We create timeless communities that will serve neighborhoods and cities for many years to come
5 PRACTICE SITES
47+
YEARS OF OPERATION
210+
EMPLOYEES
ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN URBAN DESIGN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
STRUCTURAL & MEP ENGINEERING BRANDED ENVIRONMENTS
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
BKV Group enhances the physical and cultural environment through meaningful, responsive and multi-disciplinary design. Supported by innovative technology and a strategic market focus, we work to transform communities locally, nationally and internationally. We believe the craft is as important as the science, especially in giving soul to the process and built environment. Through a highly participatory endeavor, our design strategies express a “rootedness” in their surroundings. This strategy goes beyond the specific building to deliberately capture the expression of people, site, and culture. It is a contextually sensitive approach that is based on, and reactive to, our clients’ goals, budget, vision, and focus, with our creative process engaging all team members to transform and positively shape communities around the globe.
JACK OWEN BOARMAN
Senior Design Leader, Development Managing Partner Washington, DC
CHARLES SWANSON
Senior Design Leader, Development Managing Partner Chicago, IL
MICHAEL KRYCH
Senior Design Leader, Development Managing Partner Minneapolis, MN
SHANEY MULLEN
Senior Design Leader, Development Managing Partner Dallas, TX
Collaborating regionally, BKV Group operates as a cohesive firm delivering a wide range of project types for a diverse set of national and local clients. We leverage industry-leading communication and technology tools with best-in-class design processes to seamlessly work across practice sites to meet our clients’ needs, and continually expand our presence into existing and new markets.
The National practice sites at BKV Group are supported by BKV’s Vietnam offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, which contribute design services for many of our U.S. projects, while allowing BKV access to the Asian markets. Furthermore, our firm is able to provide cross-practice training opportunities and structure project teams to leverage the 12-hour time difference, creating a nearly 24-hour design studio that can meet accelerated deadlines without sacrificing quality and creativity.
BKV Group’s dynamic experience in affordable housing is demonstrated through the variety of housing types we design; all which have an overarching goal to establish the highest quality of affordable living that promotes and enhances community redevelopment.
+ Renovations
+ Adaptive Reuse
+ Repositioning
+ Remodels
+ New Construction
+ Developers
+ Government Entities
+ Brokers
+ Architects
+ Property Managers
+ Landscape Architects
+ MEP Engineers
+ Civil Engineers
+ Structural Engineers
+ Housing
– Affordable Housing
– Artist Lofts
– Student Housing
– Senior Living
– Market-Rate Housing
+ Commercial
+ Hospitality
+ Government
+ Education
Our team offers comprehensive experience in all types of developments, ranging from small-scale to large-scale communities. This is demonstrated through the variety of housing types we design; all which have an overarching goal to establish the highest quality of affordable housing that promotes and enhances community redevelopment.
+ Neighborhood Community Building
+ Planning and Pre-Development
+ Innovative Building Technology
+ Creative Residential Branding
+ Transit-Oriented Development
+ Lifestyle Amenities
+ Tax-Incentivized Project Experience
+ Sustainability
With experts in Architecture, Planning, Interior Design, Landscape, Engineering, and Branding in house, we bring diverse perspectives to the table from the very beginning. What this means to you is that whether you are renovating an existing property or creating something new, we have the team to support your needs at our fingertips. This holistic approach leads to thoughtful creative solutions that work to meet or exceed your guests and your operational team’s expectations.
During final installation, our team works with all project entities to curate thoughtful furniture, art, and accessories. Intentional selections are made to help reinforce the design story. Natural or faux plants bring the outdoors in while we layer furniture, art, and accessories for a residential feel.
While the project is on site, we work closely with the contractors and FF&E dealers to achieve the successful implementation of our design along with the installation of all the associated FF&E.
BKV Group is one of the few national design firms offering an in-house Branded Environments unit who, in addition, assist our design teams in navigating through the initial research, strategy and discovery phases, shaping brands early in the project life cycle that will inform how spaces are designed, marketed and experienced.
