Related Digital is advancing a $16 billion hyperscale data center campus in Saline Township, Michigan, developed for Oracle and marking the largest capital investment in the state’s history. The more than 1,000-megawatt campus will help expand advanced artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities for Oracle and Open AI.

Atwell is supporting the project with concept planning, due diligence, land surveying, civil engineering, wetland permitting, landscape architecture, and construction management services. Our team is helping move this large-scale development from early planning through execution while supporting the infrastructure needed for long-term growth and innovation.

“Projects of this scale require strong collaboration and thoughtful planning from day one,” said Eric Lord, Vice President at Atwell. “We’re excited to help deliver the infrastructure needed to support long-term innovation and growth in Michigan.”

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Enabling faster access to everyday essentials

Wing’s drone delivery service is designed for lightweight, time-sensitive items such as over-the-counter medications, groceries, and household essentials. Drones can carry up to 2.5 pounds with a one-way range of 6 miles. Fully electric and operating at low altitudes—well below commercial airspace—the drones provide a quiet, efficient delivery option. The delivery service offers a practical solution for everyday needs.

Wing manages the drone technology, flight operations, and the on-site “Nest,” where drones are stored, charged, and secured. Together, Walmart and Wing are introducing an additional delivery option that saves customers time and helps ease congestion on metro Atlanta roads.

Atwell’s role: planning, design, and permitting

Atwell partnered with Walmart and Wing to prepare the site for drone operations, supporting several key components of the project:

• Site planning for the drone Nest
  Atwell developed the site plan for the Nest within the existing parking lot, identifying an optimal location that met FAA-related requirements while maintaining customer safety and minimizing impacts to parking and traffic flow.
• Permitting and regulatory coordination
  Atwell supported zoning, fencing, and building permits and coordinated with local authorities to help ensure regulatory compliance and a smooth approval process.

Associate Project Manager Rachel Sutherland emphasized the local impact of the project: “It’s exciting to support the introduction of new technology that can make a real difference—whether delivering medicine to someone who’s sick or helping a family meet a last-minute need.”

Jim Lowe, Vice President at Atwell for the metro Atlanta region, added “This project shows how collaboration and thoughtful planning can turn emerging technology into a service that benefits everyday life.”

Supporting innovation that benefits communities

This project demonstrates how strategic site planning and design can support new delivery models that directly benefit customers and communities. By improving access to essential goods and reducing vehicle trips, drone delivery offers a meaningful advantage for families across metro Atlanta. Atwell is proud to have supported Walmart and Wing in bringing this first-of-its-kind service to the region.

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At Atwell, we bring passion to every project, and in 2025, that commitment showed up in meaningful ways across the country. Throughout the year, we strengthened client relationships, prioritized safety, and delivered thoughtful solutions that support how people live, work, and connect with their communities. From complex infrastructure to carefully planned residential developments, our work continues to elevate the quality of life nationwide. Explore our 2025 project highlights below:

The Vineyard at Crescent Ridge, a luxury residential development in Central Washington’s Crescent Bar community, was one of our January project features. The Atwell team used a real-time, design-build approach across 40 single-family homes to ensure each lot had an unobstructed view of the Columbia River. Our team was able to deliver a year-round community that incorporates luxury, thoughtful design, and breathtaking views through strategic site planning, complex grading solutions, and close client collaboration.

In February, we highlighted Atwell’s work in leading quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) services for Etihad Park, New York City Football Club’s $780 million, privately financed soccer stadium. As the city’s first stadium built exclusively for soccer, the 25,000-seat venue will feature premium seating, a selection of dining and retail options, a 9,000-square-foot outdoor gathering space called the Supporters Porch, and a striking seven-story entrance called The Cube. The stadium is scheduled to open in 2027 and will be the first fully electric soccer stadium in Major League Soccer and in New York City.

In March, we shared how our team has helped Black Rock Coffee successfully expand across the West and Southwest by leveraging modular building designs. The Atwell team handled a full scope of services across these projects, from due diligence and permitting to engineering, construction coordination, and stakeholder outreach. This streamlined approach has allowed us to support more than 35 Black Rock Coffee projects across multiple states, playing a key role in the brand’s continued growth.

Our May feature was Serenbe, an award-winning, 1,700-acre biophilic community in Georgia, that redefines master-planned community development by prioritizing wellness, sustainability, and connecting people to nature. Involved since 2003, the Atwell team has helped create a community that conserves 70% of its land for natural and agricultural use while clustering custom-designed homes and amenities into walkable hamlets. Our team also helped pioneer new development and stormwater practices that influenced local zoning standards.

