Rossetti

ROSSETTI is One of 25 Reasons Detroit is on Verge of Comeback

Lauren Williams — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:32:06 -0500

Posted by Lauren Williams on 14 Jun 2013

ROSSETTI's move to Detroit is listed as one of 25 reasons the city is on the verge of an epic comeback, according to Business Insider's Rob Wile. Read the entire article at http://www.businessinsider.com/things-going-right-for-detroit-2013-6?op=1

SVSU Breaks Ground on Ryder Center Expansion

Lauren Williams — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:31:41 -0500

Posted by Lauren Williams on 11 Jun 2013

On June 3, 2013, Jim Renne attended the Saginaw Valley State University groundbreaking ceremony for the Ryder Center expansion and renovation project.

The $20 million project will consist of two phases. The first phase involves the construction of a new field house which will include a 300-meter indoor track that will replace the university's current tracks. The infield of the track will have a synthetic turf surface suitable for baseball, softball, football and soccer practice purposes. Attached to the north side of the existing Ryder Center, the expansion is scheduled for completion in April of 2014.

The second phase will begin in May 2014 and will include an extensive renovation of the current building, which originally opened in 1989. Improvements to the center consists of a reduction in seating capacity in O'neil Arena for basketball, from 3,500 seats to 2,400 seats, to create a more intimate environment for fans. In addition, potential seating for other events, such as Commencement, will increase from 4,000 to 4,700 seats. This phase of construction is anticipated to be completed by November 2014.

ROSSETTI Wins Two MIDEA Interior Design Awards for the Redesign of Qzine - Quicken Loans' Colorful Cafeteria

Lauren Williams — Mon, 3 Jun 2013 14:21:06 -0500

Posted by Lauren Williams on 03 Jun 2013

ROSSETTI is pleased to announce it has won two Michigan Interior Design Excellence Awards (MIDEA) for Qzine, Quicken Loans' unique cafeteria located on the eighth floor of Chase Tower in downtown Detroit. ROSSETTI won in the categories "Best of Competition Overall" and "Corporate over 10,000 SF." MIDEA is sponsored by the Michigan chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

Inspired by the client's live, work, play culture, the ROSSETTI design team created colorful and comfortable "rooms" in Qzine based on domestic themes found in a home. Vignettes feature a living room with gas fireplaces and sofas and arm chairs for socializing. The library extends from the living room and also doubles as a stage for special events and presentations. The Terrace mimics an outdoor dining experience surrounded by greenery.

Kelly Deines, Principal and Director of Creative Design at ROSSETTI, said the goal was to create a community environment that is open nearly 24/7.

"The design reflects the high-energy and culture of Quicken Loans through graphics and color, yet we also wanted the space to be hospitable and welcoming. It's inspired by the way people naturally gravitate when eating, meeting and socializing and gives the company incredible flexibility in programming."

Structural columns are exaggerated into shapely sculptures to further divide the 36,500 SF room into a friendly scale, and covered with Idea Paint to encourage spontaneous note taking or doodling. Furniture and fixtures pay homage to the building's mid-Century modern roots.

Action food stations provide a variety of food options, and offer freshly cooked hot and cold meals, as well as desserts and coffee. The Candy Bar is stocked floor to ceiling and the coffee bar features seating to encourage a café feel.

Quicken Loans purchased the iconic 1960s building, located at Campus Martius, as a training and call center for 1,500 team members. ROSSETTI provided the design services not only for Qzine but for the entire fourteen-floor, 500,000 SF building.

"Quicken Loans understands the power of design to attract a highly motivated and tech-focused work force," said Deines. "At the same time, the building speaks to a different aesthetic than the traditional workplace found in downtown Detroit and is paving the way to open up the design conversation throughout the City."

