or approximately 44% of the building façade. Although the contemporary design is unique for Bedford, the project team engaged the board with a detailed discussion related to the proposed architecture, and the board expressed comfort with the proposed design in light of landscaping improvements proposed.

TFMoran’s professional landscape architect, Mike Krzeminski, explained the landscape will highlight and complement the architecture of the building, while also balancing the town’s landscape standards.

“Blending corporate design standards with municipal expectations is a delicate balance especially in a town like Bedford where they have specific architectural preferences,” said TFMoran Senior Project Manager Nick Golon, PE. “In the end, both the town and project team found an appropriate balance that will deliver an exceptional project everyone can be proud of,” continued Golon.

TFMoran senior structural engineer, Joaquín Denoya, PE described the custom steel truss above glass storefront facing South River Road. “The exterior wall above the glass was designed as an 8-ft by 6-ft deep custom steel truss cladded with metal panels. The concept of supporting the roof framing on a clear spanning truss allowed for the design team to achieve a column-free look within the showroom,” explains Denoya.

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TFMoran SNHU project featured in High-Profile Sept issue

High-Profile’s September 2017 issue focuses on Educational Facilities, and features one of TFMoran’s civil engineering and landscape architecture projects at Southern New Hampshire University, Monadnock Hall.  HighProfile Monthly is a three-generation family publication that covers all aspects of the New England architecture, engineering, and construction industry.

To read the article in pdf format, click this link TFMoran SNHU Monadnock Hall Project in High-Profile Sept 2017 Issue

Or, read the text below:

TFMoran Provides Civil/Site Design for SNHU’s Monadnock Hall

Hooksett, NH –  TFMoran of Bedford, NH provided survey, permitting, civil/site engineering, and landscape architecture for this new 4-story dormitory at Southern New Hampshire University, located on East Side Drive in Hooksett, NH. The 103,440sf building contains apartment-style dormitories made up of single and double bedrooms, in total there are 300 beds. Included are many amenities not typical to a college dorm, such as: a full kitchen, living room, and a separate shower off from the bathroom. Located on the first floor of the building will also be a fitness center, game room, and a common “Main Street”. The project architects are Mackey Mitchell of St. Louis, MO and Lavallee Brensinger of Manchester, NH, and the general contractor is Whiting Turner of Framingham, MA. The exterior of the structure is a new design for SNHU, made up of natural stone and metal panels. A ribbon cutting event is planned for early September, after students get settled into their new home.

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TFM’s Summer Newsletter is Hot Off The Press!

TFM’s newsletter “The Scope” is now available for on-line viewing!  Please click this pdf link to read TFM’s 8 page summer newsletter TFM The Scope_ 2017 Summer_Vol IV

This summer issue has a full-array of exciting projects, events and staff news. New projects like “Market and Main” a new Lifestyle Center on the former Macy’s site in Bedford, NH; Murphy’s Taproom & The Carriage House, an Irish restaurant and banquet facility on the former Weathervane Seafood Restaurant site in Bedford;  SNHU’s newest 4-story dormitory Monadnock Hall; and Residences at Riverfront Landing, 228-unit apartment complex in Nashua along the Merrimack/Nashua River, just to name a few.

TFM’s Marketing Coordinator, Susan Bartley designs and produces the newsletter in-house, and her summer intern Marketing Assistant, Kelsie Gagner helped to write many of the stories. Kelsie also took many of the project photos and staff photos, she will be a Senior at Southern New Hampshire University. And, a big “Thank You” to Frank and his staff at Papergraphics of Merrimack, NH for another great job of printing and mailing the newsletter!

We hope you enjoy it!