The Walter French Project: A Tale of Transformation

Tangible Remnants

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Episode 2 of the Building Reuse is Climate Action, a Tangible Remnants limited series sponsored by Quinn Evans, is all about the transformation of the Walter French Academy in Lansing, MI. From the owner's side Nakita is joined by the current Executive Director of Capital Area Housing Partnership, Emma Henry, as well as the former Executive Director of Capital Area Housing Partnership, Rawley Van Fossen, who is now the Director of Economic Development and Planning for the City of Lansing. From the Quinn Evans design team Nakita is joined by Ann Dilcher, Principal and lead architect of the project, and Jaclyn Peterson Melfi, project architect who have been instrumental in transforming this once vacant historic building.

From navigating financial hurdles to engaging with the community, if you've ever wondered what it takes to breathe new life into a long-abandoned building this episode is for you. Our guests share their experiences and discuss how a shared vision with a dedicated team can transform not just a building, but an entire community.

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Ann Dilcher, AIA, LEED AP

Ann focuses on community-building projects such as libraries, museums, and art centers. Her work often centers around adaptive reuse or renovation of existing buildings, usually historic buildings valued by the community. She is known for her ability to communicate with large groups of diverse stakeholders and create inclusive design solutions. Ann’s attention to detail and coordination of expertise provided by specialty consultants exercise her mature understanding of technically demanding projects.

Jaclyn Peterson Melfi, AIA, LEED AP

Jaclyn breathes new life into old buildings, particularly for residential uses. She believes that all spaces matter and works with clients to create modern, functional, and comfortable spaces within existing structures. Jaclyn brings a problem-solving mindset and is willing to iterate design solutions until the right one is found. Her holistic approach to design encompasses both the big picture and the details that make it come to life.

Emma Henry

After serving on the CAHP Board of Directors for 2 years, Emma was eager to further support the organization’s mission by becoming a staff member in 2017. Her years as a Team Leader at the City of East Lansing cultivated this desire to support and develop the local community. Experience in the private real estate sector helped to develop an understanding of the needs in the community where she has been a lifelong resident. As Executive Director, Emma is focused on program design, affordable housing development, organizational growth and strategic partnership building with the goal of utilizing CAHP’s strengths and skills to better the communities they serve.

Rawley Van Fossen

Rawley is a dedicated public servant in the Lansing area. His journey in community development and public service began at Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations & Policy. After graduating, he worked for the Ingham County Land Bank as the Property Disposition & Community Relations Manager. Rawley’s commitment to public service continued as he served as a legislative aide for the Michigan House. His involvement with the Capital Area Housing Partnership started in 2014. Under his leadership, CAHP has made significant contributions to the community by investing over $100 million across mid-Michigan. In 2023, he joined Mayor Andy Schor’s as the City of Lansing’s Director of Economic Development & Planning. Rawley oversees Community Development, Building Safety, Code Enforcement, Financial Empowerment, Planning & Zoning and Parking Services.

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