Award-Winning Architectural Firm ROSSETTI to Move Headquarters to

Lauren Williams — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:25:21 -0500

Posted by Lauren Williams on 15 May 2013

DETROIT, MI – May 15, 2013 – Rock Ventures, along with Bedrock Real Estate Services, today announced that ROSSETTI, an award-winning international architectural planning and design firm, will move its headquarters to the historic Federal Reserve building located at Fort and Shelby Streets in the heart of downtown Detroit.

Beginning this July, ROSSETTI’s team of 60 talented architects, planners and designers will occupy the fourth floor, or 13,000 square feet of space, in the Federal Reserve building located at 160 Fort Street which has been vacant since 2004.

ROSSETTI has also been hired by Bedrock to redesign the entire building, breathing life into the celebrated bank building by developing state-of-the-art, unique and creative offices and ground floor retail spaces.

Matt Rossetti, President of ROSSETTI, said the firm, currently based in Southfield, Michigan, is looking forward to moving back to the city, where it was initially founded in 1969.

“Our team is thrilled about working in downtown Detroit, given the urban nature of our designs and our business,” said Rossetti. “The city is becoming a creative center attracting some of this country’s most innovative and inspiring artists, designers and new economy business. There is so much energy in the city that it made perfect sense to return to our roots and come back home and seize the opportunity in Detroit.

“The redesign will pay homage to the architectural significance of the past and respect its ancestral bones,” Rossetti added. “At the same time, we plan to incorporate new workplace design concepts, such as an open floor plan, collaborative team spaces and use of natural materials.”

ROSSETTI has designed high-profile projects worldwide. In the city, the architectural firm is known for the new Cobo Hall & Convention Center, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Headquarters, Ford Field, Compuware World Headquarters, Greektown Casino-Hotel and recently, Chase Tower at Campus Martius Park.

Rock Ventures purchased the 176,000 square foot Federal Reserve building last year. The original structure was built in 1927. In 1951, an eight story glass and marble annex designed by Minoru Yamasaki (the renowned architect who designed the World Trade Center) was added and connected to the 1927 structure.

“Downtown Detroit continues its rapid ascent to greatness. If you were still skeptical, the announcement of a world-class architectural and design firm like ROSSETTI locating its headquarters to the urban core should remove any lingering doubts. ‘Opportunity Detroit’ is real and it’s where the new entrepreneurial companies and creative class will be doing their thing for years to come,” said Dan Gilbert, Chairman of Rock Ventures.

About Rock Ventures LLC

Rock Ventures LLC is an umbrella entity formed to provide operational coordination, guidance, and integration of a diverse portfolio of companies, investments and real estate.

About Bedrock Real Estate Services LLC

Detroit-based Bedrock Real Estate Services LLC is a full-service real estate firm specializing in purchasing, leasing, financing, developing and managing of commercial space. For more information, visit www.bedrockmgt.com.

CONTACTS:

Paula Silver, Rock Ventures, paulasilver@rockventures.com, (m) 313-373-7255

Denise Drach, ROSSETTI, ddrach@rossetti.com, (m) 248-275-3499 (o) 248-262-8300

For renderings of the new ROSSETTI office in the Federal Reserve Building in Downtown Detroit, visit:

http://www.quickenloans.com/press-room/multimedia/pictures/other-offices

DOUG WOODWARD PROMOTED TO ASSOCIATE

Lauren Williams — Wed, 3 Apr 2013 19:12:15 -0500

Posted by Lauren Williams on 03 Apr 2013

ROSSETTI is pleased to announce that Doug Woodward has been promoted to Associate. Woodward has been an esteemed employee of the firm for eighteen years. In his position, he will continue to work with both clients and coworkers to improve the professional and business experience. Woodward has brought his design and technical expertise to many of the large and complex projects in the office such as the Compuware Headquarters offices, University of Notre Dame Compton Family Ice Arena, Daytona International Speedway, Michigan International Speedway, and the Clark Hill offices. Woodward assists with site issues and code ordinances. He also works with the schematic design team to help develop design concepts, and contributes technical expertise in code compliance issues.

