Sarah Heinz House is hosting an open house on June 23rd to celebrate its new green, state-of-the-art facility. Located at One Heinz St. on the Northside, the $11.4 million, 30,000 square-foot facility was designed by
Rothschild Doyno Architects in collaboration with
William McDonough. Contractor is
Dick Corporation. The project team is applying for a
LEED certification Silver rating.
“The idea was to make a tangible statement that we want to connect back to the community,” says Mary Jo Meenen with Sarah Heinz House. “We had felt a little isolated. The architecture and light have helped us make a reconnection. Buildings do affect your temperament.” Doubling the organization’s campus, the expansion includes an arts and culture floor and a robotics lab. The new wing features a pool, gymnasium, dance studio, and fitness center.
“We’re finalizing our civic design plan. The vision is to create a peaceful aesthetic place,” says Meenen. “We want to be a powerful symbol for a part of the neighborhood that needs a facelift. We’re hoping to promote economic development activities.”
Pashek Associates is creating the site’s landscape design, which calls for pedestrian walkways, a small park and new signage pointing out river amenities, and is expected to be completed during the fall of 2008.
The free open house will feature youth-led tours, a tree planting ceremony, a cook out, and steelpan drum performances. Free parking will be available.
R.S.V.P. required.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: MJ Meenen, Sarah Heinz House
Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene