A Look Inside River’s Edge: Designing a New Residential Community in Kalamazoo
What does it take to create a new residential community that combines comfortable living spaces, community amenities, and thoughtful site design? Our River’s Edge Residential Mixed-Use Development in Kalamazoo, Michigan, brings together multiple disciplines to create a new 224-unit affordable multifamily housing community.
Abonmarche Byce is providing architectural, interior design, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering services for the development.
A Community Designed for Connection
River’s Edge includes two four-story apartment buildings, each with 112 apartments, offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom/one-bath, and two-bedroom/two-bath units. The development also includes a community Club House and a four-unit Live-Work townhouse building.
Beyond the residential buildings, the site is designed with spaces that encourage residents to spend time outdoors and connect with their community. Planned amenities include an outdoor terraced area, walking paths, play areas, landscaping, and surface parking.
The project also incorporates stormwater management systems and extensive site and environmental improvements, bringing together architecture, engineering, and site design to create a cohesive residential development.
Take a Walk Through River’s Edge
Our lead architects recently walked through the project to share more about the design and the spaces taking shape. From the residential buildings to the community-focused amenities, the walkthrough offers a closer look at how the project is coming together.
Watch the full River’s Edge walkthrough below:
Interested in seeing more? Watch the full video on YouTube to hear directly from our lead architects about the project and its design.
River’s Edge is another example of how our multidisciplinary team works together to create places that serve the needs of both our clients and the communities they are designed for.
Designing with Nature: Kathy Burczak’s 32-Year Legacy in Landscape Architecture
When you speak with Kathy Burczak, Abonmarche’s Senior Landscape Architect, one thing becomes clear: she was born for this work. With more than 32 years at Abonmarche and a career shaped by a reverence for nature and history, Kathy has helped bring to life cherished public spaces across Michigan and Indiana.
Returning Home, Finding Purpose
Kathy’s journey began in Northwest Indiana. After gaining valuable early experience and brief stint in Vermont she moved to South West Michigan and began her work with Abonmarche. “I’ve been with Abonmarche for over 32 years,” she says. “I came back to the area because it’s home.” Kathy’s work embraces a naturalistic design aesthetic—spaces that appear to have been shaped by nature itself. She attributes this approach to the influence of legendary landscape architect Jens Jensen. “Early in my career, I worked on parks originally designed by Jensen. He probably influenced my design philosophy more than anyone else.”
Sustainability with Soul
Sustainability is woven into every element of Kathy’s work. From the reuse of materials to intentional plant selection, she designs with both longevity and ecology in mind. But for Kathy, sustainability is about more than environmental stewardship—it’s about creating spaces that people love, use, and return to time and again.
Designing for Community
When asked to name a favorite project, Kathy finds it difficult to choose just one. “There are several that come to mind,” she says. Among them:
Allegan Riverfront, where a former parking lot was transformed into a vibrant destination complete with a music venue, splash pad, and public gathering spaces.
New Buffalo Streetscape, a reimagining of downtown that revitalized the community’s public realm.
Jean Klock Park, where she helped restore elements of Jens Jensen’s original design while incorporating modern amenities.
Harbor Shores, including her current work on the Wee Golf Course, designed as a short course for golfers of all ages.
Challenges and Triumphs
Designing public spaces often comes with challenges—especially budgetary constraints. “Site elements are often the first to go,” Kathy notes. Yet she remains committed to balancing aesthetics, function, and sustainability. Her guiding principle? “Designs should never feel forced—they should feel like they’ve always belonged.”
A Fun Twist on the Journey
One of the more unexpected moments in Kathy’s story? “I turned down a full-paid scholarship to cosmetology school,” she laughs. “My English teacher probably convinced me it wasn’t the right path—likely after seeing my hair!” Kathy’s passion, experience, and connection to place have left an enduring legacy—not only at Abonmarche, but in the communities she’s helped shape. Her work continues to evolve and inspire, just like the spaces she so thoughtfully brings to life.
Collaborating to Tackle Lead Water Lines with GIS Technology
We are committed to improving community health and safety through collaboration and innovation. Our recent efforts, as highlighted by GIS Specialist George Nikokiris in a podcast and blog post with Esri, demonstrate how we’re using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to address the critical issue of lead contamination in water supply lines across northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.
The Hidden Danger of Lead Pipes
While lead was once a common choice for plumbing due to its durability, we now know the serious health risks it poses, especially when it contaminates drinking water. Many communities remain unaware of where lead pipes are located within their water systems, causing delays in necessary actions to protect public health.
The Risks of Lead Contamination
Lead exposure is particularly harmful to young children, pregnant women, and pets. Long-term exposure can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other severe health issues. Identifying and replacing these pipes is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water for all residents.
Our Collaborative Approach to Mapping Lead Pipes
In his conversation with Esri, George Nikokiris emphasizes how Abonmarche’s GIS team collaborates with local leaders and residents to address this challenge. We are working to create detailed, comprehensive inventories of water supply lines, which will help communities identify the presence of lead pipes and prioritize their replacement.
“Collaboration with local residents and leaders is key to tackling the issue of lead contamination. By using GIS technology and community engagement, we are building stronger, safer neighborhoods.” — George Nikokiris, GIS Specialist at Abonmarche
Utilizing GIS Technology for Better Mapping
Our approach includes extensive research, including delving into historical records, to accurately map and track lead pipe locations. GIS technology allows us to create interactive maps that visualize the extent of lead pipe usage in each area, helping local authorities make informed decisions about water system improvements.
Community Engagement in Lead Pipe Identification
Community involvement is at the heart of our initiative. Through the use of ArcGIS Hub sites, we are empowering residents to actively participate in the identification of lead service lines. Our efforts include:
Distributing informative door hangers to educate residents about the dangers of lead pipes
Conducting surveys to gather community insights on water service line conditions
Establishing online platforms where residents can report potential issues and monitor the progress of lead pipe replacements
By fostering community engagement, we are raising awareness and creating a shared sense of responsibility for improving water safety.
Join Us in This Essential Initiative
We invite you to learn more about how we’re leveraging GIS technology to improve water safety and engage local communities in addressing the lead pipe issue. Together, we can help pave the way to a healthier, safer environment for everyone.
