About Us
Martin Gardner Architecture, P.C. has been providing excellence in design and building consulting services in eastern Iowa for nearly 30 years. Our offices are located in Marion and Strawberry Point, Iowa. We work out of two difference locations but work as one firm and together have a wide ranging portfolio of over 2,000 projects.
Our firm consists of 10 professionals. We rely on each other to share ideas and offer alternative perspectives. Each MGA team member brings a set of talents and skills which significantly contribute to the success of the projects we work on.
Our History
Martin Gardner Architecture, P.C. was founded in 1985 as a predecessor partnership by David F. Martin, who is president of the firm. In 2010, Martin Design joined with Gardner Architecture, a firm founded by Tom Gardner in 1983. We completed the merger process by changing our name to Martin Gardner Architecture January 1st 2013.
We know what brings
schools
together.
Project Development Experts
We become the client’s consultant, guide, and advocate in charting the building process and emphasizing the following:
• Clearly communicating project needs, scope, and expectations
• Documenting project requirements
• Adhering to project budgets by prioritizing building features
• Remaining flexible to meet changing project and client needs
• Experience and interest in using alternative energy sources
• Concern for natural resources and using environmentally friendly building materials
• Technically superior construction drawings and specifications
• Very low number and cost of change orders during construction
• Planning for future expansions
• Fostering a spirit of teamwork within the design and construction teams
Tailored Architectural Services
Getting it right is a tradition of ours, no matter whether the project is large or small, a new structure, addition or renovation. We provide services for clients with needs as diverse as:
VISIONING Needs Assessment Feasibility Studies Energy Studies Master Planning Space Programming Schematic Design Budget Development PLANNING Design Development Construction Documents Budget Review and Control Bidding and Negotiating
Construction Contract Preparation BUILDING
Construction Administration Payment Review
Contractor Submittals and Coordination Project Meetings
Project Close Out
Services for Most Building Types and Projects
New BuildingsAdditions Renovations
Security Improvements District Wide Needs Studies Daycares and Preschools Wellness Centers Code Compliance
Familiar with Government Grant and Loan Programs Handicapped Accessibility
Project Feasibility Reports
Energy Efficiency Including Rebate Programs and Geothermal Parking and Zoning
FEMA Tornado Safe Rooms
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Cost of Service
Our method of charging for services is very flexible and can be divided into phases. Hourly, fixed fee, and percentage based fee structures are available as you desire.
Locally Available
Either office is prepared to discuss your project needs with you. We welcome your calls or your written inquiries either via conventional mail or email. Contact us at either address shown on our staff page.
MARTIN GARDNER ARCHITECTURE
Fine Arts and Performance Center
• Fine Arts and Performance Center
• Wellness Center Additions and Renovations • Elementary / Middle School Renovations
and Additions
• Geothermal HVAC System Upgrade • Instrumental and Vocal Music Rooms
Renovation
• Lobby and Concessions Renovation • Athletic Locker Room Renovations • Elementary / Middle School Window
Replacement
• Security Entry Systems Renovation • High School ADA Accessibility
Improvements and Renovation
Postville Community Schools
• R.A.M.S. (Regional Academy for Math and Science). New 12,000 square foot advanced technology and science facility operated in conjunction with Northeast Iowa Community College
• Elementary facility HVAC retrofit • Elementary early childhood renovations • New eight lane all weather track renovation
• High School Athletic Locker Room Renovation
• High school bleacher replacement Middle School Multi-Purpose Room (currently in the feasibility stages)
• High School concessions and renovations to the lobby and weight room
• Williams Wellness Center security renovations (currently in design)
Regional Academy for Math and Science
• Science Laboratory and Junior High Addition and Renovation (currently under construction)
• Community Wellness Facility (currently under construction)
• Wrestling / Fitness addition, Nashua high school facility
• High School Gymnasium re-roof • District Facilities Assessment and Study
Nashua-Plainfield Community Schools
MFL MarMac Community Schools
• Wrestling and fitness addition to thehigh school
• Elementary Early Childhood and Library renovations / entry vestibule renovation • High school Fine Arts classroom addition • Elementary Kindergarten classroom addition • Childcare and Head-start facility addition
• Elementary window replacement • Facility Boiler Replacement
• Fine Arts Auditorium and Administrative Offices Addition (currently under construction)
• Main electrical service replacement and upgrade and consolidation of the entire High School (currently under construction) • McGregor Weight Room Addition
New Hampton Community Schools
• Chickasaw Wellness Complex: A 35,750 square foot fitness facility housing indoor basketball / volleyball courts, aerobics / multipurpose space, racquetball, wrestling, walking track, weight room, locker rooms, offices, storage / mechanical spaces • High school offices and administrative
offices addition (currently in design phase)
• Middle school addition which includes new entrance ramp, restrooms and concessions (currently in design phase) • Master Planning for future school projects
Grand Meadow Independent School District, Grand Meadow Minnesota.
Initial planning and schematic design is complete for a multiple phase addition to a centralized school. Preparation for a bond issue is underway. Current plans call for a wellness center, classrooms, and performing arts center with renovations to the administrative, ag/shop area, and media center. Approximate total budget anticipated for the entire project is 15 million dollars.
