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