Social sustainability has always been the objective of ideastream, a non-profit organization devoted to enlightening the public on social, cultural, and community needs.The organization publicizes its message through various media outlets brought on by collaboration of WVIZ/PBS and 90.3 WCPN. As a part of its devotion to sustainability, the ideastream collaborators sought to house the organization in a building focused on environmental design and high performance. Thus the Idea Center was born, housed in a revamped National Register landmark building in the Cleveland theater district.
The existing building was transformed into an environmentally sustainable facility and although design and function were improved, the historical integrity of the existing structure remains. The existing building was created to house a furniture showroom and warehouse in 1912. Throughout many decades, the tenants and function of the facility changed. When ideastream acquired the building, the stakeholders sought to create a facility that served a multitude of functions and audiences. The building is a multi-tenant space in an urban core setting committed to energy efficiency, occupant health and safety, and minimal environmental impact. The design team took an integrated design approach, which incorporates a system of checks and balances in each phase of construction and design. The results were immeasurable; reduced construction costs, lower utility bills, and increased marketability were immediate, tangible results from the decision to “go green.”
The process of going green involved a host of changes on the existing structure. Improvements included:
- White roofing materials to reduce the “heat island” effect
- Energy efficient lighting occupancy sensors
- Water reduction technologies in faucets
- Improved windows and insulation to control temperature gain and loss
- Recycling program
- Reducing indoor air pollutants; low voc carpet, furniture, wood and paint, air quality testing, carbon monoxide sensors, green house keeping.
These improvements not only benefit the environment, but the staff who inhabit the building. Accessible transportation, healthier indoor air quality, noise control, and thermal comfort make for a more successful and productive work force. The efforts to “go green” resulted in a Silver Commercial Interiors rating from the United States Green Building Council in accordance with their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) regulations.
The building serves as a link between the Cleveland commerce and the community. In an effort to revitalize downtown as a commercial center, the Idea Center invited multiple technology firms to occupy vacant space in the structure. The enticing offer has led to six technology firms relocating to the building, including two from the Cleveland suburbs. The space is ever evolving and will continue to exist to serve the community.
