Adaptive Reuse of Old Motel

Adaptive Reuse of Old Motel
Reception desk and bar made from reclaimed wood. 968 Park Hotel - South Lake Tahoe, CA
While green building, like other premium building practices can be significantly more expensive than traditional building practices, this doesn't have to be the case. G8 Partners worked with MWA to transform a neglected Days Inn motel into a chic and environmentally responsible hotel. The building received a total facelift, inside and out, nearly eliminating any trace of its original 1970's architecture. Throughout the building, there are hints of the original building: from the re-use of wood still painted with the building's original green, to transforming an old bed spring into a design element in the lobby. The project received a commercial merit award in the 7th Annual TQ Mountain home awards for its unique and innovative approach to environmentally responsible redevelopment. read article.

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In 2003, we decided to fulfill a shared life’s dream and build a house together. As a couple, we, like many, are similar and different. My husband is practical, traditional and focused. I am creative, more risk oriented and flexible. We sought architectural partners who could relate to and manage our differences, as well as guide us, since we were new to building.

We found our architects in Kurt Reinkens, Managing Partner and Kristi Thompson, Architect at MBA. They listened carefully to our ideas, our architectural style preferences and to our lifestyle needs. They guided us regarding realistic expectations for our project. Then, they jointly conceived of and designed the prototype of our dream home.

At that juncture, project leadership, plans, and working drawings fell to Kristi.
For the 18 months it took to build our home, she ably interfaced with our builder, countless subcontractors and other interior, and landscape designers. She was aware of her role, patient, responsive and strong. She listened when appropriate, kept us informed and guided, when appropriate. She impressed us with her quiet interpersonal strength and was kind and sensitive when the job (as building a house always does) took its toll on our nerves.

I particularly appreciated her kindness in helping me with the project during a year when we both lost our fathers find our teenage son posed some challenges. She also encouraged his involvement in the design of “his” spaces.

Kristi combines rare creativity and practical management skills. She knows when to lead and when to step back and listen. She is also a fine person.

She is very talented. We recommend her highly.


-- Tom and Cathy Van Berkem
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