Sunday, January 22, 2012

KITSAP SUN: Bainbridge art museum's opening delayed a year

By Tristan Baurick
Published Sunday, January 22, 2012
KITSAP SUN


— The slow pace of fundraising and construction has delayed the opening of the West Sound's first art museum by at least a year.

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art had planned to open its state-of-the-art, $13 million facility on Winslow Way by mid-2012. Now, the opening date isn't likely until late spring or early summer 2013, and is contingent on a $2.3 million fundraising push that museum supporters hope to finish before the summer construction season.

"We were just not making enough (fundraising) progress for it to be responsible of us to move on to the second phase," said Chris Snow, a member of the museum's board, which took shape in 2009.
Last year, the nonprofit museum opened an office, classroom and 95-seat auditorium in an Island Gateway commercial building that will eventually connect with the museum's main exhibition building, which had its foundation completed early this month. The design for the finished building calls for a two-story wedge of steel and glass jutting toward the high-traffic Winslow Way-Highway 305 intersection.

Museum supporters say it will be a landmark building seen by nearly all who visit Winslow by ferry or travel in via the highway.

Totaling 20,000 square feet, the museum will have room for a permanent contemporary art collection, traveling exhibitions, retail space and a coffee shop. The permanent collection will specialize in Bainbridge and Northwest artists.

The museum has raised just over $11 million of its $15.3 million capital campaign goal. The money raised beyond construction costs will help pay for the museum's three-person staff and other operating costs.

The $2.3 million that museum supporters hope to raise in the coming months would boost the board's confidence before it green-lights the final construction phase.

"We just couldn't keep going with construction and sleep well at night," said Snow, who is expected to take over as board president this month.

Fundraising slowed after an initial flurry of dollars from local donors. The museum is searching for off-island funding from corporations, private foundations and government granting agencies before it begins a drive for smaller contributions from individuals and families.

"Initially, we worked with the founders and board members and the relationships they have in funding circles," said Greg Robinson, the museum's executive director. "Now, we're trying to go more broadly."

The museum's biggest success in the broader fundraising arena was obtaining a $502,000 grant from the state last year.

"That helps us leverage other funds," Robinson said. "It's kind of like a ... seal of approval."

A key to drawing dollars from large foundations and corporate donors is proving the museum has strong local support, Robinson said.

That's part of the reason the museum began offering its 60-person capacity classroom and auditorium to various cultural and nonprofit groups for free during the summer. The museum began charging fees for its facilities during the winter.

Kitsap Regional Library, the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce and Sustainable Bainbridge have used the auditorium for community gatherings. The newly formed Winslow Art Center makes regular use of the classroom for drawing and calligraphy classes.

The neighboring Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) has held a summer camp and musical theater performances in the museum's spaces.

"We've been very, very grateful to them," said Susan Sivitz, KiDiMu's executive director. "With the extra space, we were able to double the number of offerings during our summer camp."

The two museums plan to continue their close partnership.

"We're showing we have and deserve broad-based support," said Robinson, who led La Conner's Museum of Northwest Art for five years before joining the Bainbridge museum in late 2010.

Snow expects the art museum and Bainbridge public schools to form a relationship that could include regular student museum visits and art instruction.

He would like to see more groups make use of the auditorium, which has a theater-quality sound and video system.

"Off-island money (sources) will step forward if they know there's a positive momentum of support here," Snow said. "But I think we should be building support from people here on Bainbridge Island on principle because this is the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art."

While raising money hasn't been as easy as expected, Robinson said the work required in planning the building played a larger role in slowing the museum's progress.

"I think during the last year, the organization realized the complexity of the planning process, and how long it would take to (develop) the site," he said.

Adding to the complexity was the recent push to have the building reach gold-level certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. The initial design, which incorporated recycled materials, stormwater collection and several other earth-friendly features, had aimed for a lower silver rating.

An added geothermal mechanical system provided much of the LEED ratings boost the museum wanted. The system, which was completed this month, will pull heat from the ground to warm the building, thereby reducing its dependence on the power grid.

For Robinson, building the museum has encompassed much more than the building itself.
The museum began planning construction and fundraising almost immediately after a group of island art lovers gathered around the art museum idea.

