Racanelli Construction Company, Inc., a leading construction management, general contractor and design/build resource for commercial, industrial, retail, medical, pre-engineered and multifamily housing projects, has completed the construction of 52,420 s/f, U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum-rated building. Located at 141 Garden St., it is one of the first LEED Platinum-rated community centers in New York. Racanelli served as the general contractor on the project, the LiRo Group, a full-service/construction management, engineering, architectural and environmental services firm as the construction manager and Viridian Energy & Environmental served as the LEED consulting firm.
According to Racanelli project manager Ron Whelan, the project is comprised of two above grade levels and a fully utilized basement space. The building incorporates a gymnasium/auditorium with one regulation-sized basketball court, four half-size courts, a performance stage, fitness center, dance studio, a computer lounge, computer training center, teen space, senior center, snack canteen, reading room, multipurpose community rooms, kitchen, emergency center, public access television studio, and administrative space.
For this project valued over $20 million, the town of Hempstead was granted an $892,000 grant award secured by U.S. senator Kirsten Gillibrand through the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The project also received two grants of $200,000 each acquired by NYS assemblyman Charles Lavine and state senator Craig Johnson.
According to Racanelli's LEED team, Megan Bové, LEED AP BD+C and David Hodukavich, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, this project was successful as a direct result of a cohesive project team of on-site personnel, subcontractors, construction manager, LEED consultant, general contractor, and owner. Sustainable site development features include alternative transportation measures and parking stalls with electric vehicle recharging stations, energy efficient exterior site lighting, the restoration of natural habitat, storm water design quality and quantity control. Water efficiency measures include water use reduction through the use of water conserving plumbing fixtures, a recycled gray water system for secondary reuse onsite, landscaping the site with indigenous plant species that do not require a permanent irrigation system and rooftop rainwater is collected for onsite irrigation of the community center's garden space.
To promote optimum energy-efficiency, sustainability and reduced carbon footprint, the building energy performance is optimized by the installation of a closed-loop system geothermal system, solar domestic water heating system, a south-facing solar wall and production of on-site renewable energy via a solar photovoltaic system. Photovoltaic panels mounted atop solar tress form a canopy above the at-grade parking on the south side of the site. Additional photovoltaic panels are mounted on the roof.
Materials and resources measures included construction waste management to recycle 75% of the construction and demolition debris, reduced demand for natural resources by using products with high recycled content of materials, utilize regionally sourced and manufactured materials, and promoting responsible forest management by using Forest Stewardship Council certified wood products. Indoor environmental quality is improved by reduced indoor air pollutants through implementation of a comprehensive indoor air quality management plan during construction and prior to occupancy, the use of low-emitting materials. Occupant comfort is improved through increased controllability of energy efficient lighting and thermal comfort systems and increased exterior daylight and views from within the building.
About Racanelli Construction Company, Inc.
With roots dating back five decades ago, Racanelli Construction Company is a family business with a long legacy of commercial/industrial real estate building and development. The company serves its diverse clientele as a construction manager, general contractor or complete design/build resource. The company's services are applied in the construction of corporate/industrial, healthcare, retail, hospitality/restaurant, educational, residential, religious, storage and pre-engineered buildings. Its highly qualified team of professionals and application of sound business processes with state-of-the-art technologies combine to facilitate high quality, on-time and on-budget projects. Racanelli Construction Company's long history and impeccable reputation as a high quality builder/developer has earned the company a broad bonding capacity as well as AAA Insurance coverage. Racanelli maintains excellent working relationships with local municipalities, business and civic associations, and elected officials. These relationships accrue considerable benefits to Racanelli's clients when seeking financing/bonding, zoning approvals and support from the local community. Racanelli Construction Company executives are active members of the local community, serving on nonprofit organizations' boards and participating in various philanthropic activities. For more information, visit: www.racanelliconstruction.com Tags: