Mar 24 2010
U.S. Green Building Council has awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification to Valerie C. Woodard Office Center in Mecklenburg County.
The 180,000-square-foot renovation project carried out by Hendrick Construction transformed the old Freedom Mall into office space for over 400 employees. The facility houses Mecklenburg County's information services and Technology, Real Estate Services, and Social Services departments.
President of Hendrick Construction, Roger Hendrick, said the company is proud and delighted to be working with Mecklenburg County on this green project. The LEED certification for the building underlines the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Some of the green features in the facility include the use of environmentally friendly paints, furniture, carpets, use of recycled material for the entire building, and an under-flow air distribution system. Water conservation features in the building includes storage of rainwater in an underground irrigation system. Rain gardens in the facility not only slows the movement of storm water but also cools and cleans the facility before it flow into creeks nearby.
In April 2009, phase two of the project was completed by Hendrick Construction and when phase three is completed, the facility can accommodate over 1,000 Mecklenburg County employees in about 400,000 square feet of office space.