"We've been building a whole new organization, not just a building," he said.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Granero Office Building is Kitsap County’s First LEED Gold Certified Building



January 20, 2012, (Bainbridge Island, WA) – Bainbridge Island development firm, Asani, along with PHC Construction and Coates DesignArchitects announced today that it has been awarded LEED® Gold Certification for their joint renovation project of the Granero Office Building, which houses their offices.  This light-filled office building was once a municipal storage shed built in the 1950s. Its transformation from an eyesore to a superior office environment demonstrates the effectiveness of the Asani/PHC/Coates Design collaboration and their commitment to sustainability.  Featuring natural light and a community feel, the former truck maintenance and storage facility is designed and built to LEED Gold standards.  The building was completed in 2009 and is Kitsap County’s first LEED Gold certified office building.
  “We are delighted that we were able to participate in the strategic direction, construction, and now the occupancy of this impressive commercial space. Our people really enjoy the open airy feel and collaborative work environment that was created here,” said Marty Sievertson, Owner and President of PHC Construction.

The Granero Office Building achieved LEED certification for reduced energy use, exterior lighting shades to reduce light pollution, extremely low-flow water fixtures and over 50% recycled construction material; as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies including its close proximity to the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal and bus routes offering alternative commuting options, and zero landscaping irrigation through planting of native, drought-resistant plants.  By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
“The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most-important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council.

LEED certification of the Granero Office Building was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the building itself and the broader community. These features include:
·       Close proximity to the Bainbridge Island ferry and bus routes for alternative commuting options.
·       All exterior lights have shades to decrease light-pollution.
·       All interior lights are on timers or occupancy sensors.
·       No landscaping irrigation, all species are native and drought tolerant.
·       Extremely low-flow water fixtures, including waterless urinals and dual flush toilets.
·       Green power purchased for the building offsets energy usage 100% for two years.
·       Over 50% of the building was reused – the building was originally an old metal shed barn.
·       FSC wood used for the majority of the framing.
·       Achieved above with a 95% recycling rate on all construction debris
·       More than 20% of the construction materials were locally and regionally extracted and manufactured.
·       All paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants are Low or No VOC
·       All composite wood is Urea-formaldehyde free
·       Daylight is in 75% of the spaces
·       There are exterior views from 90% of the seated spaces in the office.
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Asani Development
Asani Development is a Bainbridge Island based development and property investment company focused on sustainable developments that enhance communities. Other projects include Vineyard Lane, Island Gateway, and the exciting new Grow Community.


Coates Design Architects
Coates Design Architects focuses on environmentally responsible architecture through striking regenerative design and education.
www.coatesdesign.com

PHC Construction
PHC Construction is an owner-managed construction company on Bainbridge Island and has built a number of exceptional projects that strengthen communities and contribute to sustainable development.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Morales Farm House SUSTAINABLE Features












Built to LEED SILVER Standards

SUSTAINABLE RESTORATION OF FARMHOUSE:
Donated by PHC Construction
PHC Construction is a leader in sustainably focused construction initiatives. This project is a gift back to the Bainbridge community that has given so much to PHC.


SOY-BASED INSULATION:
Donated by Premiere Spray Foam

The non-toxic, soy-based foam inside these walls significantly reduces air infiltration.  The foam also dramatically increases the insulation of the walls, conserving up to 40 percent of the home’s energy loss, while improving indoor air quality. It also extends the life of the home by minimizing the flow of airborne moisture that can breed condensation, mold growth and decay.


ENERGY AUDIT:
Donated by RePower Bainbridge and Heat Holders

With a total of three blower door energy audits on the building and exterior wall adjustments as required, the building has a tightness rating of .29.  The team is very proud of this rating because it is significantly tighter than a traditional building.


EFFICIENT WINDOWS:
Donated by Andersen Windows and Doors

These energy-efficient windows reduce the transfer of heat, requiring less energy for cooling and heating, which saves money and energy!  Their durability also reduces maintenance, painting, and replacement—saving even more resources and energy in the long run.


BAMBOO FLOORING:
Donated by Teragren

These are not your grandma’s hardwood floors.  They’re bamboo!  Did you know that bamboo is a grass?  It grows much faster than trees and it can be harvested without replanting, making it a powerful renewable resource for durable, beautiful, and healthy flooring.  In addition, this is a “floating floor” system which allows better performance of the vapor/insulation barrier under the floor.   Thanks to Teragren 100% of the floors are bamboo!


LOW VOC PAINT:
Donated by CHC Painting, INC.

