The newly restored LEED certified building at
17 Gordon Ave
with a building in the background, still in original condition.
with a building in the background, still in original condition.
17 Gordon Avenue South Providence
The building at 17 Gordon Avenue was built around 1930 as an industrial facility containing 26,000 gross square feet of space. Originally used to manufacture lead pencils, it subsequently housed Precision Industries (a machining company) until the late 1990s. Since 1997, it had been vacant and deteriorating.The building was recently renovated into office space. The renovation included many energy saving and “green” technologies aimed at making the new office space healthier for the occupants and healthier for the environment. In addition to striving to achieve LEED certification, the restoration project also involved maintaining the historic character of the building. However, often the historic restoration requirements were directly at odds with the “green” features that were at the heart of the project, particularly those that were visible from outside the building.
To learn more about this building, visit their website.
More info on this building's green features
Energy related Features:
Solar Array
About one-third of the roof is covered by a 10 kiloWatt solar array. The electricity gathered from the solar unit is used to fulfill the building’s immediate electrical needs; running computers, refrigerators, and fax machines. When electrical demands are low, energy is directed back through the local utility, adding power back to the pubic grid.Daylight Dimming System
In selected spaces, lights dim automatically when the sun is shining and turn off automatically when rooms are not in use.Operable & Energy-Efficient Windows
Many traditional office buildings seal all their windows and are constantly either heating or cooling the same air. The windows in this building open to let in fresh air and cooling breezes. When they are closed, the windows are insulated against extremes of temperature.Energy Efficient HVAC system
The central heating and cooling system is EnergyStar rated. In each office space, tenant-controlled thermostats accommodate individual heating and cooling needs. The operation of the HVAC system is controlled by an Energy Management and Control System (EMCS) which provides many energy saving features such as; unoccupied temperature set-back, outside air control, and variable speed drives for the fans.Rainwater Recovery and Reuse
Some of the water that falls on the roof is used by the plants incorporated into the “Green Roof”. The rest is collected through a rainwater recovery system. The water is directed into a 2,000 gallon tank-like cistern. This “grey” water is then filtered and pumped into the restrooms and reused to flush toilets and urinals.Interior Light Shelves
These simple architectural features break up and disperse light throughout the tenant spaces with windows facing south. They eliminate glare on computer screens and hot spots within the offices, while reducing the need for overhead and task lighting.Light Atrium
A large light atrium on the 2nd floor roof brings gently filtered daylight into the public space – and helps the interior plants thrive.Green Roof
One-third of the roof is covered with low maintenance, ground covering plants. The Green Roof provides several environmental benefits. First and foremost, it insulates the building. Plants absorb sunlight and heat, reducing the rooftop temperature. The plants themselves produce oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide in the air. Finally, the green roof absorbs water that would otherwise be headed for the storm sewers.Other Green Systems:
Bike Friendly
Human-powered transportation, including biking and walking, are the most healthful, enjoyable, and environmentally sound means of transportation. The building provides facilities including secure bike storage and showers to encourage commuting by bike.< br/>Accessible by Public Transportation
The tenants, who are unable to bike or walk to work, are encouraged to use energy-efficient modes of transportation. The building is accessible by public transportation, the RIPTA bus system, via two major streets, Broad Street and Prairie AvenuePorous Paving Surface
The pavers in the parking lot have spaces between them that allow water to filter back into the water table, instead of into the storm drain.Reuse of Building
During the renovation process the entire building was recycled. If the building had been torn down, millions of pounds of waste would have been thrown into the already bulging landfills. Each brick in this solidly constructed structure represents a savings in energy and resources.Recycled Materials
While tenants can fit out their spaces however they like, public spaces have been finished with elegant, flexible, ergonomic furniture that has been produced in an environmentally sensitive way.Tenant Recycling Program
The building occupants are provided with a tenant recycling program managed by Cleanscape, an innovative local recycling company, which was also founded by the South Providence Development Corporation.