Custom Kitchens,  2021-22.  K. Van Dyke and Associates as contractor in partnership with Hightower Wood Products.

One of the joys of recent years is doing projects in partnership with my brother Jerry, designer and builder of custom cabinetry and owner of High Tower Wood Products.

Zwiers House,  2017. K. Van Dyke and Associates as general contractor. Design by Elevate Studio and Diedre Interiors.

This was a whole house renovation, including new windows, a new kitchen, two new bathrooms, custom interior doors, and specialty interior woodwork and glass.

Birkerts-Freeman House,  2014.  K. Van Dyke and Associates as general contractor.

As noted below, we first worked on this Gunnar Birkerts designed gem in 1999.  Following that we were called to the property several times for consultation.  In 2014 new owners hired us to rebuild the atrium, because the glass had failed and the seals were leaking.  This work was completed with assistance from our partners Lakeshore Glass, who provided custom-built insulated glass shapes; and Grand River Builders, who provided custom metal work in lead-coated copper to match the original.

Truman Road Project, 2009 & 2011. KVD+A Design/Build.

This old farmhouse with multiple additions has a south-facing solarium. The original site-built glazing and window framing had deteriorated and failed due to weathering and heat stressing. The solution was a complete replacement with a commercial-type aluminum frame glazing system. The project also included custom cabinetry with custom wood countertops, floor tile, free-standing gas heating stove, and an outdoor shower.

We returned to this project two years later for a complete kitchen & dining room remodel, designed by Denny Rohn.   A special feature of the new kitchen is custom-built sliding “barn doors” that conceal a pantry and secondary food prep space.  This project also included multiple window replacements.

Winters House, 2009, KVD+A Design.

This century-old home in the historic section of downtown Rockford was charming and solid, but the partially excavated cellar was useless, the fieldstone foundation was crumbling, the beams and posts supporting the floor structure were rotted, and the floor joists were sagging. The owner wanted to raise the house, replace the foundation, and add more living space. We designed a new foundation of insulated concrete forms with a walk-out patio door in the rear, daylight windows for a new lower level family room, and an egress window for a new lower level bedroom. The design included the interior supporting walls and beam layout, joist repairs, and a small addition to enclose a new staircase to replace the old winding cellar stairs.

Madison Houses, 2004, as Project Manager with DeVries Construction, for Inner City Christian Federation. Kim DeStrigter, Architect.

These two large multi-family homes in the core city were vacant, heavily deteriorated and fire damaged when acquired by a non-profit community development corporation. These were gut-rehab projects, including significant structural repairs and re-configuration of interior space, and site improvements including off-street parking areas for tenants.

Birkerts-Freeman House, 1999, as Project Manager for Grand River Builders.

The Freeman house in East Grand Rapids was designed in 1964 by internationally known architect Gunnar Birkerts and is a very significant expression of the modern architecture of the mid 20th century. When purchased by the second owner the house needed significant repairs and updating, with sensitivity to the architectural significance of this home. Restoration work included plaster repair, millwork repair, metal roof repair, caulking and glazing, cabinetry, tile work, site work and drainage, and mechanical systems replacement. See also the essay on the Freeman house.

Willowbrook, 1997, as Project Manager for Grand River Builders.

This stately home on the campus of Aquinas College had been neglected for some years before being designated as the residence of the President of the College. Restoration work included plaster repair and replacement, restoration of interior millwork, weatherization, wiring upgrades and complete remodeling of five bathrooms.

Ford Home, 1997, as Project Manager for Grand River Builders.

Family room addition with porch and full basement. As a young man former President Gerald R. Ford lived in this historic East Grand Rapids home. The owners wanted a seamless addition that blended with the original architecture.

Kennesaw House, 1995. As General Contractor. Design by Robert Winters, Architect.

This East Grand Rapids two-story had a low pitch hip roof. The project added a full third floor with gambrel roof, including master bedroom suite with full bath, and upper level outdoor deck space. 

Estelle House, 1995. As General Contractor. KVD+A Design/Build.

This East Grand Rapids bungalow was converted to a full two-story home, adding 3 bedrooms
and a full bath.