Van Buren Senior Activity Center

Overview

Designed & built to replace an outdated facility on an adjacent property, the new social center for citizens over the age of 60 paved the way for a new location where seniors in the area can get access to services and activities. Funded primarily through a 1 percent sales tax, the center also boasts a state-of-the-art safe room built with grants supplied through the FEMA organization. The new facility promotes interaction in spaces such as a library, large cafeteria, pool room, computer room and an exercise space.

Engaging in sustainable endeavors in both the design and construction phases also allowed the structure to attain a LEED certification status. Some of the ways that the facility has embraced both community-focused and environmentally positive concepts include:

• Thirty percent reduction of potable water due to efficient shower, faucet, toilet, and urinal fixtures.
• Sixteen percent energy efficiency improvement. These savings can be attributed to efficient interior and exterior lighting, improved HVAC systems, building upgrades and efficient hot water heating.
• To provide for continued energy and operational efficiency, all of the energy systems have undergone fundamental and enhanced commissioning. This process prevents the excessive use of energy while reducing Greenhouse emissions.
• Of the materials used in construction, more than 10 percent contained recycled content and at least 10 percent were both extracted and manufactured from within 500 miles of the project site.