MFL MarMac Community Schools, Monona, Iowa
Our most recent project for this school is a new 350 seat fine arts auditorium outfitted with state of the art sound and lighting systems, dressing rooms, and support areas. This project is just being completed and will host the first school play in November, 2013. Other recent projects have included a concession stand addition to the McGregor school, a boiler and electrical system replacement in Monona, a childcare addition, fine arts classroom addition and fitness and wrestling room additions.
South Winneshiek Community School District, Calmar, Iowa
Renovations of the existing auditorium providing new wider seats, handicapped seating and accessibility, improved the stage access and usability, new curtains, sound system, general lighting, control booth, floor finishes, helped to improve the acoustics of the room.
Nashua-Plainfield Community Schools, Nashua, Iowa
Two projects were recently built simultaneously on the Nashua Community
Schools campus. This project includes a new 25,000 square foot wellness center featuring basketball and volley ball courts, batting cages, weight room, wrestling room, aerobics rooms, and a running track. A technical wing adds six classrooms, a chemistry laboratory, a biology laboratory, and a new commons to the junior high were also a part of this project. This project was funded in part with a Harkin Education Grant, an energy rebate and the rest with Local Option Sales Tax funds. These two projects offer increased opportunities for STEM education and participation in athletic programs.
Oelwein Community School District, Oelwein, Iowa
Locker rooms, the main gymnasium bleachers, the main entrance commons, and security upgrades are just a few of the areas that we have renovated for this school district. We are currently working on an office security renovation for the community wellness center that is attached to the school building.
Postville Community School District, Postville, Iowa
This year security entrances were added to the high school and elementary school main entrances and staff entrances. Two years ago a major addition was made to the NICHES building, the YMCA that uses a former school building as a shared athletic and wellness center. This addition included an elevator to provide handicapped access, a swimming pool and additional exercise rooms/meeting rooms. Much of the existing building was renovated to freshen and improve the facility. Past projects have included elementary/ middle school addition and renovation, locker room and lobby renovation, band and vocal music renovation, window replacement, geothermal heating and cooling, and a fine arts auditorium.
Other School Projects
Other School Projects
Alburnett Community School District, Alburnett, IA Central Community School District, Elkader, IA
Central City Community School District, Central City, IA
Edgewood-Colesburg Community School District, Edgewood, IA Marion Independent School District, Marion, IA
North Fayette Community School District, West Union, IA South Winneshiek Community School District, IA
Howard-Winneshiek Community School District, IA Independence Community School District, Independence, IA Grand Meadow Independent School District, Grand Meadow, MN Postville Community School District, Postville, IA
Oelwein Community School District, Oelwein, IA
Nashua-Plainfield Community School District, Nashua, IA
MFL MarMac Community School District, Monona, IA New Hampton Community School District, New Hampton, IA Maquoketa Valley Community School District, Maqouketa, IA North Winneshiek Community School District, IA
Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar, IA Starmont Community School District, Arlington, IA
Turkey Valley Community School District, Jackson Junction, IA Valley Community School District, IA
Sumner-Fredericksburg Community School District, Sumner, IA Eastern-Allamakee Community School District, IA
Clayton-Ridge Community School District, Guttenberg, IA Mid-Prairie Community School District, IA
Randy Strabala
Superintendent
Brian Bierschenk
School Board President
Nashua-Plainfield Community School District 612 Greeley Street Nashua, IA 50658 (641) 435-4835 Steve Westerberg Superintendent Candace King
School Board President
Oelwein Community School District 315 8th Avenue SE
Oelwein, IA 50662 (319) 283-2731
Jim Patera, Deacon
Retired Superintendent
Current Deacon Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oelwein, IA
Oelwein Community School District 315 8th Avenue SE
Oelwein, IA 50662 Office: (319) 283-3744
Duane Willhite
Superintendent North Fayette Valley Community School District600 N. Pine Street, PO Box 73 West Union, IA 52175
(563) 422-3851
John Rothlisberger
Retired Superintendent Retired from Postville Community School District andTurkey Valley Community School District (319) 310-1356
References
Martin Gardner Architecture Staff
David F. Martin, AIA , President
Sarah Coleman, AIA, Project Architect
Kyle Martin, AIA, LEED AP, Project Architect
Gabe Julich, Draftsperson
Eric Wirth, LEED Green Assoc., Intern Architect
Justin Hoff, SDA, Office Manager
Josh Demmer, AIA, LEED AP, Project Architect
Mark Moine, LEED AP, Project Manager
Mike Tucker, Project Manager
Brian Stark, Project Manager
700 11th Street, Suite 200 Marion, IA 52302 Telephone Number: 319-377-7604 Fax Number: 319-377-1175 Website: www.MartinGardnerArch.com Email: info@MartinGardnerArch.com 11502 390th Street Strawberry Point, IA 52076 Telephone Number: 563-933-4712 Fax Number: 563-933-2052 Website: www.MartinGardnerArch.com Email: info@MartinGardnerArch.com
700 11th Street, Suite 200 Marion, IA 52302