In June, we highlighted the Japanese Solderless Terminals (JST) campus in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Atwell served as a key engineering partner for the campus, incorporating cultural philosophy and environmental stewardship throughout the design. The 10-acre project was influenced by Japanese spiritual beliefs that view land and nature as sacred. Because of this, only four acres of land were actively used while the other six acres protect natural water flow and local ecosystems. Designed to work with the land rather than reshape it, the campus also features buildings elevated on stilts, geothermal energy systems, and materials sourced to minimize environmental impact, all while honoring both Japanese and Native American cultural heritage.

In July, we featured The Gulf Landing Logistics Center in Fort Myers, Florida, where an underutilized 285-acre site was transformed into one of Southwest Florida’s most significant industrial and commercial hubs. Both Atwell and RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture helped reimagine the property by expanding entitlements from 1.7 million to nearly 3 million square feet and revising the master plan to meet ambitious goals of the new owners. Even with tight timelines, the team was able to expedite permitting, resolve complex technical and regulatory challenges, and preserve 92 acres of natural land.

Scottsdale Quarter, a landmark mixed-use development in Scottsdale, Arizona, was our August feature. Atwell provided a range of services including platting, utilities, grading, drainage, and community coordination for the 28-acre development.  The area seamlessly integrates residential, office, retail, dining, entertainment, and public gathering spaces into a vibrant, walkable destination where people can live, work, and relax.

In September, we emphasized Atwell’s partnership with a major Texas natural gas distribution company to improve safety and reliability of residential gas infrastructure. Atwell supports more than 2.1 million customers across 600 communities by providing services like planning, design, permitting, construction support, and phased execution to replace outdated and low-pressure gas lines while minimizing service disruptions. Our team is helping prepare Texas communities for continued growth while enhancing the long-term safety and resilience of critical energy infrastructure.

In October, we shared how Whitaker Farms, a thoughtfully planned residential development in Midway, Utah, demonstrates how high-end community growth can coexist with land preservation and local heritage. Originally part of a 100-acre family farm, the project dedicates 80 acres to development while preserving 20 acres of open space, including a central meadow and farmland that maintain the area’s character. Our team helped integrate public amenities, improve access to the adjacent Memorial Hill park, and contribute land and infrastructure that benefit the broader community.

These projects are just a snapshot of what our team has accomplished over the course of 2025, demonstrating the difference our work makes across communities. Together, they showcase the depth of our expertise, versatility of our services, and expertise Atwell brings to every client and project. As we look ahead to 2026, we remain committed to tackling complex challenges and helping communities thrive!

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Settled in an area of natural beauty amongst rolling mountains and the Provo River, the Whitaker Farms development in Midway, Utah is a stunning example of creating a project that offers high-end development while maintaining a connection with the land and historic farming community. Originally a 100-acre parcel and farm owned by the Whitaker family, a portion of it was sold for development with the intention of preserving the pastoral views and rural feel of the community.

Development and conservation pairing perfectly

Development of the project began with annexation into the city of Midway and ongoing concept development. The project included 80 acres for development and would feature 50 total home lots, allowing for future homeowners to have larger lots and sight lines with flexibility in design to maintain open space.

“This project was one that demanded a deep understanding of the area and a commitment to preserving the natural farmland and beauty of the region,” said Mike Johnston, Senior Project Engineer with Atwell. “Beyond any functional needs or challenges, Midway is an area that appreciates the rural small town feel that it has, and we worked diligently to be able to keep that spirit while still advancing a really wonderful development for the area.”

Ultimately, 20 acres remained as preserved open space for residents and the community to enjoy as part of the thoughtful design. At the heart of the project, 15 acres remained an open meadow, being a focal point for many of the homes with views of the tallgrass pasture, streams that cut through the land, and a clubhouse area for residents to enjoy. Other homes face outward from the property with views of the adjacent Provo River conservation corridor, which is a blue-ribbon trout fishing river, well known for its beauty and ample fish. The Whitaker development offers not only beautiful views of the river but also includes a private access point to the river itself for residents.

Community connections and creating solutions

Central to the development was the incorporation of community access while preserving the farmland in perpetuity. The new development sits next to an iconic park in the area known as Memorial Hill, which is an ancient limestone formation that pays tribute to veterans of all wars of the United States and includes the names of local veterans who served. The team designed new roundabouts entering the project to allow access to the park for everyone while adding landscaping and beautifying the two entrances to the community as part of the process.

“We worked with the local community stakeholders, ranging from the American Legion – which takes care of Memorial Park – to adjacent homeowners, and the city itself to ensure that Whitaker Farms was truly a win-win for all involved,” said Johnston. “I think one of the major wins and successes of this project was how our team partnered with residents, the city, the county, and our client team. We actually developed a new parking location for Memorial Hill and deeded land to the county park, and it’s become a real asset for the Midway community. We were also able to add a new road on the north side that has helped the neighbors as well.”

