eligion has the powerful ability to heal; and healing is exactly

what the Bosnian membership of the Islamic Cultural Center - Behar (ICC Behar) are desparately searching for.

In the early 1990's, Bosnia- Hersovogina endured a civil war where close to 80% of the Bosnian population was deliberately killed in a genocidal manner. The entire Bosnian community was forever changed by this war and many came to the United States to escape the suffering. Several families of Islamic Bosnians joined together after arriving in Western Michigan to pray and support one another in that difficult time. Over the years, the community continued to grow and heal until the horrible terrorist events of September 11, 2001 where the acts of a small group of extremist cast a dark shadow of suspicion over the entire peaceful Muslim religion. "We just want a home where we can teach and celebrate the peaceful practices of the Islamic religion."

-Imam Edip Makic

Project Owner Islamic Cultural Center - Behar Location 3425 East Paris Avenue SE Kentwood, Michigan Project Type New Construction Place of Worship Completion Date Fall 2008 Project Size 7,310 sq. ft. Noteworthy The simple box-form mosque incorporates a 28-foot diameter concrete dome and a 60-foot tall minaret structure. Schematic Designer Keith Carey Vendors and Suppliers Integraspec Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF block) Speedfloor Joist System Sto Exterior Insulation Finish System Green Materials and Measures Super-insulated building envelope using ICF block Efficient high-velocity air cooling system In-slab hydronic heat-loop Low-VOC paints and carpets Compact form to preserve natural wetland area

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ICC Behar MosqueA Place of Community Healing

R The exterior walls are designed utilizing insulated concrete forms. This form of construction provides significant improvements to the building’s energy efficiency (R-22 insulation), acoustical transmission (STC 50+), resistance to fire (non-combustible), resistance to mold and mildew (no material that supports growth) and wall strength (reinforced concrete block cores). The clean, white exterior walls are punctuated by tall, slender windows and decorative relief throughout. The uniqueness and beautiful nature of the mosque shall enrich and enhance the surrounding community. Since mosques are very rare to the United States, this building shall serve as a cultural and architectural show piece to the Islamic religion.

1560 North Taylor Avenue Grand Rapids, MI 49505

p. (616) 742-0018 f. (616) 742-5522

www.dixonarch.com

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