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6 Celebrating 40 Years • MBH ArcHitecture On a New Path in 1988, two major things happened to guide the firm on a new path. Nicholas P. Michnevitz, iii joined the firm and Michael B. Herlands Architects landed a major design project called chatfield, a congregate living facility for seniors in West Hartford. "at was the first project that really set the stage for our growth in the senior living market," said Michnevitz. "We probably have done more skilled nursing and clinical hospital projects in this state, than any of our contemporaries. i don't know that for a fact, however, with 160 nursing homes and over 400 hospital projects, we are probably considered the pre-eminent healthcare architects in connecticut," said Herlands. One of the firm's premiere projects would be the Alzheimer's resource center of connecticut, located in the Plantsville section of Southington. One day, over a hamburger lunch with the client, it was shared that of particular concern was the issue for Alzheimer residents who would walk to the end of the corridor and because they were disoriented, were unable to turn around. Nurses would then walk to the end of the corridor to assist and redirect the residents. it created an additional burden for the staff and took up a surprising amount of time. Herlands grabbed a napkin off the table, unsheathed the ubiquitous black marker he always carries and solved his client's concern by creating a never ending corridor. residents can walk in a circle surrounding a central atrium filled with trees and plants. in essence, no longer facing a dead end corridor. Herlands sounds so proud of the fact that by teaming with his client, he was able to resolve their greatest concern with perhaps the most innovative of solutions. Herlands says, "i thought how wonderful that together, we were able to create an environment that resolves several important issues. We created a facility that reduces frustration for residents and staff alike while providing open space and natural light for its users. at just shows how there is more than one way to solve a problem. e Alzheimer's has become the most intriguing building that we've done because we invented an environment that is one of a kind." A Brief Timeline of MBH ArcHiTecTure >>> Above: Somerset – Independent Living, West Hartford "I have worked exclusively with MBH for more than 20 years. Their unparalleled personal commitment results in innovative designs whose aesthetics enhance patient services and healthcare." – Calvin A. Moffie, Guilford House 1980 1992 Alzheimer's resource center of cT opens in Plantsville section of Southington. it is the crown jewel in Michael B. Herlands' design portfolio and is highly regarded for its design that focuses on resident comfort and staff efficiency. 1996 MBH begins its long-lasting relationship with Hartford Hospital with its design of a nuclear medicine project. it would be the first of more than 400 projects the firm has done for the hospital and its affiliate hospitals. Designs chatfield in West Hartford, a premiere congregate living facility for seniors. Nicholas Michnevitz iii joins the firm. 1990 MBH becomes a pioneer in the burgeoning senior living market, including nursing, independent living and assisted living. 1995 MBH merges with an interior design firm to offer clients additional diverse services and relocates to Simsbury. 1988