News
Gardner Elementary Groundbreaking Event
November 12, 2020
Henry Albin and Kristian Whitsett were thrilled to join in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new elementary school in Gardner. Another fabulously orchestrated event by the City of Gardner, the outdoor event brought leaders, volunteers, parents, staff and students together to celebrate the beginning of construction. As Jennifer Pelavin (an incredibly active School Building Committee member and Vice Chair of the School Committee) said, "It is difficult to describe in words what a difference a building can make for education." We could not agree more - and look forward to the ribbon cutting in 2022!
minimize post
Northampton Community & Resilience Hub Programming Study
August 28, 2020
Growing challenges of climate change and economic inequity are posing unique challenges to small cities and rural communities. The coronavirus crisis demonstrate how many residents in our communities are getting by with no margin of comfort. Jones Whitsett Architects recently led a planning and programming study with the City of Northampton to develop a proposal for a new kind of shared facility that would serve as a resource space for individuals living in acute economic stress, a gathering point for community meetings, and a communications hub for the city at large during times of social or environmental crisis. This unique concept is just getting to the drawings boards. JWA is honored to be part of the process
Jones Whitsett Architects Announces Scholarships
August 28, 2020
Like many architecture firms, we are aware of the lack of racial diversity within the profession of architecture and the impact this has on our ability to serve the diverse communities of our region. We agree that an important barrier to diversity in architecture is the cost of college and graduate school. This year, in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign for racial justice, we are excited to announce our sponsorship of two local scholarships for college bound women of color. These scholarships will become available starting in the Fall of 2020 at two outstanding local institutions of learning, Greenfield Community College and the Bard Micro College at the Care Center in Holyoke. An award of $1000 will be made available each year at each college to “women of vision” interested in pursuing a career in design, engineering, sustainability or planning. To learn more about the new scholarships, please email office@joneswhitsett.com.
Confronting the Region’s Veterans’ Housing Needs
February 13, 2020
minimize post
Future JWA Leaders in the Field
February 13, 2020
Our office is proud of its leadership in educational facility design but also takes pride in serving the public architecture needs of Western Massachusetts communities on many other types of projects, the legacy of Margo Jones’ 30 years of work with non-profits, businesses and municipalities. This month we give a “shout out” to our next generation leaders for their dedication to fieldwork on projects large and small. Here Aviva Galaski, AIA, is seen doing the final walk-through for Avalon Restaurant in Holyoke. Henry Albin, AIA, is completing the “punchlist” on the DIAL/SELF Teen Housing Northampton project. And Design Associate Anthony Gomes is conducting existing conditions investigations for a project just getting underway for Springfield Preparatory School in Springfield.
Wrapping Up DIAL/SELF Teen Housing Northampton
February 8, 2020
February 7, 2020 was ribbon cutting day on the DIAL/SELF Teen Housing Northampton Project, a project we have joyfully worked on for the past two years. The newly constructed building, which faces Locust Street in Northampton, provides a staff resource center and 4 single unit efficiency apartments for youth at-risk of homelessness. Project funding came from a variety of local sources, including the fundraising effort of Hampshire County Friends of the Homeless, the City of Northampton, Greenfield Savings Bank and many area individuals. Henry Albin and Dorrie Brooks have worked closely with DIAL/SELF and Keiter Builders for two years to shepherd this important project to completion. The outstanding energy efficiency of the building’s design combined with the installation of a rooftop PV array donated through Northeast Solar results in a project we expect will achieve Net Zero.
Architects Participate in "Day-of-Service"
October 21, 2019
Western Mass AIA (WMAIA) heald its third annual "Day-Of-Service" on October 19th. Led and organized by JWA's Kristian Whitsett and Steve Jablonski (of Jablonski DeVriese Architects in Springfield), volunteers from WMAIA partnered with Gardening the Community (GTC).
minimize post
Granby Public Schools Sees Increase in Enrollment
September 30, 2019
Prior to JWA's renovation / addition to the East Meadow Elementary School, Granby Schools had been experiencing a decline in enrollment. However this past year saw more than 30 new students joined the district.
minimize post
Margo Jones Places 1st in Age Group and Kristian Whitsett Places 3rd in Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon
August 4, 2019
Two of Jones Whitsett's Principals competed in yesterday's Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon. JWA's Whitsett came in third overall in the International distance event - with a time of 1:53:41. JWA's Jones came in first in her age group - with a time of 1:28:16 in the Sprint distance event. If poor water quality had not canceled the swim portion, both may have done even better - as Margo and Kristian both appreciate a good swim! A beautiful day to enjoy a fantastic local event.
minimize post
Habitat for Humanity Home Dedication
June 13, 2019
Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity's home at 1 Garfield Avenue in Northampton, MA held its dedication ceremony this past Friday. JWA's Dorrie Brooks spoke on the importance of affordable housing, a value held dear by our firm and those who work here. It is with great pleasure that we mark the completion of this project and offer best wishes to its new inhabitants.
minimize post