Inclusive design in partnership with Steelcase
Client nameSpecial Olympics Michigan
LocationGrand Rapids, Michigan
VerticalCorporate
Project ContactLana Voelker
ArchitectMathison Mathison Architects
ConstructionErhardt Construction
Design ProcessSteelcase
Involved Custer Company
When Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) purchased the former South Christian High School building in 2019, their dream was to develop the largest Special Olympics training and sports center in the world. And that, they did.
The project would include two key phases. First, SOMI wanted to renovate the 127,000-square-foot facility and create a nonprofit hub.
In addition to SOMI’s headquarters, they allocated space for several local organizations, including Autism Support of Kent County and the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan.
Phase two would focus on transforming the 17-acre campus into a world-class sport complex for Special Olympics programming for Special Olympics athletes.
Custer worked with Mathison-Mathison Architects, Erhardt Construction, and product partners Steelcase, Coalesse, and Orangebox to turn the outdated space into a bright, modern workplace that supports the various organizations and facilitates synergy.
The goal for the space focused on human-centered and inclusive design principals to understand and accommodate the diverse needs each organization required.
Large, flexible collaboration rooms filled with flexible conference tables provide ample space for group discussions and brainstorms.
Everwall by Steelcase was installed by our team of expert installers as a featured architectural solution in the space.
Comfortable lounge seating turns work tent spaces into places for privacy and quiet reflection.
Supportive task chairs and flip-top tables give employees spaces for heads-down focus.
Finally, low-profile rugs create a warm, inviting ambiance throughout the building.
The Unified Sports and Inclusion Center was completed in October 2023.
