- Project Overview
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- Sustainable Construction
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- Economic Impact
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- Costs and Funding
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- Volunteers
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- Support
- The LEEDer Circle Challenge
- Click here to contact the Development Department for more information.
The Old Town School has reached the limits of its physical capacity due to overwhelming public demand for quality arts programs over the past several years. Staff has maximized space and scheduling options to make room for more and more people seeking an Old Town School experience. The School now needs more space to deliver quality, culturally relevant arts programs to a growing number of patrons.
The Irving Harris Foundation has generously pledged a $250,000 campaign challenge grant to support the Old Town School's efforts to expand its physical and programmatic capacity. This challenge grant will match 50 cents on every dollar pledged from new donors in order to attract another $500,000, generating a total of $750,000 towards our much-needed expanded facilities.
We need your help!
Through this challenge, we ask you to join us now with your financial pledge to support our Green Building initiatives, such as reduced water consumption technologies, use of recycled and regional materials, energy-saving heating and cooling systems, and much more. This construction project is designed to achieve LEED-silver certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Douglas & Catherine Knuth have already joined the challenge with a $100,000 gift for our green building initiative, so we are already 20% towards our target of $500,000.
With a gift of $10,000 or more, you will be recognized in the new facility as part of the Old Town School's "LEEDer Circle." Your name will appear with other donors next to the information kiosk planned for the new front lobby that informs visitors on the building's many green features.
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LEED Criteria
Sustainable design (or "green building") elements were rated as the most important non-educational requirements of the project, according to surveys of staff, faculty, board and students. Every avenue of sustainability and construction has been evaluated and incorporated in design where feasible, to meet or exceed the expectations of the Old Town School community.
Project architects VOA Associates, who are active members of the U.S. Green Builders Council, identified and evaluated sustainable initiatives throughout the integrated design process using the LEED Green Building rating system (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). With LEED-accredited professionals on the design and construction teams, the project has the benefit of extensive experience in green design and construction.
From site choice to energy-saving heating and cooling systems, green roof and sustainable, regional materials, the new facility will demonstrate environmental stewardship through LEED certification. The completed project is expected to meet silver certification standards, according to the six LEED criteria categories: Sustainable Sites -- The site is located within walking distance of public bus and train lines, and designs include bicycle storage and locker rooms/showers to promote alternative transportation. Heat island and storm water runoff effects are reduced by a green roof system and energy-star rated roofing.
Water Efficiency -- Green roof and landscape plantings that are native to the region will be employed to reduce potable water consumption. Plumbing technology is designed to reduce water use throughout the interior.
Energy and Atmosphere -- The heating and cooling systems will be zoned to allow reduction of energy loads when portions of the building are not in use. The systems will provide for peak demand only as required. Cooling systems are designed to reduce ozone depletion. Once installed, all building energy systems will be calibrated and verified to ensure optimized energy performance. Energy performance above the prerequisite LEED standard is expected.
Materials and Resources -- A majority of construction waste will be diverted to recycling and reuse, diverting it away from incineration and landfill. Recycled products, regional materials, and/or renewable resources such as bamboo will be used throughout.
Indoor Environmental Quality -- Classrooms feature a high level of lighting control and natural light/outside views where ever possible. Natural light will be maximized with energy-rated windows that let in the daylight but keep out the sunlight. An interior light well on the west side will also pull day lighting in further back into interior classroom spaces. Extensive use of low-emitting materials for adhesives, sealants, paint, carpet systems and composite wood and agrifiber will reduce interior air contaminants and irritants.
Innovation in Design -- Green educational opportunities as related to the arts are planned for our website, and permanent installation in a learning station in the lobby of the building. Green housekeeping measures will be developed and incorporated in operating policies. Project goals also include exemplary performance in material selection and construction waste management.
CLASS DATES 8-WEEK CLASSES
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The Old Town School of Folk Music is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Gifts to the school are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. |
