Update: Kresge Foundation Green Building Planning Grant on Green Building Planning Grant

CCCAC was awarded a grant of $60,000 from the Kresge Foundation to plan a sustainable renovation of the Community Arts Center building with LEED certification. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a checklist and point system set by the US Green Building Council. An important component of the grant was to provide an educational program with a forum for community input on the plans. The three community presentations took place in October with Linda Frey, Executive Director West Michigan US Green Building Council, Corky Overmyer, Community Sustainability Manager, United Water Contract Services, Suez Environnement North America, Norman Christopher, Sustainability Manager Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, and Heather McElwee, Assistant Director and Chris Clarke, Director of Facilities at Pittsburgh Glass Center. We were pleased with the turnout at each one and what we learned from our experts. At each presentation the audience had the opportunity to brainstorm with us what the features of our future building could have. Even if you were unable to join us at the presentations you can still share your thoughts and ideas. Participate in our blog by visiting our website: www.coppercountryarts.com.

On November 18 we will begin our 3 day charrette with the De-sign Team made up of staff, board members, students, parents, volunteers, community members, and engineers, with our architect, Karin Cooper leading the process. A charrette is the process by which all information pertaining to the building program, where the spaces are and what happens in them, is relayed to the architect. At the end of the process we will have conceptual drawings and plans for the building. We will keep you informed as our plans progress. We are committed to re-use of materials, renewable energy, efficient use of space and resources, local companies, contractors, and de-signers. We invite your comments and ideas. The Community Arts Center belongs to all of us.