ICS Builders and BKSK Architects complete $4.1 million project

ICS Builders, Inc. (ICS) and BKSK Architects completed the new, $4.1 million, 10,600 s/f Community of the Holy Spirit (CHS) St. Hilda's House convent building located at 454 Convent Ave. ICS served CHS, a monastic community for women in the Episcopal Church, as general contractor. BKSK Architects LLP provided architectural and interior design for the new, environmentally friendly facility. "The completion of the St. Hilda's House highlights the commitment of religious communities to environmentally responsible living, operations and construction," said ICS vice president of operations Edward O'Rourke, P.E., LEED AP. "The Community of the Holy Spirit is at the forefront of the national and global sustainability trend and we were proud to provide technical, engineering and construction support to this beautifully designed, cutting edge urban convent facility." In addition to ICS Builders and BKSK Architects, the project team included structural engineer Weidlinger Associates Inc., MEP engineer Laszlo Bodak Engineer, P.C., lighting designer Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design, and landscaping consultant Dennis Gray Horticulture. The four-story convent houses an entrance lobby, chapel, community dining room and kitchen, silent dining room, offices, conference room, library, sitting room, art room, 12 cells/bedrooms, two guest rooms, and two types of green roofs.