Fox Point, an affordable and supportive housing project designed by OCV Architects, was awarded with LEED Gold, one of the first for supportive housing in New York City.

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 07, 2012

Fox Point integrates green systems and materials into the buildings design and operation to ensure its long-term viability, reducing the need for future repair and prohibitive operational costs, and thereby protecting the building as an investment in affordable housing. Among the sustainability features that helped Fox Point earn LEED Gold are:

Sustainable Sites: By developing the site to include two green roofs and a vegetated yard, Fox Point maximizes open space, reduces the urban heat island effect, and decreases storm-water runoff, which has been identified as a regional priority for NYC.

OCV Architects provided Palladia with the full range of architectural services from design through construction. As LEED consultant on the project, OCV provided green design and all Design and Construction credit documentation.

At the buildings ribbon-cutting in late 2009, vice president and New York City office director for Enterprise, Abby Jo Sigal, called Fox Point a shining example of the green affordable housing Enterprise will make possible.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the nations preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings as defined by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). In addition to achieving LEED Gold, Fox Point is an Enterprise Green Communities project and received incentives under the New York State Energy Research and Development Agencys (NYSERDAs) New Construction Program.

About OCV Architects

Oaklander, Coogan and Vitto, P.C. is a versatile, award-winning architectural firm serving the New York Metropolitan area for over 30 years. OCVs body of work ranges from affordable and special needs housing to high-end private residences, from gut rehabs and historic preservation to innovative new construction. Having produced over 1,000 units of residential housing, the firm regularly partners with urban housing authorities and development groups to create sustainable, attractive residences within restrictive budgets. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, OCV strives to bring to each design respect for a projects site, setting, history and culture, while making every effort to build responsibly and sustainably. For more on OCV please visit http://www.ocvarch.com.

For further information on this release, Fox Point or similar projects, please contact:

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OCV Architects' Supportive Housing Project Fox Point Earns LEED® Gold

Unconventional Thinking Helps Architects and Engineers 'Find the Forest Through the Trees'

VANCOUVER, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Guests at the Wood WORKS! BC Wood Design Awards last night were not only witness to an inspirational evening of innovative wood design, but also the first to hear an announcement made by Michael Giroux, President of the Canadian Wood Council (CWC), regarding the release of the highly-anticipated feasibility study, The Case for Tall Wood Buildings. Revolutionizing the way the building community designs and implements structures, the more than 200 page document delves into society's shifting thought process, recognizing that issues such as climate change and increased housing demands as part of urban intensification are no longer notions but, represent new realities that need to be addressed. The study encourages architects, engineers and designers to push the envelope of conventional thinking about wood construction and inspires them to expand this discussion so that wood is positioned as the driving force behind a systematic change for the building industry - one with environmental, economic and common sense benefits.

The Case for Tall Wood Buildings was commissioned by CWC on behalf of the Wood Enterprise Coalition (a partnership of Wood WORKS! BC, FPInnovations, and BC Wood Specialties), with support from Forestry Innovation Investment, and prepared by mgb ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN, Equilibrium Consulting, LMDG Ltd, and BTY Group. The report represents the views of the many interviewed developers/marketing groups/contractors/fire chiefs/ building authorities, and introduces a new construction model for tall buildings which utilizes mass timber panels - the concept is referred to as 'Finding the Forest Through the Trees' (FFTT). "We selected the name to acknowledge the scale of the challenge facing the world today," explains Michael Green, Principal at Michael Green Architecture, formerly Principal at mgb ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN and co-author of the report. "To slow and contain greenhouse gas emissions and find truly sustainable solutions to building, we must look at the fundamentals of the way we build - from the bones of large urban building structures to the details of energy performance. We need to search for the big picture solutions of today's vast climate, environmental, economic and world housing needs."

The FFTT model represents the first significant challenge to the predominant use of concrete and steel in tall building design since their adoption into daily use more than a century ago. Looking to refresh our current way of thinking about wood in tall building design and construction, The Case for Tall Wood Buildings is driven by the desire to find safe, carbon-neutral and sustainable alternatives to the current structural materials used in urban society.