Unique, modern designs with touches of a traditional farmhouse style

The homes at Whitaker Farms represent some of the most luxurious options in the region, offering residents a feel and style that you might find in the English countryside with large stone fireplaces, steep roofs, along with natural materials and design intended to meld into the surrounding landscape.

Whitaker Farms homes have been highly praised, and the area is viewed as one of the most desirable in the region.

The hills of Midway now host not just beautiful homes, but a testament to what happens when development is done right. For future residents walking the preserved farmland trails, fishing the pristine Provo River, or gathering at Memorial Hill to honor our veterans, Whitaker Farms will serve as an example that the best developments don’t just create houses but build lasting moments and legacies for generations to come.

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As Texas neighborhoods expand and grow, there is an underground issue lurking.  Aging natural gas infrastructure presents a critical challenge to safe and reliable gas delivery—something that Atwell and our energy client, a natural gas distribution company based in Texas, are working on closely together to solve.

Residents depend on safe, efficient service to power their lives each day, and our team at Atwell works to provide that through the providers we partner with. Our energy client provides natural gas to more than 2.1 million customers throughout over 600 communities in Texas. Together, we are working to modernize and maximize utility services in our communities by updating and upgrading natural gas delivery as part of a significant pipeline replacement program. Neighborhood replacement projects are critical because these improvements aren’t just technical upgrades—they directly benefit local communities by enhancing safety, reducing future disruptions, and preparing neighborhoods for continued growth and reliable energy use.

Revamping energy infrastructure throughout Texas

As part of the Neighborhood Replacement Projects for our client, Atwell’s team is assisting in the planning, designing, permitting, procurement, and construction process of replacing older lines and upgrading low-pressure gas lines. In line with our client’s commitment to safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance, these improvements proactively replace aging infrastructure that may be susceptible to wear, degradation, or outdated performance. The project scopes include both individual neighborhoods and entire towns across Texas, with much of the work concentrated in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and Waco.

“Our client is committed to providing the best possible experience for its customers, and they recognized the continued growth in these communities and the need for updates,” said Atwell Project Manager Amando Garcia. “Together, we’re able to better deliver efficient gas service in this region.”

The Atwell team has taken on a wide range of responsibilities, including the creation of construction plan drawings; managing site visits; identifying which properties and associated gas meters are currently active and servicing customers; structuring the work into phases to keep construction on schedule and avoid service disruptions; and managing the required permitting processes. This technical and logistical undertaking is made possible by Atwell’s deep experience and longstanding relationship with our client.

Past experiences with the client and similar projects provide a solid foundation of expertise

Atwell’s team has extensive experience in the region and a long history with the client, which allows for a shared respect and understanding in how to work well together. That continuity has helped shape this work, reinforcing the client’s trust with Atwell as our team ensures that the client can depend on us to jump in quickly to support their needs without missing a step in this critical transformation for residents.

The team has also successfully completed similar projects in the past, adding to Atwell’s expertise in community utility work, which includes the technical aspects of replacing older lines and upgrading low-pressure systems. This knowledge equipped our team to efficiently manage projects ranging in scale from single neighborhoods to entire towns, transforming the living experience for residents.

Adaptability and commitment to client relationships creates efficient and effective outcomes

Given the scale of this program, the team has overcome many challenges and is prepared to handle any in the future, such as design changes during construction, maintaining fluidity to adhere to permitting requirements, and coordinating between different project phases. As the projects grow and evolve, the team’s experience helps scale their processes and adapt to the increased demands and requirements in expanding to additional neighborhoods. Our commitment to client service is at the heart of our support, and flexibility is required due to factors such as client needs, identifying opportunities for greater efficiency, and local regulations and requirements.

The team’s constant, open communication with the client and seamless collaboration have been key factors in the project’s success so far.

“Atwell has worked with this client before, and the relationship we’ve built has been instrumental in managing the expanding scope of this relocation program,” said Ray Holliday, Discipline Manager at Atwell. “With many active projects at once, it’s essential to coordinate and work together. Thanks to our established and positive relationship, our team has a clear roadmap for how to maintain an effective and positive project experience, which is crucial for managing large projects like these.”

Establishing a framework for success in complex infrastructure projects

The combination of the Atwell team’s expertise, client relationships, communication, and flexibility has allowed the project team to effectively manage the expansion of our client’s Neighborhood Replacement Projects, demonstrating the company’s capability to oversee complex, growing infrastructure initiatives to meet current and future energy needs.

Atwell has been supporting these projects since late 2023, and with ongoing work well into 2025 and plans already in place for 2026, we’re optimistic about continuing this impactful partnership for years to come. These efforts not only reflect Atwell’s technical excellence and commitment to client service, but also reinforce our shared mission with our client to enhance safety, sustainability, and peace of mind for the communities we serve.

