Building Blocks
Issue 56

Mills Group is thrilled and honored to embark on the redesign of the Ligonier Valley History and Heritage Center Museum in Ligonier, PA, a project that allows us to celebrate and preserve the rich history of this remarkable site. We are committed to creating an inspiring space that honors the community's heritage while enhancing its cultural significance.

We believe that with our tight connections with the wonderful people of Ligonier Museum, our extensive research, planning, and creative approach to revisioning the look and feel of the site, we will be able to help share this amazing location with broader communities for generations to come.

You can view our highlight reel of the project here:

https://vimeo.com/1119489642?fl=pl&fe=sh

And, to learn more about the Ligonier Valley Historical Society and the Historic Compass Inn, please visit their website:

https://www.compassinn.org/

Please welcome Jaime Good as our new Morgantown Office Manager!

She is responsible for day-to-day operations, assisting with marketing and proposals. Jaime is originally from Eastern Pennsylvania but moved to Morgantown in 2003. She joined Mills Group after 20+ years of experience in event planning for multiple types of events from continuing education courses to business meetings to galas and yacht races. She also has background experience in office management, construction and project coordination.

Jaime enjoys outdoor summer activities, extreme couponing and spending time with her son Joe and their two cats Bear and Swish.

Mills Group is excited to announce Millie Maple Mills joining our ranks!

This Junior Pawject Manager has a natural talent for morale-building, walk-through supervision, and keeping the team on schedule (especially when it’s time for breaks). Known for her attentive listening skills and enthusiastic greeting style, Millie excels at first impressions and fosters a welcoming studio environment for clients and staff alike.

Her daily responsibilities include floor-level inspections, impromptu wellness checks, and ensuring no snack goes unaccounted for. When she’s not overseeing operations, Millie can be found napping strategically, observing design discussions from a sunlit spot, or reminding the team that good work benefits from fresh air and a wagging tail.

Happy Anniversary to Amber Kwasniewski (3 years), CJ Smith (1 year), Chris Clark (12 years), Joe Bosco (7 years), John Tingley (3 years), Julie Doerr (12 years), Keatan Wheeling (2 years), Logan Patrick (7 years), Michael West (4 years), Michael Kennedy (3 years), Sophia Gum (2 years), Ryan Hess (16 years), Ryan McClain (8 years), Ryan Baker (12 years), Tom Kilionski (3 years), Tyler Peterson (1 year), Vivian Neely (18 years).

Our ever-expanding workshop has recently welcomed a state-of-the-art automated CNC router to enhance our capabilities. This advanced machine operates using user-created digital designs, which are imported into its proprietary software for calibration and guidance.

Once the design is set, the router employs stepper motors and precision metal guide wires to navigate the cutting tool along the designated axes, precisely following the uploaded design. Remarkably, the router is capable of working on flat, sloped, and even vertical surfaces, allowing us to tackle projects directly on existing installations without the need for removal or transport.

The combination of its computer-aided design features, seamless design import process, and versatility in handling various surfaces makes this CNC router a true powerhouse for the custom work we offer in our shop. We're excited to see how it will elevate our projects and expand our creative possibilities!

In September 2025, Mills Group was selected by the Berkeley County Museum Commission (BCMC) to lead the rehabilitation of several historic buildings in downtown Martinsburg, beginning with a concept design for the future Eastern West Virginia History and Culture (EWVHC) Museum at 110 West King Street and the former Courthouse building at 100 West King Street. This museum will serve as a multi-purpose regional history ‘hub’ that preserves important artifacts and stories related to the area’s rich cultural heritage, connects visitors to numerous regional historic sites along the Washington Heritage Trail, and offers opportunities for community engagement, education, and economic growth.

The initial concept design phase has been completed and will be presented to the Berkeley County Commission in February 2026.

What began as Belmont County’s vision to provide modern records storage and a new health department facility on county-owned property has evolved into a thoughtfully planned, two-story, 24,820-square-foot multi-county health agency. The project also includes 3.3 acres of phased site development.

Through close collaboration on departmental needs, space programming, and site selection, the facility was designed to bring multiple county services under one roof. The building will house County Records Retention, a short-term county morgue and forensics suite, Environmental Health, Women/Infant Care, and the County Health Nursing Department.

Grae-Con Construction of Steubenville, Ohio was awarded the project in February 2025, with completion anticipated in September 2026.

We had the pleasure of collaborating with a wonderful family in Clarksburg to bring their dream pool and poolhouse area to life. They envisioned a multifunctional poolhouse that not only conceals pool and hot tub equipment but also includes a luxurious changing room with a shower and toilet, a cozy fireplace, and a covered space for recreation and relaxation.

Additionally, we explored an outdoor kitchen design featuring louvered shade, ample dining space, and efficient food prep and storage options. To address the subtle grade changes on the site, we carefully incorporated terraced planters, walkways, fencing, and seat walls, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The project is enhanced by thoughtfully designed landscape accents, convenient firewood storage, and enchanting nighttime lighting concepts.

We can’t wait to see this beautiful vision come to life!

Mills Group recently celebrated its 20th anniversary at the historic Hotel Morgan, marking two decades of dedication to preserving West Virginia’s architectural heritage. The evening featured a vibrant gathering of art, architecture, and community giving.

Founded in 2005 by Michael Mills, AIA, Mills Group has established a strong reputation for design excellence, community collaboration, and historic preservation. To honor this significant milestone, the firm commissioned a unique collection of original art pieces inspired by iconic West Virginia historical buildings. Proceeds from the auction were generously donated to PAWV to support its vital mission of protecting and revitalizing the state’s historic resources.

“Preservation has always been at the heart of our work,” said Michael Mills, Founder and Principal. The anniversary celebration not only showcased the firm’s journey but also highlighted the importance of giving back to an organization that shares the firm’s commitment to safeguarding West Virginia’s architectural history.