While The Case for Tall Wood Buildings is positioned as a feasibility study, it's hoped that FFTT represents a new way of thinking that will inspire significant shifts in the way buildings and construction are approached. "In North America, and more specifically, in Canada, we harvest a small portion of our renewable forest potential each year," suggests J. Eric Karsh, Principal at Equilibrium Consulting and co-author of the report. "As architects and engineers, we have the ability to shape the future of our built environment through innovation, and it is now our joint responsibility to ensure that change is directed towards solutions with lighter climate impact. We hope that this report demonstrates that wood is a viable material for tall and large buildings alike - causing us to abandon false misconceptions surrounding its performance and embrace the realities of its many benefits."

To read a copy of the report please visit: http://wecbc.smallboxcms.com/database/rte/files/Tall%20Wood.pdf

The Canadian Wood Council CWC is the national association representing manufacturers of Canadian wood products used in construction - enabling the selling of Canadian wood products through programs and services focused on creating market access and demand. Wood WORKS! BC is a national industry-led initiative of the Canadian Wood Council, with a goal to support innovation and provide leadership on the use of wood and wood products.

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Release of the 'Case for Tall Wood Buildings'

Keegan P: I think you should look closer at the neighborhood. It is nothing like the gang infested wasteland of decades past. I live in the neighborhood and walk/bike it frequently. The number of owner occupied residences has skyrocketed and the population has become a vibrant mix of incomes and ethnicity. The promenade is already part of the redevelopment of the DHA properties (Lincoln Park South) from exclusively section 8 to mixed income and mixed use properties. The new idea would just extend it from Mariposa to Santa-Fe.

I would prefer Santa Fe and Kalamath go two-way, but I admit owning a house on Kalamath makes me a bit biased. Either way the reworking of the pedestrian domain on Santa Fe is way overdue. I know the merchants are loath to lose on street parking but I think the ideas proposed should be able to keep it. I think a parking structure in the arts district would be great but I don't know that the everyday demand would justify it.

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Comment on Architects push to make Denver's Santa Fe Arts District more pedestrian friendly

Kyle Gray busks in front of An Urban Patio on Friday night, March 2, 2012, during First Fridays on Santa Fe Drive. (THE DENVER POST | Seth A. McConnell)

A group of architects has developed a plan for the Santa Fe Arts District that it hopes will spur the city into making the neighborhood more pedestrian friendly.

Improving the walkability along Santa Fe Drive between West Sixth and West 10th avenues would make the neighborhood more appealing to developers, said Mark Raeburn, principal of Hangar 41, an architectural firm formed in 2010 and located in the arts district.

"Art districts tend to be catalysts for development," said Raeburn, who will present the plan at a private event this evening to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, various city agencies, the Denver Housing Authority and several local developers.

The plan also calls for improvements to 10th Avenue between

Heather Heick takes a moment to look at the paintings on the wall at the Galleries at 501 while exhibiting her work Friday night, March 2, 2012, during First Fridays on Santa Fe Drive. (THE DENVER POST | Seth A. McConnell)

"The connection between the light-rail station and the arts district is seen as a critical element for the neighborhood's success," said Kimball Crangle, project manager for the redevelopment of 10th between Osage and Mariposa streets, which is controlled by the DHA. "Connectivity is something that's not that far out of reach. We envisioned a promenade from 10th and Osage to Mariposa. It makes so much sense to carry it down to Santa Fe. Thoughtful design could really help solidify the effectiveness of the promenade."

NEWSED Community Development owns buildings on 10th and Mariposa. Hangar 41 worked on the vision with the help of NEWSED, which provided various master plans developed for the district dating to 1975, including one from the city in 2010 that suggested making Santa Fe a two-way street.

Though opening Santa Fe to two-way traffic is a good idea, it's not likely to happen because the Colorado Department of Transportation controls the street, Raeburn said.

What Hangar 41 envisions is removing one traffic lane, which would widen the narrow and difficult-to-maneuver sidewalks and calm traffic. If removing a traffic lane isn't possible, Raeburn said a "flex" lane could work, which would allow traffic during rush hour and parking during off-peak travel times.

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Architects push to make Denver's Santa Fe Arts District more pedestrian friendly

Some big changes are coming to two of San Luis Obispo's major retail areas: downtown and the Madonna Plaza shopping center.