A graduate of Lawrence Technological University, Woodward holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Fine Arts. As a musician in his spare time, Woodward writes and performs regularly. His music is currently available on iTunes.

Deena Fox Promoted to Principal

Lauren Williams — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:39:32 -0500

Posted by Lauren Williams on 12 Mar 2013

We're very pleased to announce that Deena Fox has been promoted to Principal at ROSSETTI. A valued employee of seven years, Deena will continue in her role as Project Manager, working with clients at the United States Tennis Association, Masco, Fort Washington Association, Detroit Metro Convention & Visitor's Bureau and others. As a Principal, Deena will also continue to generate business development opportunities for the firm.

Deena’s career spans work in both the non-profit and private sectors with a special focus on creative industries. At ROSSETTI, she has led multidisciplinary architecture and engineering teams on design and planning projects ranging in scale from initial master plans to built development of over $100 million in construction value. Her prior experience includes many years of work on design projects and cultural arts programs, including several initiatives at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Motivated by her interest in improving the mobility landscape of southeast Michigan, Deena serves as a core steering group member with the University of Michigan’s SMART Connect + Prosper initiative in efforts to identify intersecting opportunities among mobility projects, in addition to serving on the Board of Directors of Detroit transit advocacy group Transportation Riders United. Her belief in the ability of both shared vision and personal community participation to produce altered outcomes has similarly led her to work as a Reading Corps volunteer in the Detroit Public Schools system.

A graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Deena also holds a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown with an emphasis on international business strategy, and has lived in Latin America and the Caribbean. An active musician, Deena enjoys writing and arranging and performs regularly with other artists, affording her the ability to experience at an even more immediate level the transformational power of creative collaboration.

Veteran Architect Joins ROSSETTI

Lauren Williams — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:34:33 -0500

Posted by Lauren Williams on 12 Mar 2013

ROSSETTI welcomes aboard Jonathan (Jon) Disbrow, AIA, NCARB, who recently joined the team as an architectural design lead. In his new role, Jon will be responsible for leading a variety of project types ranging from the firm's large sports renovations to mid-sized building projects.

Jon is both an award winning designer and an accomplished technical architect. He has been responsible for the design and execution of several significant building projects in the U.S. and in the Middle East.

Over the past twenty plus years, Jon has specialized in hospitality, residential, mixed-use and civic projects. As a designer, he has worked toward developing a comprehensive knowledge about construction by studying various construction types and methodologies.

Jon is an active member of the AIA, Detroit. As a newly elected member of the Board of Directors he will serve through 2016 while keeping his seat on the Urban Priorities Committee. He has been the Chairman of the City of Huntington Woods Historic District Commission for the past ten years.

He also enjoys working with students and has volunteered his time as a guest lecturer at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and as an Adjunct Professor – College of Architecture at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI. His work has been featured in exhibitions at several local and national museums, as well as published in periodicals, books and web journals.

Jon received his Master of Architecture at Cranbrook Academy of Art and his Bachelor of Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. He also attended the Robert Gordon University, Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in Aberdeen, Scotland.

ICE ARENA RENOVATION LETS IN THE LIGHT

Lauren Williams — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:28:02 -0500

Posted by Lauren Williams on 12 Mar 2013

"It's like night and day," is a common comment when visitors enter the newly renovated University of Michigan's historic Yost Ice Arena. By removing the decades-old coverings on the original arched window openings, ROSSETTI transformed the arena from a dark hockey barn into a bright, modern arena while retaining its historic feel.

The building was originally constructed in 1928 and renovated several times. However, the windows had remained boarded to avoid interior heat gain that caused unfavorable ice conditions. With a new glazing system and technology that uses 1-1/2” Aerogel insulted glass on the exterior window openings, the system provides nearly 75% daylight transmission while reducing heat gain by approximately the same margin.

