Park View Mennonite Pavilion: Project Update

by Charles Hendricks | Oct 27, 2025 | architecture, citizen architect, Harrisonburg Architect

Through a generous donation from a member of the church, Park View Mennonite Church is adding a pavilion next to their existing playground. This structure will be simple in form and complex in all the ways it will serve the church and surrounding community.

There is a pre-school that uses space in the church on weekdays and now they will have a shaded area for outside activities and meals. The playground is in frequent use by community members when the pre-school is not open giving parents a place to chill while their kids enjoy the playground. The structure will give a permanent place for outdoor gatherings for church members and Sunday school classes. On community days at church this will be a hub for food service with places to plug in appliances or even invite in a food truck.

The gift to build this structure at a church imbedded in a community will provide for hours of enjoyment, community building, and yet unknown relationships to form as gathering takes place. What an amazing way to give back to a community and for the church to give back to the community in and around it. We love being part of such successful projects.

Bryce Resort Renovation – Project Update

by Charles Hendricks | Oct 24, 2025 | architecture, Bryce Resort, Custom Home, Harrisonburg Architect, project update

I had the pleasure of visiting this home renovation at Bryce Resort a few weeks ago. This project turned out amazing. When we arrived it was a straight-forward vacation cottage used for weekend getaways. The goal was to create a home for a lifetime. Here is a before photo of the home as we are getting started with design.

We added a garage on the right side with a room above, and a multi-story addition on the left side. The result is a home with all the spaces needed for living their dream lives in this beautiful resort.

From the rear of the home you get a glimpse of all the exterior spaces that allow for maximum enjoyment of the views out over the lake.

The rear deck was a little narrow and was in need of a facelift. The open rail almost disappears and the deeper sitting area allows for flexible gatherings.

The screen porch on the lower level keeps a dry space safe from bug season.

The once crowded space with an oversize fireplace and limited seating was opened up. The new space allows for seating, dining, and a large kitchen.

Downstairs once was dark and cramped and now has space for the ping pong table and seating for watching the big game.

The primary bedroom used to be open to the main living space and now has privacy and plenty of natural light.

The hot tub allows is privacy while still capturing views and allowing users to enjoy the stars.

The space that was once an unused attic is now a cozy office.

This rooftop terrace is accessed from the primary bedroom.

The new screen porch on the main living floor has a bar looking out to the views.

What an amazing home renovation. The new home has everything they wanted in their lifetime house. We worked through their dreams, goals, and desires, hit their budget, and delivered an amazing design solution.

November First Fridays At The Depot Featuring Bruce Stambaugh!

by Charles Hendricks | Oct 22, 2025 | First Friday

Join us for First Fridays Harrisonburg in November at the Depot on November 7th from 5-7 PM! We will be featuring Bruce Stambaugh and his exhibition “Valley Moments”

As always, this event is free and open to everyone, and refreshments will be provided by Gaines Group Architects.

Series Name: Valley Moments
Medium: Photography

Artist Statement: “Photography is about capturing moments in time. There are countless photo-worthy moments to capture in the Shenandoah Valley. A wintry reflection on Silver Lake. A classic steam engine chugging along the tracks. The moment an Old Order Mennonite pony cart passes by at sunset. Catching an airliner and a crescent moon. Those are just a few of the Valley Moments Bruce has captured.”

Artist Bio: Bruce Stambaugh (He/Him)

Bruce captures his hobbies with his cameras. He enjoys writing, hiking, bird-watching, traveling, and spending time with his family. He and his wife, both Ohio natives, moved to the Harrisonburg area in 2017 to be close to three of their four grandchildren and their parents.

Bruce has been a teacher, an elementary principal, a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a township trustee in Ohio. He also wrote a newspaper column and still authors a weather column for Farming Magazine. In his retirement, he enjoys sharing the world through his stories and photography on his blog at www.brucestambaugh.com.

Bruce’s photos range from birds, butterflies, flowers, wildlife, trains, planes, landscapes, sunrises, and sunsets. He photographs whatever he sees in the moment.

*Accessibility Note: This building was previously restored from a fire. The elevator shaft is currently not functioning and there is an absence of ramps in the space. Because the show is on the 2nd floor, this may pose an issue for those who have mobility challenges. We are aware of this need and we apologize greatly if this changes your ability to attend.

This event is free and open to everyone. Snacks and refreshments will be served and we look forward to seeing you there!

Each month we host a new artist in our building’s 2nd floor gallery at the Chesapeake Western Depot at 141 W. Bruce St. (second floor entrance is on Chesapeake). Artwork will remain on exhibit through the month. Come view the show anytime and get a tour the Depot!

A Harrisonburg Architect’s Christmas Wish List

by Charles Hendricks | Oct 21, 2025 | Holiday, team

The holidays are upon us, and Charles says he has been very “good” this year. So, what should we get him? Something sleek, something functional, something that makes him feel seen, perhaps? The team at Gaines Group Architect has scoured the internet to find the perfect Christmas present for Charles, the architect who has everything. What do you think we should pick?

1. A LEGO Architecture Set

Is it a toy? Is it a model? Is it a way for him to procrastinate on his actual work while still feeling productive? Yes. The correct answer is yes.

2. A Laser Measure

Say goodbye to the old-fashioned tape measure and hello to the future! This gadget is practical, accurate, and a lot cooler than a boring ruler. Plus, it’s perfect for when he is trying to measure the “exact” amount of holiday cheer in the room.

3. 3-D Printer

What architect doesn’t want to be able to print their creations? What a great way to see progress as the design evolves.

4. A Black Shirt

Not that he needs another one, but what if one of his many many black shirts fades to light black?

5. A Moleskine Notebook or Sketchbook

Architects are always sketching, jotting down ideas, and doodling on napkins. A high-quality sketchbook is a canvas for creativity, a place to capture the “next big idea” before he forgets it.

6. Downtown Dollars

Why not support downtown businesses that Charles loves while giving Charles a gift? We all know he loves to shop and eat downtown.

7. Chocolate Chip Cookies!

We all know how Charles likes cookies, so this is an obvious choice.

8. Local Art

Charles is always looking for ways to support local artists like Lynn Adams, Barb Camph, Lori Mier, David Sutton, Noemi Salome, and Delaney Westwood.

9. Volunteer Time to a Local Nonprofit

Charles cares so much about our community and is always giving time and energy. Join us while we join him by gifting time to build a better future for us all.

10. Read Our Blog!

Charles puts so much time into developing content that is valuable, clicking on this blog and past blogs is probably the best gift we can give him.

BONUS! Plant a Peace Pole

Over the last year Charles has been raising money through the Rotary Club of Rockingham County to plant Peace Poles in the community.

We think this is a pretty great list if you ask us! Do you have any other ideas? Let us know!

Chemically sensitive Custom Home

by Charles Hendricks | Oct 20, 2025 | architecture, Building Science, Custom Home, Green Building

Bailey Builders has started construction on a new custom home for a chemically sensitive client in Augusta County. This new home has to be healthy for our clients, energy-efficient, and durable. The challenge is that many of the cost effective materials available have chemicals that might impact indoor environmental quality for our client.

As we worked through the design process, we tested various materials to see how our client would react to them if used inside her home. We designed a tight envelope and specified a HVAC system that would clean the air.

Our design strategy was to keep the floorplan open and allow for easy cleanup when coming in from the barn. This custom home is just a place to recharge as our clients care for their animals.