CHICAGO –– When IDEA (Interactive Design, Inc.) architects Paul Steinbrecher and Jeff Parfitt designed Chicago’s West Town Branch Library, they were required to ensure that it would certify as LEED silver. However, as construction proceeded, they found that they were able to exceed that goal. It was announced today that the building had attained LEED Gold status for Commercial Interiors. The library is housed in the Goldblatt’s building, which has been designated a Chicago Landmark.

“We’re thrilled with attaining LEED Gold,” says project architect Jeff Parfitt. “The design intent was to create an environment that was harmonious with the original structure. The library is located on the first floor of the former department store, so we wanted to utilize some of the historic features of the original building while making it engaging for the users.”

The team discovered marble floor tiles during the rehabbing phase and utilized it in the entrance as well as decorative plaster column capitals. In addition, recycled materials for rubberized flooring and beneath the floor, installed an energy efficient HVAC system, water efficient plumbing fixtures and designed windows that would harvest daylight were incorporated into the project.

“This is a great boost for the neighborhood,” says Parfitt. “It increases the quality of library services and we were able to create sustainable design expression that utilized the existing building.” Additional features of the library include adult, juvenile and teen collections and public computer access. The West Town Branch Library is located at 1625 W. Chicago Ave.

About Interactive Design:

A Chicago based architecture firm founded in 1992, Interactive Design, Inc. (IDEA) creates environments, structures and interiors for governmental, cultural, educational, libraries, preservation, zoological, commercial and housing entities. IDEA is a WBE/MBE certified company. For more information, visit Idea8.com or call 312.482.8866.

Source: Interactive Design, Inc.