Project Brand Discovery
Project Brand Messaging, Positioning & Strategy
Naming
Visual Identity/Logo
Brand Guidelines
Brand Applications
Digital & Print Collateral
Marketing Materials
Promotional Merchandise Design
Environmental Graphics / Installations
Visual Identity Systems (Wayfinding Signage)
Social Media Templates
Website Design
St. Paul, Minnesota
OVERVIEW
Transit-oriented mixed-use development
TYPE
Family - Affordable Housing
SIZE
316,896 SF
217 affordable apartment units
Union Flats Apartments in St. Paul, Minnesota is a project which seamlessly positions a 217 affordable apartment within highly desired dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. Complemented by a bold and colorful design, the building’s emphasis on art – visible from the front door to the courtyard – creates a dynamic experience for residents and visitors alike, resulting in an elegant merging of quality and affordability.
Midland, Texas
Affordable family housing with robust amenities
TYPE
Family - Affordable Housing
SIZE
324,919 SF
276 units
Site area is approximately 27 acres
Affordable housing in (10-11) 3-story structures
Wood-frame construction with surface parking
Scharbauer Flats proposed in Midland, TX will offer 276-unit
affordable apartment housing. The housing project is targeted to families earning 60% of the area median income or less. The project amenity spaces will include a Lobby, Clubroom, Fitness, Kids play room, Mail, and Facility Leasing/Management space.
Outdoor amenities will include a shared outdoor courtyard space with amenities such as grilling stations and a pool.
Family-focused affordable housing rooted in community
TYPE
Family / Senior - Affordable Housing
SIZE
181,843 SF 4-story
121 units
Located at the former Weyerhaeuser lumber site in St. Paul, MN and phase one of a larger housing development that also includes a senior housing building. The building provides 121 units of affordable housing for families.
Interior design concepts are focused on: fresh, family, comfort and community, which can be seen throughout. Upon entering the building, a large lobby welcomes residents and guests with contrasting finishes and textures. There is a balance of wood on the floors and ceilings which carry into the clubroom bringing warmth to the spaces. Multiple seating arrangements in the clubroom provide opportunities for gatherings, both large and small. A grand 2-story fireplace creates a focal feature in the space. A kitchenette flanked by built-in booths provides a cozy nook for residents to work or converse. A bright and fun indoor kids’ room with play structure, books, and interactive gaming system provides a space for even the littlest resident. The fitness center overlooks the play space allowing parents to watch their children as they work out. Wayfinding is found on corridor floors with color blocking and art playing off the history of the site, demographics, and interior design.
OVERVIEW
Two-phase master plan development
TYPE
Market-Rate Housing
SIZE
3 stories
815,363 SF
568 units
This multifamily community is part of an overall new master development for the area, including a new school to the north of the site and grocer and hospital/medical office building to the south. The site is approximately 26 acres, and was divided into two phases: Phase 1 is to the east and Phase 2 to the west.
For the apartment buildings, there are two building types: an L-shaped three-story elevator building with 60 units per building (studio, one, two and three-bedroom units) including 14 tuck-under garage spaces per building, and a bar-shaped three-story non-elevator building with 33 units per building (studio, one, and two-bedroom units) including 13 tuck-under garage spaces per building. There are also two-story four-unit townhouse buildings (seven buildings total: four in Phase 1 and three in Phase 2) with two garage spaces per townhouse unit. For amenities, there are two amenity ponds that also function as detention ponds and two clubhouses — one in each phase. There are dog parks, barbecue areas, and park areas adjacent to the amenity ponds, as well as private walk-out apartment patios, free-standing trash enclosures, and site landscaping and amenities.
OVERVIEW
Mixed-use apartments anchoring town center development
TYPE
Market-Rate Housing
SIZE
282 units
6-story
Adjacent Parking Structure
BKV Group was commissioned by Urban Atlantic to provide full architectural, interiors and engineering services, master planning, programming, entitlement, design and construction administration for the apartment building in the New Carrollton Town Center complex. The project includes a 6-story, 282-unit mixed-use apartment building with some affordable set aside units. There is ground-floor retail, an adjacent parking structure and a public plaza which will be built next to the Kaiser Permanente office building.