The $16 million renovation also includes a dramatic face lift to the public amenities, including concourses, concession stations, restroom facilities, the press box and technology and mechanical systems throughout the arena. ROSSETTI renovated and repurposed 16 Champions Boxes from former offices as well as the arena’s East Club. The unique “Ice Box” is a corner platform used for corporate entertaining or sold with four tops. The University’s famous maize and blue colors are prominently used in the environmental graphics throughout the arena.

The arena’s total renovation has been phased by ROSSETTI over the past 12 years. Earlier renovations included upgrades to seating and player facilities. Yost’s formal dedication was held on November 16, 2012 with invited alumni players, including several who have gone on to the NHL.

HEINEKEN RED STAR CAFÉ OFFERS BEST VANTAGE FOR OFF-COURT VIEWS

Lauren Williams — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:08:04 -0500

Posted by Lauren Williams on 12 Mar 2013

Visitors at the US Open enjoy great tennis during match play and entertaining people-watching in between. Approximately 70,000 visitors attend the US Open each day coming from New York City and around the world. One of the best vantage points to 'see and be seen' is the new Heineken Red Star Café, completed in time for the 2012 event.

The remarkable transformation of the café, from a one-story walk-up concession facility to the iconic, dual-purpose retail destination, has made it a hot spot on the campus. The new envelope-shaped building was designed to express simplicity and contrast against the large, complex structures of the stadiums surrounding it. Transparency, openness and shade offer a refreshing respite from the swirl of activities below. The building’s modern architectural gesture and clean form also suggest that the campus is entering a new decade, while its materials give a nod to the past.

The first floor features the US Open Collection, a 4,000 SF retail store designed to be light-filled and transparent. Glass walls allow views through the store and highlight the merchandise inside. The second story café consists of a kitchen, a bar and a shaded patio seating area with spectacular views of Courts 4 and 5, Ashe Stadium and the South Plaza. Its unique location on campus and high visibility also make it a desirable location for the Heineken sponsorship. By using a subdued palette, the sponsorship and retail graphics are allowed to stand out.

By all accounts the Heineken Red Star Café is a grand slam for fan experience.

ROSSETTI-Designed Compton Family Ice is Tops in College Arenas

Denise Drach — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:00:00 -0500

Posted by Denise Drach on 26 Feb 2013

Two University of Notre Dame sports venues have been ranked among the top 20 in Stadium Journey magazine's January 2013 edition that ranks the top 101 stadium experiences for 2012.

The state-of-the-art Compton Family Ice Arena, that opened in October of 2011 and is home of the Fighting Irish hockey team, was ranked third overall in Stadium Journey's top 101 stadium experiences and first among college hockey arenas around the nation.

Notre Dame Stadium, the home to the Notre Dame football team and opened in 1930, was ranked 20th in the top 101 and second among college football stadiums, finishing behind Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Notre Dame is just one of three schools to have two facilities ranked among the top 101, joining Texas A&M's Kyle Field (football - #56) and Reed Arena (#69 - basketball along with Wisconsin's Kohl Center (hockey - #61 and basketball - #81) and Camp Randall Stadium (football - #82).

Stadium Journey utilized the FANFARE scale for ranking the stadiums on it website and the for the purpose of creating this list. The scale takes into account the food and beverage at the stadium, overall atmosphere, the neighborhood in which it resides, the access outside and inside the stadium, return on investment and allows room for "bonus points' for unique features.

Over 80 contributors who visted 1,225 stadiums and arenas around the country in 2012 submitted reviews. Ties were settled by a stadium's "Crowd Score," (the average of ratings submitted by members).

The Compton Family Ice Arena received a 4.9 score in its rating while Notre Dame Stadium had a 4.6. Seven categories were rated 1 through 5 and then the scores were averaged. Check these links to see the complete reviews of the Compton Family Ice Arena (http://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/compton-family-ice-arena-s1036) and Notre Dame Stadium (http://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/notre-dame-stadium-s457).

Stadium Journey Magazine is a monthly publication, available exclusively on the Stadium Journey website - http://www.stadiumjourney.com/magazine.

