Happy Holidays!
The Wesley Rehabilitation Center (A Campus of Wesley Medical Center) in Wichita, Kansas, is now complete! This state-of-the-art facility will provide vital in-patient rehabilitation services to the community and surrounding towns. It not only addresses a critical need for accessible care in central Kansas but also stands as a testament to thoughtful, community-centered design. Barge provided architectural and interior design services, overcoming challenges to ensure the building harmonized with its residential surroundings. Team members participated in several community meetings throughout a complex rezoning process. By listening to local residents' concerns, hashtag#TeamBarge made thoughtful design adjustments that struck a balance between addressing the community's interests and meeting the client's needs. Key design features include natural daylight integration, visual markers to aid rehabilitation progress, and a central courtyard designed as a multifunctional space for healing and relaxation. We’re grateful for our long-standing partnership with Wesley Medical Center, and for the collaboration with I.C. Thomasson Associates, Inc., a Salas O'Brien Company, Stanley D. Lindsey & Associates, Ltd. (SDL), Catalyst Design Group, PC, and JE Dunn Construction.
The holidays are anything but ordinary for #TeamBarge! We want to extend our warmest holiday wishes to our employees, clients, partners, friends, and your families. Thank you for being such an essential part of our story this year. We couldn’t have done it without your support, collaboration, and trust. Happy Holidays!
The Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee is a Fall 2024 recipient of the Barge Community Fund! This $5,000 grant will support its Transit Citizen Leadership Academy, a program designed to educate the community on how transit intersects with our lives, contributes to a higher quality of life, sustains a vibrant economy, and builds pathways to equity. Our very own Mary McClendon Vavra, ASLA, AICP, Transit Alliance board member, is pictured with Board Chair Ryan Stanton and Executive Director Jessica Dauphin.
Barge attended the SAME Federal Small Business Conference in New Orleans! One of the highlights was sponsoring an after-hours reception at the World War II Museum, where we welcomed over 300 attendees. It was a fantastic evening as #TeamBarge connected with agencies and businesses operating in the federal marketplace.
We celebrate the power of geographic information systems (GIS) in making smarter, data-driven decisions. Our Innovation Division collaborates to deliver solutions—like advanced GIS databases, automated data collection, and asset management tools—that empower our clients to tackle evolving challenges with confidence.
After 15 transformative years leading Barge, Bob Higgins is stepping down as chief executive officer on February 28. He will continue to serve as chairman of the board, focusing on key client engagements and driving the firm’s innovation strategy. Chief of Staff Carrie Stokes will assume the role of CEO on March 1. We are deeply grateful for Bob’s leadership. Under his guidance, Barge has achieved remarkable growth and strengthened its impact on the communities we serve. His legacy will continue to inspire us.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused unprecedented devastation across the Southeast. In response, the Barge Community Fund has allocated $100,000 to aid relief efforts. Our team members have stepped up with incredible generosity, volunteering their time, donations, and resources to help affected communities. As new details emerge on the storm impacts and as these communities begin the challenging road to recovery, Barge’s core commitment to “giving back to the communities where we live and work” has motivated us to take meaningful action as a company. Through collaboration with clients, employees, and state agencies, the relief committee identified seven 501(c)(3) organizations across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina. These groups are dedicated to supporting recovery in the hardest-hit areas, including neighborhoods where many of our team members live and work.
Barge's Wellness Fair at the Nashville office was a success, closing out a month-long focus on personal well-being! Barge team members learned from vendors about wellness resources and entered drawings for some exciting prizes.
We're proud to celebrate Architecture Month this October! As a certified Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm by AIA Tennessee, we’re committed to fostering the growth of young talent. Architectural Associate, Celia Olsen shared her experience of professional development and support as part of #TeamBarge.
