The new building was designed by mbi | k2m Architecture and Spectrum Design Services with a goal of achieving LEED Silver certification by the US Green Building Council. As the Owner, Architect, Interior Designer, and Tenant of the building we had a real opportunity to investigate, test, and utilize cutting edge design and building system management solutions.

The space is not only design forward, but environmentally and economically responsible. With considerable efforts to select the most environmentally conscious and cost effective materials, the design for the new office space will bring together three key concepts: Sustainable (Green) design, Budget, and Style. Often times these elements are thought to be mutually exclusive, but they have achieved a balance between the three, aided by manufacturers who are making this balance more and more possible.

Reusing an existing building is the highest level of recycling there is. This building in particular has some beautiful features and finishes, inside and out, and we knew that highlighting them would be our starting point. The exterior building will predominantly remain intact. The bricked-in openings facing the street will be removed and all the windows throughout the entire building will be replaced. The building will also undergo minor masonry restorations and cleaning in hopes of restoring it to its original grandeur. New exterior wall sconces will be placed at each brick pilaster to provide added accent and a level of safety / security to the public walking along the building at night. Most importantly, the main entry has been relocated to the former loading dock location. This provides direct access from on-street parking and to staff parking lots, and provides full accessibility for persons with disabilities.

LEED Silver Certification Series During the course of this project mbi | k2m Architecture and Spectrum Design Services teamed with the Cleveland’s Green Building Coalition to create an 8 part program series that followed the design and construction process of this LEED Silver certified building. mbi | k2m and Spectrum staff of LEED accredited professionals lead the lecture series, which was a series of workshop discussions and demonstrations through the period of renovation of the building. Guest speakers included many of the subcontractors who were involved in the project, including Contractor, Nyman Construction Company, and MEP engineering firm, TES Engineering.