Benicia chooses to go green for recreation, social center

Benicia chooses to go green for recreation, social center
By Tony Burchyns
Posted: 10/26/2009

BENICIA -- City leaders are envisioning a totally green community center, designed with recycled materials, environmentally friendly paint and efficient plumbing and lighting.

Architectural drawings also reveal a warm and colorful interior for shuttered Mills Elementary School, which the city plans to convert into a recreation and social center by spring.

"The project uses all existing windows, doors and roofs," Noll & Tam architect Elizabeth McLeod told the Benicia City Council last week, describing green practices meant to help earn federal LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

"There will be 50 percent to 60 percent reuse of existing walls, ceilings, lighting, sinks and doors," McLeod added.

The $610,000 first phase also will include low-flow toilets and energy-saving, mostly florescent lighting controlled by timers and motion sensors.

Several rooms will have kitchenettes stocked with Energy Star microwaves and refrigerators. The federal program certifies the energy efficiency of certain appliances.

Interior-finish materials will be either reused, high in recycled content, locally extracted or manufactured, low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or responsibly grown woods.

"We're using recycled lumber for the trellises, linoleum flooring, carpeting that has recycled content, ceramic tiles and stainless steel ... which uses a high amount of recycled content," McLeod said.

The reception desk -- a main focal point -- will feature bamboo trim and a recycled-glass countertop.

McLeod said all paints will be environmentally friendly, too.

The project's greenness won't compromise its looks, the architect said, adding the theme is "fun, playful and colorful."

"It's an opportunity to do something interesting with these materials," McLeod said. "The city really wants a space that reflects the groups of people who will be in there ... They want to take away the institutional, school feeling."

The first phase will provide a year-round home for local boy and girl scouts and two rooms for the Kids Kaleidoscope after-school program, city officials say. It also will make space for the Summer Adventures Day Camp.

The project is slated to go to public bid Nov. 2.