Sports Authority, the Denver-based sporting goods company that fills nearly a block on Chorro Street, between Higuera and Marsh, is leaving downtown, according to Sports Authority Operations Manager Sara Jones.

Jones confirmed the store on Chorro is preparing to move into the spot where Borders Books and Music had been in Madonna Plaza, and will also take over spaces formerly occupied by the All That Glitters jewelry store and The Bed Store.

Those retail spaces are undergoing major construction to change them from three separate stores into one 35,000 square-foot retail space.

Jones said the move should be complete sometime in mid-May.

As for what might go into the downtown space now occupied by Sports Authority, it remains to be seen.

We are working on finding a replacement tenant, according to Therese Cron, tenant coordinator for Copeland Properties.

The lease agreement between Sports Authority and Copeland is not up until the end of the year, Cron added.

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Changes coming to major San Luis Obispo retail centers

FOUNTAIN VALLEY A project near the Civic Center with a 127-room hotel, 27 single-family detached homes, 61 townhomes and 2,300 square feet of retail space has gotten its final approval from the City Council despite concerns from residents about increased traffic.

The City Council chamber was filled Tuesday night with residents and community members, with about 25 people standing outside. Nearly 20 residents spoke out against the project - on Brookhurst Street and Slater Avenue - by the Ayres Hotel and Olson Co.

Project rendering of the 127-room Ayres Hotel to be built if approved by the Fountain Valley City Council on March 6.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLSON CO.

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Most of the speakers cited concerns about increased traffic in an already congested intersection and others were concerned about potential construction issues.

The City Council approved the project 4-0, with Councilman Mark McCurdy, who lives within 500 feet of the project area, abstaining from the vote.

City officials say the hotel would bring in transient occupancy tax for the city and the townhomes would create housing for families and young people who can't afford single-family homes.

Construction for the Fountain Valley Civic Center Specific Plan Project is tentatively set for July 1, Planning and Building Director Andy Perea said after the meeting. The project includes demolition of a vacant SAFECO Insurance building, a building used by Coastline Community College and elimination of storage units used by the police department.

Construction of the hotel is expected to be completed within a year from when construction starts, said Don Ayres, hotel principal in an interview.

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Fountain Valley council OKs hotel, homes

DANBURY -- The city's west side is already home to condominiums and apartment projects. They're now building at the long-dormant Rivington project.

And if things fall into place for Greenwich developer Paul Foley, there will be a new mixed-use center -- with a two-screen movie theater, a rehearsal space, retail shops, cafes, office and dozens of loft apartments -- to serve them all on Old Ridgebury Road.

"The people who live in Rivington won't have to drive down to Mill Plain Road,'' Foley said Wednesday of the busy, strip-mall-line thoroughfare that is the life line of the west side. "They'll be able to just stop here.''

On Tuesday night, Foley's project moved forward when the City Council voted 17-4 to approve selling 13 acres of city-owned land off Old Ridgebury Road for $3.2 million to Foley and his company, Greenwich Development Group.

Foley said he hopes to close on the property by June, and begin construction in the spring of 2013.

Foley told the council Tuesday that the project will be a mixed-use "lifestyle center'' with each use complementing the others.

"There's nothing like it in the city,'' he said.

Foley said Wednesday the development will have a movie theater showing independent films, with two screens: one with about 250 seats, a second with about 300 to 400 seats.

It will also have a rehearsal/performance space that could also be used for film production. Foley said that while the developers will own this space, the city will have full use of it for free.

There will also be retail space for boutiques, offices, restaurants and loft apartments that would appeal to young adults or couples, or empty-nesters, rather than families. Foley was not sure of how many of these units there will be in the development.

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Theaters, lofts, slated for city's westside

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WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- The Children's Museum of Wilmington is getting some help taking care of its home.

The Historic Wilmington Foundation is loaning the museum $23,000 for restoration. The money will help the museum make needed repairs to the historic St. John's Masonic Lodge, the former Greek Orthodox Church and the Cowan House that it calls home.

"They're going to be repairing the roof," Historic Wilmington Foundation board member Don Britt said. "As you know, a bad roof will cause more trouble than anything in the world. And I think the total cost of the project is in the neighborhood of $70,000, and I think what was going to happen is, we loan them this money, they'll pay this back."

