For architect Anne Chen of
EDGE studio, the Larimer Energy and Environment Community Outreach Center has been a fun exercise in green design--an opportunity to explore and combine all the eco-friendly technologies on the market. But for low-income residents in the East End, the center is less of a playground and more of a classroom on how to save money by saving the world.
The center will help low-income residents in Larimer-Lincoln, Homewood, East Liberty, Bloomfield and Garfield make their homes more energy-efficient through education and resources, and be a "one-stop shop" to learn more about, and apply for, utility assistance programs. Additionally, the facility will demonstrate all the money-saving green technologies it advocates, such as rainwater harvesting, LED lighting, low-water use plumbing fixtures, geothermal walls, solar panels, urban gardening and more.
The center will break ground on its renovations in April, and is expected to be open by August 2010. The design team includes: EDGE studio, Fukui Architects, Allen & Shariff Corporation and KAG Engineering. It will be located on the URA-donated site of a former BP Gas Station at East Liberty Boulevard and Larimer Avenue.
"This is a really cutting edge, progressive project," says Megan Stearman with the URA. "It's using all sustainable design practices to combat poverty- to lower energy costs in the neighborhoods that are typically lower-income. This is something we haven't seen before."
On Thurs., Feb. 11, the URA approved a commitment of $100,000 toward the project, and is seeking state approval for $85,000 towards $450,000 budgeted for the project. Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc. (PCSI) has dedicated $800,000, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, toward staff and management. PCSI is getting the programming up and running now at its Hill House offices. PCSI began hiring in Nov. 2009, and has already filled 10 of the budgeted 24 green jobs, says Annette Condeluci with PSCI.
The Larimer Energy and Environment Community Outreach Center is a partnership of the URA, Senator Jim Ferlo, local utility companies, Conservation Consultants, Inc., Larimer Green Team, Penn State University Cooperate Extension, Action Housing, the Kingsley Foundation and PCSI.
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Writer: Caralyn Green
Sources: Anne Chen, EDGE studio; Megan Stearman, URA, Annette Condeluci, PSCI
Image courtesy of EDGE studio