ROSSETTI's DIFFA Vignette

Leslie Genest — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:52:07 -0500

Posted by Leslie Genest on 14 Sep 2012
ROSSETTI’s DIFFA table is based on the process of folding. From the steel stud enclosure to the origami-like table base, the fold informs every part of the pavilion at all scales. The minimal, but ethereal glass tablescape appears to float, encapsulated in the clean, white space.

Cocktails by Design Tonight

Megan Bengry — Thu, 6 Sep 2012 16:56:35 -0500

Posted by Megan Bengry on 06 Sep 2012

ROSSETTI Designed Palace Renovations Underway

Megan Bengry — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 19:40:18 -0500

Posted by Megan Bengry on 11 Jul 2012
Palace Sports and Entertainment announced today the details of a capital improvement plan for The Palace of Auburn Hills that will enhance the building’s reputation as one of the top sports and entertainment venues in the country.

New large-scale renovations will include modifying and remodeling the main concourse level that serves all guests attending events at The Palace. Club West – located above the West Atrium Entrance – will be completely overhauled along with other public gathering areas on the concourse. A building-wide suite remodeling effort will begin its initial phase with 40 suites slated for renovation along with the 100-level suite concourse. Finally, 16 suites in 300-level suite area will be removed and replaced with the construction of a full-service open-air lounge. This unique space will give individual game buyers the opportunity to enjoy food and beverage in an open-air atmosphere that delivers direct views of game action on the court below.

“The transformation of the West Atrium was well received last year, and we are continually looking for exciting ways to create value and provide unique entertainment opportunities for every fan attending a game, concert or family show,” said Dennis Mannion, CEO of Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons. “Our improvement plan is designed to elevate the experience for all fans by upgrading the guest facing areas and using an aesthetic approach that is consistent with the Palace brand.”

Detailed renovation and improvement plans include:

• Remodeling of the main concourse
• Remodeling of the 100-level suite concourse
• Renovation of Club West – located above the West Atrium entrance
• Renovation of 40 suites throughout the building
• The removal of 16 300-level suites and construction of a full-service open-air lounge
• Remodeling of the VIP/Administration entrance
• Continued updates to entrances at both the West and East Atrium
• Installation of a new air-handling system
• Updates to furnishings, lighting and sound systems in all Palace hospitality areas
• Installation of fan-friendly WiFi capabilities
• Installation of concourse digital menu boards

Palace Sports & Entertainment will work in conjunction with Rossetti Architects on all design elements for the project and International Facilities Group, LLC will provide project management consultation. Frank Rewold & Son, Inc. will execute the construction aspects, most of which are projected to be completed by the beginning of the 2012-13 NBA season. Estimated costs for the improvement plan are expected to land in the range of $13-15 million and will be funded by PS&E. Events currently booked at The Palace throughout the summer months will commence as scheduled with minimal disruption to the overall fan experience.

Hospitality Playland

Megan Bengry — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:59:31 -0500

Posted by Megan Bengry on 28 Jun 2012
ROSSETTI turned traditional mix and match philosophies upside down to create a mortgage banking playland at the Quicken Loans' Chase Tower in downtown Detroit.

For their new cafeteria, called Qzine, the client asked for an all-you-can-eat approach to the food and the environment. ROSSETTI combined casual comfort with boisterous colors and graphics, turning lunchtime into a celebration for the 1,500 employees.

Seating vignettes promote conversation and mimic a living room, a cozy library and a garden terrace. The "rooms" feature gas fireplaces, sofas and arm chairs that beckon employees to relax and socialize. To divide the 36,500 SF open-format into a friendly scale, ROSSETTI exaggerated the structural columns into shapely sculptures, then covered them with Idea Paint to encourage spontaneous note taking or doodling.

Qzine is so fun and inviting that Eurest Dining Services, the client's food service partner, is booking the cafeteria for weddings and bar mitzvahs.