Silver Spring, Maryland
OVERVIEW
Modern Urban Living - Adaptive reuse into arts-centered housing
TYPE
Creative Adaptive Reuse - Affordable Housing
SIZE
112,494 SF
11 Townhouses
68 affordable housing units
Located just north of the heart of Washington, DC, Silver Spring has become a major business hub and hosts several multi-cultural festivals as well as a growing arts community. BKV Group is working with Artspace, Montgomery County, and the Montgomery Housing Partnership to develop the former Third District Police Station on Sligo Avenue into an arts center anchored by affordable live/ work housing. The former station, built in 1962, was Silver Spring’s first permanent police station and will be converted into working artist studios and creative spaces, providing opportunities for the area’s creative artists and organizations eager to find affordable workspace within the DC Metro area.
This project will create a strong anchor and transitional connection between the business district and residential neighborhoods. The site plan responds to the sensitivity of the neighborhood, while providing vital opportunities for job growth, affordable rental and for-sale housing, and support for the local creative economy.
Modified “U” building focused on a courtyard positioned south to take advantage of solar orientation.
TYPE
Market-Rate Housing
SIZE
4 stories
294,032 SF 206 units
Loden-SV is based on three key design elements, authenticity, nature and youthfulness. The project is planned for two phases, North and South with the South phase completed in December 2018. The modified “U” building focused on a courtyard positioned south to take advantage of solar orientation. The building is broken up into three building segments to minimize scale and bring natural light and transparency into the corridors.
Loden-SV is based on an authentic, natural and contemporary interior design. With an overall concept rooted in Scandinavian styling. The landscape design is intended to create a “building in a park.” Arrival to the building is through a drive-able shared plaza space with colored concrete, decorative lighting and extensive landscaping. The building’s courtyard mixes dynamic, highly active amenities with passive, heavily planted passive spaces in a cascading landscape that drops 6 feet in a series of terraces and sloped planted surfaces and walks. Active uses include a swimming pool, built-in grilling stations with granite countertops, a pergola/shade structure with decorative lighting and lounge furnishings, large gas fire pits and a pickle ball court. Passive uses include lawn areas (both real and synthetic turf), decorative gardens and paths, and plantings sloping to hide parking lot walls. At its southern end, there is an enclosed dog run with decorative metal perimeter fence.
Champlin, Minnesota
Market-Rate PUD with Amenities and Community Focus
TYPE
Public Pavilion, Amphitheater, Public Riverfront Docks, And Market-Rate Housing
4-story
300,000 SF 215 units
Mississippi Crossings is a two-phase Planned Unit Development (PUD) featuring market-rate apartments, community amenities, street-level walk-up units, and ample parking within a landscaped, park-like setting overlooking the Mississippi River.
The development emphasizes strong community connection, highlighted by a 600-person open-air amphitheater for concerts and events, and a public pavilion supporting threeseason activities. Street-level design promotes a pedestrianfriendly neighborhood feel, with walk-up units, front patios, and landscaped front yards that complement surrounding single-family homes. Mature trees and enhanced landscaping further integrate the development into the existing community fabric.
Modern courtyard-oriented market-rate apartment community.
TYPE
Market-Rate Housing
SIZE
8-story
197 Market-Rate-units
297 Parking Spaces
7-story project over 1-story podium, 212 units
The project was designed as a courtyard building starting on the second floor facing Addison street. This is done in order to minimize the building’s presence along Addison Street in addition to maximizing the amount of afternoon sun that would reach the outdoor pool. The building is set back from the Addison street, creating the appearance of a 7-story structure.
The project is designed to create an active street and pedestrian experience. By locating the fitness center, lobby/lounge, leasing offices, and bike lounge spaces along Addison Avenue, the firstfloor parking and service spaces are concealed from view, apart from the lower level garage entry on the south end of the site. The second floor is set back from the property line along the north and south sides and is composed of residential units, a clubroom amenity space and a landscaped terrace with an outdoor pool, individual unit terraces, and other outdoor amenities. Levels 3-7 are the typical residential levels, with the 8th-floor setback from the street, north, and south property lines creating terraces for the top-level units.