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Mixed-use developments have become a defining element of urban design, combining residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces into vibrant, walkable communities. As these spaces grow in popularity, so does the need for thoughtful planning and innovative engineering. Scottsdale Quarter in Arizona stands out as a prime example of this evolution—and Atwell played a central role in making it happen.

A destination for all aspects of life

When the developer and Nelsen Partners approached the Atwell team, they brought a vision to build on their success at Kierland Commons, expanding the open-air pedestrian experience and enhancing innovative elements to take it to the next level. This forward-thinking concept reimagined how people could live, work, shop, and relax in one connected, walkable community, setting a new standard for the area. Bringing that vision to life required careful planning, meticulous management, and seamless coordination and communication.

“The vision for this project was a location that would bring together a beautiful space where people could enjoy all aspects of their life,” said Ramzi Georges, Director at Atwell. “Whether a person is living there, working there, or just visiting for a wonderful day of entertainment, the experience should be a great one.”

The diversity of spaces and offerings at Scottsdale Quarter aims to satisfy a variety of family types, lifestyles, work environments, and recreational activities. The 28-acre site in Scottsdale, Arizona includes 700,000 square feet of residential space; 217,000 square feet of office space; and over 360,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, cinema, and entertainment space.

Today, Scottsdale Quarter stands as a testament to the power and impact of pedestrian-oriented design, reshaping how communities gather, move, and connect in the desert, while pioneering a model that continues to influence development across the region.

Overcoming complex engineering and coordination requirements

Atwell’s team worked on a number of elements of the project, including platting, utilities design, and complicated grading and drainage. With very dense sites like this one, one of the hardest tasks was determining the drainage process. The team had to send the drainage to its historic path, which was a complex ordeal, as the team also had to account for underground retention in addition to the normal utilities.

Another challenge was the specialized coordination with the local fire department to accommodate fire truck routing that aligned with the site plan. Atwell’s team also had to coordinate with many new tenants, such as restaurants, apartment builders, retailers, and hotels.

“We had very aggressive schedules for the different phases of the site, but we were able to meet those schedules in each case,” stated Georges. “We really collaborated well with Nelsen Partners, who served as the architect on the project, to be sure that we could deliver a high-end destination and support all the tenant needs and customization requirements as tenants signed on to be part of the Quarter.”

High quality work leads to high quality results

Members of the Atwell team worked on this project from 2007 to 2022. Today, Scottsdale Quarter has become a premier shopping destination offering market-exclusive brands and locally-owned specialty shops to residents and tourists alike. The mixed-use development also hosts dozens of events each year, including live music, fitness events, and family-friendly experiences.

“Ultimately, I’m extremely proud of the team we had,” said Georges. “This project came with unique needs and many moving parts that we had to coordinate, but we were able to meet every need. Now, Scottsdale Quarter has become a highly sought after location in one of the most attractive areas in the region.”

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What began as an underutilized property tucked between major highways in Fort Myers is now taking shape as one of Southwest Florida’s most significant logistics hubs.

The Gulf Landing Logistics Center (GLLC), spanning 285 acres, represents not only a physical transformation but a story of vision, momentum, and collaboration.

When Youngquist Brothers, the longtime landowners, set out to unlock the site’s potential, they partnered with Atwell and RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture to reimagine the land’s future. Through updated entitlements and a refined master plan, the groundwork was laid. But when the property changed hands to the Butters Group, the pace accelerated and the pressure intensified.

What followed was an all-hands-on-deck effort to revise the plan, secure permits, and break ground, all without compromising the project’s quality, purpose, or long-term value.

A vision reimagined

Initially started by longtime landowner Youngquist Brothers, Atwell and RVi worked together to significantly increase the allowable uses and industrial intensity of the property, aligning the project with evolving market demands. The rezoning effort expanded entitlements from 1.7 million to approximately 3 million square feet of industrial and commercial space, including newly added medical office and research uses.

The project took a pivotal turn when the property was sold to Butters Group. This transition required a comprehensive rework of the master plan to reflect the new owner’s ambitious vision. Atwell and RVi responded quickly. Atwell revised development permits and updated the plan to meet aggressive timelines and initiate construction. In parallel, RVi provided administrative zoning modifications, code-minimum landscape plans, site enhancement plans, and construction-phase support services.

Spanning 285 acres, the site includes more than 2.24 million square feet of industrial and commercial space across 14 buildings, while preserving 92 acres of natural land and managing regional stormwater for the adjacent Ben Hill Griffin Parkway.

With a clear mandate to move quickly, Atwell and RVi assembled a cross-disciplinary team to expedite approvals and maintain momentum. Construction deadlines were tightly linked to bank financing and tenant commitments. Every day counted. Thanks to this unified approach, the project stayed on track and construction is now well underway.

