Hear Latest Design/Construction Plans at Oct. 18 Public Meeting.
Come hear how the Pikes Peak Summit Complex project team is aiming high with the environmental sustainability aspects of the new summit visitor center. The team is exploring pursuing Living Building Challenge™ (LBC) certification through the International Living Building Institute, the world's most rigorous and progressive environmentally green performance standard.
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Presentation: 6:30 p.m.
Location: City Auditorium, 221 E Kiowa St,
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
"Less than a dozen buildings in the world have gone through the process and achieved full certification; the challenge is significant," said Stella Hodgkins, GE Johnson Construction's sustainability specialist. "No certified Living Buildings currently exist in the same 14,000' climate zone as Pikes Peak, so this is an opportunity to showcase the unique approaches required to construct a building that works harmoniously with the natural environment with minimal impact to its' surroundings," she said.
"The new summit facilities are anticipated to exceed the U.S. Forest Service requirement of Silver level certification through the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. LBC certification is a high goal for the most aspirational projects from an environmental sustainability standpoint, but we believe the challenge is worth the effort for 'America's Mountain,' a project of national and international significance," said Hodgkins.
In additional to the environmental and sustainability aspects of the project, at the public meeting/presentation, the design team of RTA and GWWO, Inc./Architects will unveil the latest details of the exterior and interior designs for the new Summit House visitor center. Representatives from construction contractor GE Johnson will describe the unique challenges of building a 38,000 square foot visitor center on top of a 14,000' mountain. Public Meeting information and displays will include:
- Summit House, Cog, Parking, Access and Landscaping Designs
- Interpretive and Educational Exhibit Concepts
- Aramark/Concessionaire (retail/food) Offerings
- Construction/Logistic Challenges
- Project Cost/Schedule and Fundraising
- Environmental and Sustainability Concepts (power generation, water requirements, and solar/thermal, photovoltaic renewable energy concepts)
- Status of the U.S. Forest Service Environmental Assessment
- Living Building Challenge application and US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification
