SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 SHELTER GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Left: Sean Chese of Forward Design, who is installing drywall, stands in front of the brand new roof at Purple House. Right: Diversified Roofing working on roof construction. Forward Design Build Remodel helps MISSION go green at Purple House ANTHONY MCCORMICK Groundcover contributor Forward Design Build Remodel, in partnership with other contractors, is catalyzing a transformative journey for Purple House, a vibrant house of hospitality. This timely collaboration aims to propel Purple House (aka Jimmy Hill Memorial House) into a new era of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, ensuring a warmer and more welcoming space. MISSIONa2, a nonprofit in Ann Arbor, provides a variety of services for people experiencing homelessness, at Purple House along with their other projects, which include Mercy House in Ann Arbor and Hospitality House in Ypsilanti. Amazingly, Forward Design is doing the work for this project at cost, using volunteers whenever possible. Included are: a new roof (already completed), renovation of two of the bathrooms, and an upgrade of the electrical systems. The company partnered with MISSION to host a successful fundraiser at the house in early July to pay for the project. “We set up a GoFundMe that helped us do more so we were able to add the roof to our original list of proposed projects,” said Carly Withers, Design Team Leader. “But the most important thing was addressing the water issues. That included the roof and over 16 leaks in the bathrooms. Since showers are a large part of what the Jimmy Hill House provides, we knew that [improving the bathrooms] would provide a service for everyone involved.” Forward Design also donated to another phase of going green: the installation of solar panels by Homeland Solar. Central to this endeavor is upgrading to a state-of-the-art electrical system. Skilled technicians will replace aging wiring, change over to modern electrical systems and introduce energy-efficient solutions, such as lighting and insulated window blinds. These will all significantly reduce the house’s energy consumption and create a more thermally efficient envelope for Purple House. The solar panels will provide all of the electricity used in the house, ensuring lower carbon emissions and greatly lowering operational costs. The project encompasses the installation of energy-efficient appliances throughout the facility, from refrigerators and freezers to dishwashers. These upgrades will not only contribute to Purple House's overall energy efficiency but also enhance the daily operations of the community center. The collaboration between Forward Design Company and the Homeland Solar electrical company is a testament to their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. By combining their expertise, they are empowering Purple House to become a beacon of sustainability within the Ann Arbor community. The project aligns perfectly with Forward Design Company's mission of promoting innovative and sustainable design solutions. Other collaborators with Forward Design who contributed to the project include Chelsea Plumbing (labor and toilets), Ferguson (faucets and vanity), Jaco Electric (labor), Gross Electric (bath fans), Diversified Roofing (labor and materials), Dignified Dumpsters (a dumpster), Flooring Consultants of Michigan (labor and materials) and Star Painting (painting labor). Brian Durrance, who was the main project liaison on the MISSIONa2 board, said, “We are very grateful, especially to [Forward Design’s] Design Team leader Carly Withers. We are also very grateful to Project Manager Ryan Bieber who is doing a wonderful job of moving the project forward. They have already installed a new roof, they have upgraded our electrical service, and they are currently renovating two bathrooms so that we can better provide shower services to our guests. We are just very grateful in general. “And we’re very excited about their generous donation for the installation of the solar panels. These solar panels will make it possible to provide meals and laundry services at a fraction of the cost.” Withers responded in kind. “We know that the MISSION people are happy with us, and that makes us happy in return.” She added, “I think the people [on site] were touched by this more than they realized they would be.” Together, MISSIONa2 and Forward Design are empowering Purple House to make a positive impact on the environment, reduce its operating costs, and provide a more comfortable and welcoming space for the community, especially during the cold winter months when they will run their weather amnesty overnight shelter program. This transformative journey embodies the power of collaboration when forprofit companies embrace a justice ethic and work together to create a more sustainable future. exp. 01/31/2025
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