“The most interesting aspects of this project were taking the previous site plan that had different uses and transitioning it into more than two million square feet of industrial and commercial buildings,” said Nik Kasten, Atwell Project Manager. “Thanks to the wide-spanning knowledge of our team, we’ve been able to push through challenges and deliver successful results despite tight deadlines.”

Turning challenges into wins

In addition to the demanding timeline, the team faced several technical hurdles. A Florida Power & Light (FPL) easement intersected the site, requiring close coordination to meet design standards with minimal disruption. The project also called for signage allowances that exceeded standard code requirements, and relief from internal buffering requirements that would have unnecessarily separated compatible uses and increased development costs.

RVi worked closely with the client to secure relief from these requirements through administrative channels, avoiding the delays of a public hearing process. At the same time, Atwell and RVi leveraged their strong relationships with local municipalities to streamline reviews and keep the project advancing.

“The client had a vision of a higher-end aesthetic for this project, and RVi’s ability to work closely with the Atwell civil team allowed for a more thoughtful approach to site design, permitting, utility layout, and landscape design,” said Will Hellman, RVi Senior Project Manager. “This has resulted in a project that stands out among the competition.”

Regular communication with Butters Group was central to success. The team provided consistent updates on utility coordination, permitting status, and evolving tenant needs-delivering timely responses and maintaining trust every step of the way.

A new economic engine for the region

What began as a mixed-use concept has now evolved into a bold, modern industrial hub, thanks to the combined expertise of Atwell and RVi. As of Spring 2025, seven of the 14 planned buildings are constructed or nearing completion. As tenants move in, GLLC is generating new opportunities for employment and economic activity in the region.

“This has been a really rewarding experience,” said Jeremy Arnold, Atwell Vice President. “It’s so fulfilling to see this project come to life in a space that so many people can experience. Every time anyone on our team drives by it, we feel an immense sense of accomplishment knowing that we had a hand in making it happen.”

“This project is creating opportunities for high-paying jobs, business incubation, and increased tax base for Lee County,” added Alexis Crespo, Vice President of Planning at RVi. “We are very proud to be a part of a development that contributes to the local and regional economy in such a significant way.”

Looking ahead

With construction progressing steadily and tenant interest high, GLLC is more than a project; it’s a symbol of growth and forward-thinking development. By combining technical expertise, long-standing relationships, and timely action, Atwell and RVi have helped bring to life one of Southwest Florida’s most significant logistics hub, that will continue to shape the region for years to come.

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Eric Lord is no stranger to land development projects. With more than 20 years of experience in various land development processes such as site planning, zoning entitlement, site civil construction plan design, and permitting, the Vice President at Atwell has had a hand in a plethora of land development projects nationwide. However, his role as Principal-in-Charge of the multi-year Japanese Solderless Terminals (JST) campus project has proven to be his most unique to date.

This project, which involves the installation of a 50- to 60-person office, stands out due to its commitment to preserving the surrounding environment. Focused on protecting flora, wildlife, and water flow, this project is the most holistically sustainable commercial development in Michigan’s history.

A unique approach to development

JST’s development philosophy is heavily influenced by Japanese spiritual beliefs that view land and nature as sacred. This belief system led to unique project parameters, such as:

• Preserving natural water flow: A minimal number of storm sewer, gutters, or curbs were used to redirect water. Instead, natural elements like grass and stone were incorporated to guide water sustainably.
• Documenting local wildlife: The team dedicated years to surveying and documenting every species of plant and animal on-site to establish a baseline for the health of the ecosystem and to ensure that, following the completion of the project, the health will return to or improve from that baseline.
• Innovative roofing techniques: One structure will feature a thatched roof, a rare technique in the U.S., completed by one of only two contractors in the country specializing in this craft.

“These unique project parameters presented a challenge to the typical engineering process,” said Lord. “As someone who has worked in land development for more than 20 years, it was an exciting challenge, and I believe that we found the best solutions possible for the project and the environment.”

This project also honors cultures beyond Japanese traditions. Numerous elements, such as the Sales Center’s fireplace, reflect respect for the Native American communities that historically inhabited the site, as identified during comprehensive site research conducted before construction.

“A lot of detail went into this project, and though it may be unconventional, everything was very calculated,” commented Savanna Pace, Business Development Manager for the construction manager Cunningham-Limp. “Every design choice has a strategic, spiritual meaning. For example, the Fibonacci sequence, which reflects the inherent order and patterns found in nature, is a theme throughout the entire campus.”

The impeccable execution of these cultural and sustainable elements is due to the visionary direction of Ryuichi Ashizawa Architects out of Osaka, Japan, and Arcari + Iovino, an architect firm based in New Jersey and led by Edward Arcari.