The loan stipulates that the owners will donate a preservation easement on the buildings to the foundation ensuring their permanent protection.

Disclaimer: Comments posted on this, or any story are opinions of those people posting them, and not the views or opinions of WWAY NewsChannel 3, its management or employees. You can view our comment policy here.

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Historic Wilmington Foundation loans Children's Museum money for restoration

REGINA -- Saskatchewan Party cabinet minister Ken Cheveldayoff has outlined a list of factors he said would be needed to make an NHL franchise in Saskatoon a reality.

"There'll be those that say it can happen, those that'll say that it can't happen, but four things indeed have to happen," said Cheveldayoff, who previously led the province's unfruitful feasibility study into a replacement for Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

"We have to have a building that's NHL ready," he said Monday. "We have to have a business community that's ready to support this initiative. We have to have individuals who are willing to buy season tickets for the long term. And the NHL has to want it to happen."

Cheveldayoff noted efforts by Western Hockey League founder Billy Hunter to bring a team to the city in the 1980s "had the first three, but he didn't have the fourth."

"That's the challenge that's going to be in front of any type of promoter or any type of business group that wants to put this together," the minister said. "We'll provide them with information and we'll try to be as helpful we can, but it will have to be done by the private sector ... It's very early to talk (about whether) there will be a franchise or not."

Cheveldayoff confirmed the government has been approached by a group interested in bringing an NHL team to Saskatoon, but he wouldn't elaborate about who might be involved. The group that has approached government is On Ice Management Inc., which is being led by Toronto-based John Graham, who has brokered a number of successful ventures to bring pre-season NHL games to Saskatoon, a number of sources say.

"The government is not leading this thing in any way, shape or form," Cheveldayoff said. "This is a private-sector-led initiative - people have contacted the government and said they're very interested in putting forward an initiative that involves Saskatoon and the NHL and very recently we all learned that the NHL is interested in the Saskatoon market and is asking a lot of questions."

The resurrection of the Winnipeg Jets and the business model involved with that team "changes things substantially" for Saskatchewan's chances, especially considering the economic boom in the province, he continued.

"I think the NHL is looking across North America and saying, 'Where's the strongest economy?' and they're seeing that it is indeed Saskatchewan," he said.

"I think what's happening in Winnipeg has really changed the economic modelling," he continued.

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Province sets factors for Saskatoon NHL team

Above All Roofing Solutions Inc., a roofing company that serves the San Jose and Bay areas, is currently featuring a special spring roofing offer.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) March 07, 2012

During this time, our material suppliers are also driving out last years products to make room for new materials, so pricing is at a new low for the season, Matt Llanes, operations manager of Above All Roofing Solutions Inc., said. Call us today for additional information on these products.

Many of the same manufacturers are also unveiling new colors and designs for many of their composition roof shingles.

"We needed a new asphalt shingle roof. I contacted several roofers and ultimately chose Above All Roofing Solutions Inc. based on their competitive bid and list of local references. The entire crew was polite and professional, answering my questions and addressing all my concerns. The crew did a great job cleaning up my yard on a daily basis. Thank you for making this a completely painless and hassle-free project! customer Peter Lee said.

For more information about the promotional discount or any of Above All Roofing Solutions products or services, call 408-514-5310, view the company on the web at http://www.aboveallroofingsolutions.com or visit 700 Northrup St. in San Jose.

About Above All Roofing Solutions Inc.

Above All Roofing Solutions Inc. is an independent Bay Area roofing contractor. It offers products and services for all roofing needs and provides quality work for leak location and repair to complete residential, commercial and industrial re-roofing. The staff features extensive knowledge in many types of roofing systems, including asphalt shingles, wood shakes, built-uproofing, tile and slate.

The Bay Area roofing company's goal is to provide quality workmanship and timely service at a fair price. The company is licensed, bonded and insured, and a long-term member of the Better Business Bureau.

Crystal Belardes Above All Roofing (408) 514-5310 Email Information

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Bay Area Roofing Contractor, Above All Roofing Solutions Inc., Announces Roof Repair Discount