State College, Pennsylvania
Cottage style homes surrounding large clubhouse complex featuring luxury amenities.
TYPE
Student housing
SIZE
37.85 Acres
268 Units
143 Building Pads
1093 Beds
BKV Group was selected by Toll Brothers to provide architectural, engineering, and planning services for the Yards at Old State located in State College, Pennsylvania. The site contains 288-units existing in cottage style houses totaling in 1093 Beds. There are 143 building pads along with 1038 surface parking spaces. The cottages consist of two, three, four, and five bedroom homes that feature multilevel spacious floor plans with modern fixtures and amenities.
The site has a two-plus mezzanine clubhouse that includes the following amenities: leasing office, lounge, 3,900 SF fitness center with yoga room, sauna, mail room, study areas, rock climbing wall, outdoor volleyball court, luxury swimming pool, 3 hot tubs, tech equipped study rooms, co-working spaces, grill areas, fire pits, sports simulator, and a full size open air basketball court
Minneapolis, Minnesota
OVERVIEW
Transit-oriented mixed-use development
TYPE
Mixed-use Project - Affordable Housing
SIZE
288,783 SF 6-story
183 Affordable Units
7,000 SF Retail Space
117 Below-grade Parking Stalls
The development utilizes building entries, commercial space, and walkup live/work units to create an active street front and provide a continuation of the commercial corridor, “Eat Street.” The design is inspired by the context of the neighborhood, specifically courtyard style historic brick apartments and condominiums. The primary building materials of brick and cast stone masonry on the street fronts are compatible with the historic existing buildings in the neighborhood.
The massing reinvents the contextual influences by creating a single building broken into two courtyard “buildings” connected with a link. The courtyard of the north building is the primary public entry for the apartment building, recalling the historical entries. The first floor of the north building also contains the commercial space, entrance lobby, leasing office, club room, fitness space, and exterior courtyard public and private spaces facing Nicollet Ave. The south building has a courtyard facing west, toward the alley. This courtyard space operates as the building’s backyard and is dedicated as a children’s play area.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
OVERVIEW
Transit-oriented mixed-use affordable community
TYPE
Creative Adaptive Reuse - Affordable Housing
SIZE
152,000 SF
150 affordable units
80,000 SF parking
Mill City Quarter was the first phase of a 2-phase transitoriented mixed-use development that transformed two large city-owned parking lots into two new residential buildings. The two residential buildings are divided by a pedestrianfriendly roadway – called a woonerf – that greatly enhances the connectivity from the Mill District neighborhood to the Mississippi River.
Constructed on the west half of the development, Mill City Quarter is a mixed-use affordable housing development consisting of 150 dwelling units including various 1- and 2-bedroom living environments, and 15,000 SF of commercial/retail space.
Amenities include a business center, clubroom, lounge, controlled entry, fitness center, laundry rooms, patio and grilling area, 231 below-grade parking spaces, bicycle storage, and the woonerf.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
OVERVIEW
Transit-oriented mixed-use project
TYPE
Family - Affordable Housing
SIZE
64,800 SF
4-story
42 units
This project includes 42 two-, three- and four-bedroom units affordable to households earning less than 50% AMI. This project is responsive to market demand, particularly in light of the loss of affordable rental units to the foreclosure crisis, and addresses the housing needs created by the growth of larger families within the neighborhood. The building itself is designed to respond both contextually and culturally to the unique characteristics of the East Phillips neighborhood, incorporating the traditional design elements of the neighborhood while responding in a contemporary manner to both the site and the culture of the people.
OVERVIEW
Transit-oriented, modern multifamily living community.
TYPE
Market-Rate Housing
SIZE
5 stories
291 units
Welcome to Margaux — a thoughtfully-designed multifamily community situated in Hyattsville, Maryland, part of the New Carrollton area that offers a modern living experience through a balanced integration of urban convenience, natural beauty, and resident-focused amenities. Margaux situates itself strategically near major transit options as well as highway access, allowing residents to move seamlessly between the property and Washington, DC, cultural destinations, or regional points of interest.