Unlike conventional developments, this 10-acre project in Farmington Hills, Michigan, activates only four acres, leaving the remaining six untouched. This decision aligns with JST’s dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability. The site features six distinct buildings, each designed with a unique architectural approach, avoiding a “copy-paste” development model.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the project is its use of mass timber and naturally sourced materials, avoiding standard drywall and synthetic products as much as possible. The structures incorporate wood from standing dead trees or beetle-killed pine sourced from Mexico, a practice that not only promotes sustainability but also helps prevent forest fires. Additionally, any tree that is moved to accommodate a building or structure is replanted in the same spot it was moved from or in another section of the project.

“We looked at the history of the land, researched the trees, and approached the project piece by piece,” explained Lord. “This was to ensure minimal environmental disturbances, which was a priority for our client.”

Engineering challenges and innovations

Although this project is expected to exceed Diamond LEED standards, the team is not seeking formal certification. Their primary motivation is to do the right thing for the environment and inspire others through example rather than awards.

“Each of the project’s structures has several unique, innovative features that work with the land instead of against it,” said Lord. These details include:

• The Test Lab: The first completed building, the Test Lab, is composed of 80% mass timber and is situated near one of the largest geothermal fields in southeast Michigan that powers the entire campus. The geothermal system features 16 miles of underground piping and 72 wells reaching 455 feet deep. Installing this system was a major challenge, as the land could not be cleared or trees cut down, making the process logistically complex.
• Engineering Center: Substantially completed in 2025 and serving as an office space for JST engineers, the Engineering Center is a structural marvel. Rather than leveling the ground through traditional clear-cutting methods, the building was constructed on stilts of varying heights to accommodate the existing land grade, allowing the natural animal habitats and migration paths to continue uninterrupted underneath. This approach required innovative engineering solutions but ultimately preserved the natural topography.
• Center Circle and Sales Center: The Center Circle, also built from mass timber, embodies JST’s cultural philosophy and dedication to natural materials. It features meeting and conference rooms, a food pantry, a workout space, and an eating area. Meanwhile, the Sales Center, will feature a fireplace that pays homage to the indigenous culture of the land.
• The Musical Tree Nest: One of the most intriguing upcoming structures is the Musical Tree Nest. The structure will feature strings that produce sound when the wind blows through them, creating a harmonious interaction between nature and architecture.

Although the project is part of a corporate park and right off the exit of busy freeway I-696, the buildings were engineered in a way that blocks the sounds, creating an atmosphere that transports you out of the Detroit metro and into a tranquil oasis. Geothermal energy controls each building’s temperature to heat or cool each space sustainably, adding to the comfortable atmosphere of the campus.

Navigating regulatory and logistical challenges

The project’s uniqueness meant it fell outside of typical design practices, requiring the team to hold many conversations with local officials to educate and explain the benefits of a project like this one.

“While this project introduced unique regulatory and logistical considerations, it also provided an opportunity to educate government officials and township regulators on the importance of JST’s sustainable, nature-focused building practices,” said Lord. “Many of the unconventional design elements required thoughtful discussions to align with existing U.S. construction codes, resulting in greater awareness and appreciation for innovative sustainability in commercial development.”

Additionally, finding subcontractors who respected the project’s philosophy while delivering high-quality work fostered a collaborative environment, where shared commitment to sustainability led to creative problem-solving and groundbreaking solutions. These challenges ultimately strengthened the project’s foundation and set a precedent for future environmentally conscious developments.

A legacy of sustainability

The initial four buildings in the project, nearly a decade in the making, are set for substantial completion in 2025.

“One of the main goals for this project is to educate the next seven generations about sustainability and building a better world,” said Pace. “It’s not just about checking boxes to get an award or for bottom-line profits. It’s because JST thinks developing in this manner is just the right thing to do.”

From its deliberate avoidance of synthetic materials to its steadfast commitment to environmental preservation, the JST development is a landmark example of how cultural philosophies can shape modern engineering.

“Our team at Atwell continues to embrace the unique challenges of this project, ensuring that it remains a benchmark for sustainable development and a testament to the balance between human innovation and environmental stewardship,” said Lord.

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The community of Serenbe, located outside the Atlanta metro area in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, offers a lifestyle that feels further removed than the 30 miles that separate the two worlds. Serenbe is an award-winning biophilic community that focuses on the close-knit connection and interaction between people and nature. The 1,700-acre community can ultimately house 1,700 homes and support nonresidential uses. The first house at Serenbe was built in 2003 and as of March 2025, the community is home to more than 700 residents.

The unique elements of this project include customized homes, conservation of 70% of the land, focus on physical and mental wellness, and an overarching application of biophilia to unite the community with nature and each other.

