Architect and Engineering firm of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi moves into WMU BTR Park

Kathy Jennings | Thursday, October 9, 2014

WMU Business Technology Park

Seven Generations Architecture & Engineering, LLC, has moved into space that recently opened up in Western Michigan University's Business Technology and Research Park.

7GenAE, as the company is known, was launched in 2012 in Benton Harbor and is wholly owned by the economic development enterprise, Mno-Bmadsen.

Mno-Bmadsen conducts all non-gaming, for-profit businesses for the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi. In the native Potawatomi language, Mno-Bmadsen means "walking the good path." Organized as a diversified holding company, Mno-Bmadsen invests in and acquires new and existing companies within targeted industries, with a focus on long-term sustainability in both purpose and profitability.

In Kalamazoo, 7GenAE will work out of the Weidenhammer Building at 4664 Campus Drive in the BTR Park after a recent reconfiguration of the building freed up 3,500 square feet in the building of the otherwise completely full business park.

The firm's six staff members and contract employees have moved into the BTR Park with the intent of growing its core services--architecture, civil engineering and construction management-- over the next five years, says Troland V. Clay, president and CEO of Mno-Bmadsen.

The firm specializes in the federal, state, municipal and tribal markets. One of 7GenAE's recent completed projects is the tribal Health and Wellness Center in Dowagiac.

Clay says they like being located in the BTR Park because it provides a direct link to WMU--a major research university--that will help the firm leverage federal research and development opportunities and provide growth opportunities for tribal youth.

"We use our revenue base to create opportunities for our people," says Clay. Next year, for example, they hope to have a tribal internship available as one way of ensuring the success of youth of the tribe.

"Our firm was built on the foundation that we will have an impact on the community now and for many generations to come," says Clay.

Source: Cheryl Roland, Western Michigan University