Investing in the Fan Experience

Megan Bengry — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:57:49 -0500

Posted by Megan Bengry on 28 Jun 2012
At 40 years old, the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University is known for its great basketball culture and sold out games. To keep a new generation of Cougar fans happy, BYU hired ROSSETTI to improve its guest comfort for the north court-side seating.

This involved not only swapping out bench seating with padded chairs, but also increasing leg room by designing deeper treads. ROSSETTI performed a detailed study to arrive at a solution, mitigate secondary implications and determine the ROI.

We also completely redesigned the sightlines and profile of the stadia -- a huge feat for an existing facility. New Barrier Free seating areas were added and camera platforms were repositioned. The team is currently working diligently to complete the construction for the 2012-2013 basketball season.

With new seating options, BYU has the opportunity to develop segmented pricing options and create additional family-friendly pricing around the arena.

///check out this video of construction courtesy of BYUtv

10 Groundbreaking Years

Megan Bengry — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:09:33 -0500

Posted by Megan Bengry on 28 Jun 2012
ROSSETTI congratulates Ford Field on a decade of exciting events since it opened on August 24, 2002. Major milestones of the past ten years include:

1. Super Bowl XL on February 5, 2006: The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-10. The Rolling Stones provided the halftime entertainment and Aretha Franklin sang the national anthem.

2. NCAA 2009 Men's Division I Basketball Championship on April 6th: University of North Carolina defeated Michigan State 89 -72 to become National Champions in front of 72,922 fans.

3. The Detroit Lions make the 2011 playoffs for the first time since 1999.

4. The selection to host Super Bowl XL jumpstarts two years of redevelopment throughout downtown Detroit and establishes annual community events, such as the Winter Blast.

5. Monday Night Football comes to Ford Field on October 10, 2011 for the first time to broadcast the Lions vs. the Bears. It sparks a frenzy and attendance record of 67,361. The Lions win 24 - 13.

6. ROSSETTI incorporates the historic 1920’s Hudson's Warehouse into Ford Field to house 120 suites, street-level shopping and commercial offices. It saves a piece of Detroit history as well as millions of dollars in construction costs.

7. Madonna played to a sold out Ford Field on November 18, 2008. Other concerts have featured Kenny Chesney, Kid Rock, and Taylor Swift.

8. The Frozen Four is held in 2010 staging matches between Miami of Ohio vs. Rochester Institute of Technology and Boston College vs. Wisconsin. Boston College wins the championship 5-0.

9. At 1.8 million SF Ford Field is considered one of the most intimate NFL football stadiums featuring incredible sightlines.

10. Unlike most indoor stadiums Ford Field allows a large amount of natural light to reach the field, thanks to immense skylights and large glass windows. Fans enjoy great views of downtown Detroit.

How Exceptional Design Translates into Solid Revenue Streams

Megan Bengry — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:27:26 -0500

Posted by Megan Bengry on 14 May 2012
[PRESENTING: MATT ROSSETTI, PRESIDENT + CEO]

ROSSETTI is pleased to announce that Matt Rossetti, President + CEO will be presenting at The Stadium Business Summit Premium Seat Seminar on Tuesday, May 15 @ 16:45 in Turin, Italy. Matt will be speaking with Marie Lindqvist, Communication Manager, Stockholm Globe Arenas.

Their presentation "How Exceptional Design Translates into Solid Revenue Streams" will review how ROSSETTI and Stockholm Globe Arenas created a unique global design brand that defines Stockholm as a sports + entertainment destination.

By creating scenarios for specific target markets, ROSSETTI customized experiences with premium product, such as clubs, loges, suites + seating. ROSSETTI's unique Return On Design^TM approach identified program solutions that will enhance fan experience while generating ROI.