“Implementing new ideas are always tough,” says Chad Epple, Senior Director at Atwell. “Our team developed many new standards and practices to permit and construct many of the unconventional aspects of this project. We had to think outside the box a bit, and it paid off.”

Deep municipal knowledge and relationships advanced the project through strict jurisdiction

Epple, who joined the project in 2003, has led the civil engineering and surveying efforts to help bring the vision of Serenbe to life. Epple and his team partnered with the owners of Serenbe prior to the incorporation of the City of Chattahoochee Hills in 2007. What distinguished Epple’s team early in the project was their ability to bridge the project’s biophilic vision with the local jurisdiction standards in Fulton County. The team was able to pioneer and implement innovative stormwater and development practices within the local area’s rigid development standards.

Additionally, the Serenbe team was able to have many of these biophilic ideas and practices eventually incorporated into the new City of Chattahoochee Hills’ zoning and development standards. Since the new City’s 2007 incorporation, these practices have been widely accepted and the environmental and visual benefits to the community are easily recognizable and truly precedent setting.

Biophilia and a cultural shift toward wellness

Biophilia is a philosophy of living in harmony with nature and community to achieve well-being, sustainability, and prosperity. This principle applies to individuals, the places we live, and the world around us. With this approach in mind, our client has worked tirelessly to integrate health and mental well-being into the design of Serenbe through the thoughtful consideration of how humans and nature connect, including Serenbe’s 12 Biophilic Principles.

These principles involve 12 planning and design elements that the design team consistently worked towards throughout the project. The purpose of these principles is to achieve four goals for sustaining the planet: global balance, national security, community engagement, and personal wellbeing.

Innovative site planning creates a community where residents can work and play in one place

As a testament to Serenbe’s land use vision and Atwell’s site planning team, Serenbe households generate, on average, only four vehicle trips per day, rather than the recognized national standard of 10 vehicle trips per day per household. The initial phases of development centered around the creation of quality arts, local food, and wellbeing. Residents and visitors are able to sit down for meals with all locally sourced ingredients, visit local shops that offer distinctive goods inspired by nature, and take part in physical activities that support their health via miles of walking trails and dozens of public gathering spaces that offer things like horseback riding, ball fields, pickle ball, and dog parks. Thanks to Atwell’s site planning, residents can enjoy these experiences close to home.

Another unique element of this project is that each home is custom designed. Unlike other planned communities, Serenbe has no templated options, with each home being unique from the next. There are a range of housing options, including lofts, townhouses, cottages, and single-family homes which were all planned and designed collectively as vistas that would capture a unique feeling and look.

The creation of these special, more densely populated neighborhoods supports the integration of community while maintaining most of the natural beauty of the area and achieving 20% more housing units per square mile—more than the average that metro Atlanta’s 17-country region has delivered in the past 30 years.

The community places 70% of the land into conservation and agricultural preservation. The remaining 30% is used for the walkable clusters of neighborhoods and amenities that bring the community together. These customizations presented Epple and his team with new challenges that required them to think outside the box to obtain local approvals. Their innovative approach to planning and development resulted in infrastructure costs that are 40% lower than the traditional sprawl model requires, both for installation and long-term maintenance.

“I believe that Serenbe can serve as a model for unique, special, planned communities across the country, offering residents amenities and a sense of belonging,” said Epple. “Our expertise at Atwell in collaborating with developers and capturing their vision for makes us the perfect fit for larger, impactful community developments from concept to completion. The partnership we’ve had with Serenbe for over two decades is an example of our commitment to the clients we serve and how we strive to support them in every aspect of their goals.”

Serenbe’s community impact and promising future

The project has now entered the fourth hamlet of development, named Spela (the Swedish for “play”), with two more mixed-use hamlets remaining. One of the most recent advances in the project includes a K-12 school within the community and an aging-in-place facility that will offer a full suite of medical services. This facility will allow residents to comfortably grow and age where they are, creating a true multi-generational community by having access to cutting-edge healthcare services within the community. Access to medical amenities and necessities was identified early in project planning as a crucial factor in the project.

Additional planned non-residential uses include a luxury hotel, conference centers, restaurants, professional offices, outdoor events spaces, and corporate campuses.

Serenbe has won numerous awards, including the Urban Land Institute Inaugural Sustainability Award; the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Development of Excellence; and EarthCraft’s recognition as the Development of the Year. With residents experiencing farm-to-table gourmet restaurants in their backyards, stables full of horses they can ride along miles of trails, and nationally known artists exhibiting in galleries across the street, the quality of life that residents and visitors experience is truly unique.

“This is a true live-work-play community,” Epple professes. “People don’t have to leave. There are restaurants and attractions—it’s a destination. You can get back to nature and enjoy well-planned amenities, all in one place.”

