By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Two years ago, Rockford Construction converted the former El Matador tortilla chips factory at 653 Stocking Avenue into an energy efficient office and patient treatment space for Cherry Street Health Services' Westside Health Center.
Two weeks ago, the renovation of the 100-year-old building received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
The LEED Green Building Rating System, administrated by the U.S. Green Building Council, promotes sustainability through five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
"It was very rewarding to take a building like that and accomplish the LEED requirements," said Joe Kuhn, project manager. "To take an old building like that and refurbish it, you have to work with what's there, and it's a challenge."
The original exterior of the two-story building was preserved. Inside, Rockford transformed the 7,149 square feet, creating new spaces that include six exam rooms, a lab, and a conference center. Additions of energy efficient windows and electrical systems have kept energy costs down. An energy efficient HVAC system, combined with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints, adhesives, caulks, and carpet, promote healthy indoor air quality.
Over 75% of the construction waste was recycled, diverting it from a landfill.
Source: Joe Kuhn, Rockford Construction
www.rockfordconstruction.com
www.cherryhealth.com
Deborah Johnson Wood is the development news editor for Rapid Growth. She can be reached at [email protected].
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