Owner: Parks and People Foundation
General Contractor: Lewis Contractors
Architect: Ziger | Snead Architects
Civil Engineer: STV Incorporated
Structural Engineer: ReStl Designers
Delivery Method: CM at Risk
LEED Certification: LEED Platinum (2016)
Year of Design: 2011
Year of Construction: 2013–2015
Project Value: Approximately $13 million
The Parks and People Foundation transformed a neglected nine-acre parcel along Druid Hill Park into a welcoming campus that celebrates environmental education and community connection. The project combined the restoration of the nineteenth-century Superintendent’s House with the construction of the 14,200-square-foot Sally and Butch Michel Center, which includes classrooms, offices, and flexible gathering spaces. Landscaped trails, rain gardens, and outdoor learning areas were integrated to strengthen neighborhood ties and demonstrate sustainable design in action. Certified LEED Platinum, the campus reflects Baltimore’s commitment to revitalization through green infrastructure and historic preservation.
D.W. Kozera, Inc. supported the project from design through construction, providing geotechnical engineering, laboratory testing, and construction observation services. The team performed a detailed subsurface investigation to evaluate soils and groundwater, developing recommendations for shallow foundations, floor slabs, retaining walls, and pavement systems. During construction, DWK provided field testing and observation to confirm that foundation and earthwork activities aligned with design intent, allowing the project to progress efficiently while adapting to existing site variability.
Through close collaboration with the design and construction teams, D.W. Kozera added measurable value to the project by helping manage risk, control costs, and maintain progress in a complex urban setting. The firm’s practical guidance and steady presence during construction supported the creation of a durable, high-performing site that will continue to serve the community for decades. The Center for Parks and People stands as a testament to what thoughtful engineering and shared purpose can achieve in transforming overlooked spaces into community assets.