The post Serenbe: A unique approach to site planning that breaks the typical master-planned community mold appeared first on Atwell.

As one of the newer direct-to-consumer coffee chains in the market, Black Rock Coffee is already a popular choice for coffee lovers in the West and Southwest. With a variety of building situations, such as stand-alone buildings (drive-thru only, drive-thru/walk-up, and dine-in/drive-thru) and endcap locations in multiple areas and landscapes, the engineering needs for each project can vary. Atwell Project Manager Nicholas Salazar and his team of lead designers and engineers primarily handle the stand-alone buildings, providing a full scope of services that eliminates the need to hire extra subconsultants and subcontractors.

“We know our clients are always looking for ways to complete a project as efficiently and effectively as possible,” Salazar said. “Thanks to the amount of services Atwell offers in multiple regions and the knowledge our team has, we’ve been able to successfully support Black Rock Coffee as they expand and grow.”

Engineering modular building sites vs. brick-and-mortar building sites

Something unique about Black Rock’s stand-alone buildings is that they are all modular. Modular building projects offer a number of advantages, a key one being a faster, more efficient timeline where multiple tasks can be completed as the building is being constructed.

“Black Rock has about five modular building types that can be built while our team simultaneously gets construction documents ready,” Salazar explained. “We do work in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Texas, primarily. Each of those jurisdictions have a set of state-approved plans for each modular building type, which speeds up the approval process and creates a more consistent process we can easily repeat. Since it’s the same buildings each time, our team can quickly anticipate any questions and address concerns ahead of time.”

While the team approaches completion of the construction documents and permitting process, the building is being constructed at the same time, allowing the team to immediately move on to other tasks like mass grading and setting the foundation.

“Modular builds also help lower overages for the project and practice more sustainable transport of materials, using one to three trucks to ship a modular building versus 10 to 15 trucks for brick-and-mortar materials,” Salazar added. “Overall, we can save two to three months of time on a project during the construction alone.”

Despite the advantages of modular designs, challenges can still arise – mostly with how modular buildings are perceived in the communities they are in.

“Some municipalities and jurisdictions are a bit wary to modular,” Salazar said. “They aren’t familiar with them and see them as shipping containers turned into coffee shops. In these situations, our team does our due diligence to educate the community on the quality of materials, the appearance, the finishes, and the purpose and benefit of modular buildings.”

Atwell’s team has already established strong relationships with a number of cities in Arizona that will have Black Rock Coffee shops, such as Phoenix, Mesa, and Chandler. Thanks to the team’s dedication to building relationships, keeping stakeholders informed, and providing information and communication upfront before work begins, these cities are now familiar with modular projects and more receptive to future projects.

A one-stop shop for multiple services

For Black Rock Coffee, Atwell has been able to provide a full scope of services. This includes due diligence: creating timelines, identifying permitting procedures, putting together a submittal package checklist, and identifying any hardships, such as restrictions, easements, or zoning challenges.

Next, the team connects with city leaders and community members to hold preapplication meetings to address how they can navigate any problems that may arise. This culminates into a due diligence report that enables clients to make an educated decision about building on the site.

Once the lease is signed and permitting begins, Salazar’s team goes through entitlements, platting, any rezoning that needs to happen, and preliminary engineering. They also then start reaching out to subconsultants to bid on their various jobs.

Once preliminary engineering and the entitlement processing is done, the team will move forward to the final stage of permitting, engineering, construction, and architectural document submittals and permitting.

The permitting process can take anywhere from six to 18 months, depending on the jurisdiction. This is where Black Rock Coffee leans heavily on Atwell to make this process as smooth as possible and guide them to the finish line. Overall, Atwell’s leaders are strategic about how they structure their teams for successful programmatic work.

“We believe that building a strong relationship with the client is essential to the success of a program,” said Atwell Associate Director Carlos Casas. “By having detailed meetings early in the process, we are able to understand the expectations of the client better, which creates quicker turnarounds for future projects.”

Trusted to handle multiple projects

Atwell’s support and organization have enabled Black Rock Coffee to continue its growth and continue reaching its goals. We currently handle 35 projects for Black Rock Coffee across Arizona, Colorado, Texas and, in the near future, throughout parts of California. That’s an impressive amount of projects for a coffee chain that was founded less than 20 years and already has a presence in eight states. Salazar is proud to have such a longstanding, trusting relationship with Black Rock Coffee.

“I’m always proud of the work we do,” Salazar stated. “There aren’t a lot of firms who are as organized as we are or can manage the number of client needs that we do, like the 35 projects we have with Black Rock Coffee. That has a lot to do with our organization, our team’s work ethic and collaboration, and our dedication to creating a successful program.”

The post Black Rock Coffee: How integrating modular buildings has supported the chain’s growth appeared first on Atwell.