Point Park University’s new 44,000-square-foot dance complex has just received one of the
U.S. Green Building Council’s highest building performance ratings—a LEED-Gold certification for new construction.
The
first-of-its-kind LEED-NC Gold facility, the $16 million Conservatory
of Performing Arts houses five rehearsal studios and performance
spaces, including a lower level tap studio, and was constructed
according to a standards identified by the country’s leading dance
centers.
In addition to providing top building performance, the
facility is the only dance building in the country to house multiple
60-foot studios dedicated to rehearsal and performance.
Among
the complex’s many green features are continuous air quality
monitoring, water-efficient fixtures, lighting and temperature
controls, and reflective interior walls. Located in the 200 block of
Blvd. of the Allies, the three-story building also features an
Energy-Star rated roof, water-saving systems, sustainable wood floors
and low-emitting paints and carpeting.
“We did extensive
benchmarking. I went to Julliard and many other schools,” says Bill
Cameron, with Point Park. “We've hosted Green Building Alliance
meetings and tours, and colleagues from around the country have asked
to come see it.”
It is estimated that the complex will result in a 24% energy cost savings.
During
construction and demolition, 85% of the waste was diverted from
landfills. Part of Point Park’s $210 million Academic Village master
space, the green complex was recently featured in
Dance, the profession’s leading magazine.
Project architect is
The Design Alliance; contractor is
Turner Construction Company.
The project team also included CJL Engineering, StoweNash Associates,
evolveEA, John Sergio Fisher Architects, and Kachele Engineering.
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Jennifer BaronSources: Bill Cameron, vice president, operations, and Colleen Derda, Point Park University
Photography by Tom Bell