Breathe easy!  All paints, adhesives, and sealants in this house are low or no VOC.  VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds, toxic chemicals that can leak out of conventional paints and into the air.  But you won’t find them in this house.  This means healthier indoor air quality for easy breathing.


NON-TOXIC CABINETS:
Donated by Romark

Every component in a house contributes to air quality in some way and that’s why these cabinets were constructed using low VOC glues and substrates.  By using glues that are very low in the volatile chemicals found in conventional products we can ensure that the air quality is clean and crisp.


LOCAL CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS:
Donated by Fluid Concrete and Design Studio

Produced right here on Bainbridge, concrete countertops are the way to go!  Concrete is a historically energy-efficient building material, with low energy requirements for transportation as it is typically produced within 100 kilometers of the job site.  Along with these efficiencies, these concrete countertops offer a durable workspace that will last a long time. 


EFFICIENT HEATING AND COOLING:
Donated by Air Systems Engineering INC.

This beast here is a high efficiency, mini-split heating and cooling system.  That may sound nerdy, but it will reduce the energy bill to 1/3 of a conventional system saving lots of energy!  Combined with the tight envelope of this building energy bills should be in the range of $30/month.


FRESH AIR HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation):
Donated by Johnstone Supply

As building efficiency is improved, buildings are intentionally made more airtight, but consequently less ventilated. This HRV  (Heat Recovery Ventilation) system provides fresh air at the appropriate temperature by heat extraction.  In addition to great fresh air it also reduces the need for heating and cooling.


ENERGY SAVING ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS:
Donated by Bird Electric Corp

Energy efficient electrical and lighting fixtures also contribute to the energy savings of this home.


WATER SAVING:
Donated by AP Plumbing

This house is equipped with a highly efficient water tank and low-flow water fixtures.  Low-flow water fixtures can save up to 18,000 gallons of water - that’s how much water 100 people drink in a year!  They also save money on the water bill, while contributing to the real and necessary global effort to reduce over-consumption of our most precious resource.


RAIN GARDEN:
Donated by Kitsap County Conservation

The rain garden’s purpose is to improve water quality in nearby bodies of water.  Rainwater runoff from the rooftop is collected into the rain garden, which is planted with regional and native plants, preventing direct drainage into surface water systems, which can cause erosion, pollution and flooding.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

BI Review: Island Gateway - a 2011 community success

City news dominates 2011 headlines

By DENNIS ANSTINE
Bainbridge Island Review Editor
January 3, 2012 · Updated 4:36 PM  

For most people, life on the island does not revolve around the City of Bainbridge.

If you live here and work in Seattle, for example, likely half of your weekday’s waking hours are focused on a job and getting to and from it.


If you rarely leave the island, the city may have a little more to do with your day, but likely not very much.


The city’s business, however, is much more of an emphasis for those whose job focuses on letting community members know how public dollars are being spent and the direction a municipality is traveling in terms of representation.


With that in mind, one could say that the city – including its staff and council – was up to its proverbial neck in a multitude of trials and tribulations during 2011. Some of the headaches were hangovers from the recent past, including: the fatal police shooting of Douglas Ostling; the Bainbridge Ratepayers Alliance lawsuit and the fallout from it; the effect of the Winslow Way reconstruction project on downtown businesses; and dealing with several road emergencies, some of which occurred because of a lack of city maintenance in recent years.


There also were many positives, including: the city reducing the water rates by 45 percent at year’s end for its Winslow users; finishing Winslow Way in late November; signing a 30-year lease with Friends of the Farms; and many, many others – big and small.


The community also voted in four new council members, which could mean that some changes lie ahead since the newly elected officials – Anne Blair, Sarah Blossom, Steve Bonkowski and Dave Ward – campaigned on change to one degree or another. They also promised while campaigning to vet any proposed changes with the community. But that’s for next year.


Positives

The city and the community had many successes, including:


• RePower Bainbridge, which was formed as a result of the city writing three grants that were worth more than $5 million, swung into action by conducting 1,500 free home energy check-ups during a six-month period, with nearly 200 homeowners making energy-saving upgrades. There’s also an added emphasis on having more businesses and nonprofits joining the energy-efficiency movement on the island.


• Island Gateway, the new development at the corner of State Route 305 and Winslow Way, has concluded the back section of the project. Next up: construction of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Artand a retail building that will front the street. Avalara, a growing software company that’s on the island, relocated its more than 100 employees and its headquarters to Island Gateway...

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