August 2025
In this Newsletter:
Milestone Celebration Lunch: Halfway Point at Trace Student Apartments
Purdue Fort Wayne’s North Campus. With all framing now complete, the project has officially reached its halfway point. To mark the occasion, we gathered over 100 contractors and project partners who have brought the vision to life so far for a Contractor Appreciation Pizza Party.
Trace will provide 176 fully furnished units designed with students in mind. Once complete, residents will enjoy modern amenities such as study lounges, a fitness center, gaming room, computer lab, and on-site convenience store, along with outdoor spaces like sand volleyball and basketball courts, grilling areas, and green spaces for both recreation and relaxation.
The project is a collaborative effort between Gilbane Development Company, Progressive Companies, and AVB. As construction pushes forward, exterior work and interior buildouts are steadily taking shape, with completion anticipated for summer 2026, just in time for students to move in before fall semester.
Reaching the halfway point is an achievement worth celebrating, and we are deeply grateful to the contractors, subcontractors, and team members whose expertise and dedication have made this progress possible. With the structure now standing tall, we look ahead with excitement to delivering a vibrant new home and community for PFW students.
Client’s Perspective Case Study ft. Zone 32
Every project teaches us something new, but some give us a perspective that few others get. At AVB, our construction team often builds for our development division, allowing us to experience projects as both the builder and the client. We call this the Client’s Perspective, and it guides how we approach our work every day. A great example of this is Zone 32, where our dual role gave us firsthand insight into the client experience and influenced the way we delivered the project.
Testimonial Spotlight featuring Gull Road Justice Complex
Take a Stand for Safety Week at River’s Edge
We participated in MIOSHA’s Take a Stand for Safety week by hosting a CET inspection at River’s Edge in downtown Kalamazoo. Both our Residential and Commercial field teams came together to hear from Jim Getting and Marcus Cobb, who led a site tour and shared valuable observations along the way. These collaborative walkthroughs provide a chance to see our work through a new lens, learn from expert feedback, and continue strengthening our focus on safety.
Mattawan Stadium Construction Update
Phase 1 of the Mattawan stadium and track improvements is nearing completion—marking the first project delivered as part of the district’s $110 million school construction bond.
While the majority of the work is complete, final track surfacing and coating is still underway. This six-plus week process will bring the project to full completion later this fall.
This initial phase has already brought a number of upgrades designed to enhance safety, functionality, and the overall game-day experience, including:
A state-of-the-art game field turf replacement, striped for multiple sports
Track surface replacement and expanded field event amenities
Renovations to home bleachers, including additional seating for the band
Perimeter fencing upgrades to improve security and aesthetics
New pavement and asphalt along perimeter sidewalks and pathways
Construction began in March 2025 and is wrapping up just in time for the fall season. The project was approved at an estimated cost of approximately $6 million and is coming in nearly $1 million under budget.
Looking ahead, Phase 2 of improvements is scheduled for the summer of 2026 and will include renovations to the press box and the installation of a new sound system. Phase 3 will focus on enhancements to the south end of the stadium, including a new entryway, added amenities, and providing a connection to the new fieldhouse, along with improvements to the existing entry on the north side.
These stadium upgrades are just one piece of the broader bond initiative, which is focused on preserving existing assets, prioritizing safety and security, enhancing infrastructure, and creating future-focused academic and extracurricular opportunities for Mattawan students.
Breakfast at Ann’s - AVB’s Humble Beginning
Ever wonder how AVB first began? It all started with coffee, conversation, and big dreams at a local diner in 1980. Click below to read the full story.
AVB Open Positions
We are actively searching for a new Community Association & Land Development Coordinator, a New Home Consultant, Framing Carpenter, and Construction Assistant who shares our passion, niche, and core values. We offer a vibrant company culture, competitive pay, and the best team players in town!
Thank you for your help spreading the word to your network and community!