The development features a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes, all designed to offer views and plentiful communal spaces to relax, host, or work.
Former office building converted into market rate building reshaping the area to be more transit oriented.
TYPE
Market-Rate Housing
SIZE
569- Units
Phase 1: 400,000 SF
Phase 2: 345,000 SFs
Harwood Flats is a two-phase, 569-unit, mixed use development that reinvigorates the site of a former suburban office building into a walkable, transit-oriented community. The first phase is a 400,000 sf building which will consist of 335 apartment homes sitting atop 5,000 sf of ground-floor shops along Nicholson Street. The apartments are arranged around a central courtyard with amenities including a pool, outdoor patios and fitness areas. A five-level above grade parking garage will provide parking for 240 cars and 100 bicycles.
The second phase will be an L-shaped building which will deliver 232 apartments above 4,000 sf of retail. This building will have 299 above grade parking spaces. A pedestrian walkway and plaza will separate the two development phases, and some of the units will have private entrances along the walkway. A dog park and Capital BikeShare station will activate the pedestrian experience. The development team hopes to draw a mix of young professionals and families seeking a village experience with walkable urbanism and local, authentic retailers. BKV Group is providing full architecture, interior design, structural engineering and construction administration services for this project.
Capitol Hill mixed-use luxury redevelopment.
TYPE
Market-Rate
SIZE
5 stories
325 units
8,000 SF retail
Beckert’s Park is a 2.75-acre mixed-use project bringing 325 luxury apartments and a new 60,000-square-foot Safeway grocery store to a prominent corner in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Located at the corner of 14th Street and D Street SE, the development replaces a parking lot and existing Safeway store that stood on the site for nearly 50 years.
BKV Group worked with developer Foulger-Pratt to create a design that adhered to the aesthetic imperatives of the historic neighborhood while addressing the needs of the community, where few Class A apartments have been developed in recent years. The resulting building is a single structure designed to look like a collection of buildings that includes not only the residential units and upgraded Safeway, but also 8,000 square feet of commercial space for smaller local businesses.
“The redevelopment of this prominent corner in the Capitol Hill neighborhood was an incredible opportunity for both Foulger-Pratt and the community, but it needed to be handled with sensitivity to the surrounding architecture,” said Jack Boarman, founder and CEO of BKV Group. “Our solution truly transformed the site from one that detracted from the urban landscape to one that not only integrates seamlessly with the neighborhood, but also adds a robust mix of residential and retail that will serve the community for years to come.”
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Urban apartments supporting vibrant Minneapolis Mill District living
TYPE
Market-Rate
SIZE
5 stories
175 units
134,000 SF
Retail: 3,400 SF ground-floor retail
Located just between the historic flour mills at St. Anthony Falls — the city’s birthplace — and the modern downtown and business district, this project consists of 175 rental units, 3,400 sf of ground-level retail space, and two levels of underground parking. The building is composed of three wings, interlocked together to create a U-shaped configuration that surrounds a shared green outdoor courtyard. The middle wing connects the two adjoining buildings and establishes the primary presence on Portland Avenue.
Part of large master planned development using wood-frame wrap construction. Located in walkable transit oriented area, part of large scale area revival.
TYPE
Market-rate housing
SIZE
6-stories
297,000 GSF
245-Units
BKV Group was selected by Urban Atlantic and their partners to provide planning and design services for the next phase of their project known as the Reynard at The Parks. The project is located at the corner of Dahlia Street NW and Georgia Avenue NW. The building will be new build consisting of 6-stories and an estimated 345 units with around 15,000 SF of retail and amenity space. The unit mix is set to include studio, onebedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom floorplans. There are 20 live/ work loftystyle units along Georgia Avenue. The building will be five floors of wood over one story of below grade concrete parking podium.
Amenities for the project are set to include a lobby, mail room, co-working spaces, a fitness center, a pool terrace, a meditative courtyard, yoga courtyard, and dog spa. The Reynard at The Parks will also feature large amounts of outdoor space connected to the larger Parks at Walter Reed master plan sloping to hide parking lot walls. At its southern end, there is an enclosed dog run with decorative metal perimeter fence.