ROSSETTI Principal Jim Renne in Focus

Megan Bengry — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:51:37 -0500

Posted by Megan Bengry on 17 Apr 2012
An excerpt from "Stadia Design & Technology Expo 2012 Conference speaker in focus: James Renne, Rossetti"

Rossetti's James Renne reveals how sports architecture is evolving in response to current trends and an increased focus on the fan experience.

“Seeing people gather for the spectacle of sport always impresses me,” asserts James Renne, the principal and director of sports design at Rossetti. “It is exciting to watch people come together – whether that is on TV or a live event.”

“I really enjoy the high visibility nature of the work we do – I love seeing the impact a design can have, not only on the physical appearance of a building, but also the emotional experience that results from creating a sense of place.

Renne explains that Rossetti’s ‘vision’ is based on quantifiable evidence that shows that well-designed sports and entertainment projects drive revenues and urban vitality, which pulsate outward throughout the neighbouring context. “Smart strategic planning produces economic benefits from exciting aesthetics inside the venue and purchasing power generated around the building, especially on non-event days,” he adds.

Rossetti recognises that visitor expectations to stadia have changed, as the focus has shifted to the entertainment value of the event. “Game day is no longer solely about watching your favourite team win,” Renne continues. “With this shift, the opportunities for revenue generation have become endless. We want fans to maintain that great expectation from the time they travel toward the arena, park or exit the train, find and mingle with friends or associates, locate their seats, participate in the event, mingle afterward and head home.”

\\\ to read much more click here \\\

Design Leader Matt Taylor is Elevated to Associate

Megan Bengry — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:58:18 -0500

Posted by Megan Bengry on 27 Mar 2012

ROSSETTI is pleased to announce Matt Taylor, AIA, LEED AP has been elevated to Associate of the firm by the Board of Directors. In recognition of his leadership and design abilities, Taylor will gain a new title and become a shareholder.

Taylor has been with the firm for six years. While with ROSSETTI he has worked on a wide variety of projects from mixed-use retail and high rise residential to stadiums and arenas. Most recently, Taylor led the design team to a successful completion of the University of Notre Dame Compton Family Ice Arena.

When asked what drew him to ROSSETTI and sports architecture, Taylor replied, "I love that sports architecture is about the fan experience, the social interaction, and that our facilities fit into a broader context to impact the surrounding community."

Taylor is a graduate of University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture. He remains active with students and young professionals by volunteering his time as a member of the AIA mentoring program. For the past six years he has also taught a computer graphics class at University of Detroit Mercy.

ROSSETTI designed Rock Companies Executive Suites featured in Interior Design Magazine

Megan Bengry — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:17:14 -0500

Posted by Megan Bengry on 20 Mar 2012
Like coal's metamorphosis into a diamond, the process of urban revitalization requires both pressure from civic entities and patience from investors. The architecture firm Rossetti helped fight Detroit's infamous blight by building the Compuware Corporation's headquarters, which brought 4,000 employees into the city center.

Nearly a decade later, Rossetti was approached by a fellow Motown champion: Dan Gilbert, an entrepreneur whose enterprises include Quicken Loans, announced that his commercial and residential real-estate development outfit, Rock Companies, would move from the suburbs to the 10th floor at Compuware, already home to Quicken. "There was initial interest in building something new," Rossetti design principal Kelly Deines says. But Gilbert, a Detroit native, sees the beauty of preserving past architectural achievements. (He's acquired several significant properties that will eventually house his businesses.)

Rock Companies's 28,000 square feet perfectly embody the vitality returning to a listless downtown, courtesy of bold design and its energetic patrons. Primary colors are indeed primary, starting with the color-block carpet in reception and continuing with the cushions softening benches and the dry-erase panels cladding the mechanicals core, making on-the-spot brainstorming sessions a common occurrence.

"The effect is professional but not precious," Deines notes-aimed at selling investors on urban promise. Scooters zip along carpeted corridors, and steam is blown off on the basketball half-court, which is surrounded by the office areas. A Cleveland Cavaliers mural stretches overhead. Yes, Gilbert owns the team, too.

To read more click here