Tucson, AZ – In 2014, the Pima Association of Governments (PAG), designed by Engberg Anderson Architects, achieved LEED-Silver for Commercial Interiors for their new office space.
PAG is the anchor tenant for One East Broadway, a new, urban, mixed-use development in downtown Tucson also designed by Engberg Anderson. Seen as a catalyst for green building, the build-out of the new office space for PAG was featured at a “Heavy Medal Awards” luncheon hosted by the USGBC Arizona Chapter in February 2015.
The project features a variety of sustainable materials and systems including:
- Walkability: With a zero lot line, the building fills the hole at 100% of the available footprint. Retail spaces along nearly every inch of sidewalk take advantage of foot traffic and visibility.
- Ecological Stewardship: Not only do these trees harvest water from the roof through the gutter system, the innovative curb design captures extra rain run-off from the street as well – helping balance the overall ecology of the surrounding area.
- Energy-efficient Lighting: All lighting inside and out is LED, which uses 75% less energy and lasts 25 times longer than traditional, incandescent lighting. (Including the funky green bars that help disguise two floors of parking above the retail.)
- First Impressions: Looking up as you enter the main lobby, three different types of LED light fixtures form a star-like constellation that reflect the wide open night skies of Arizona.
- Ensuring Sustainable Design: Through a process including energy modeling and an integrated team approach, two levels of office space on floors four and five became certified LEED-Silver for Commercial Interiors.
- Social Responsibility: Both floors are dedicated to the Pima Association of Governments (PAG), a quasi-governmental agency that supports regional planning efforts to enhance mobility, sustainability and livability.
- Locally-sourced: A local, custom metal fabricator carefully crafted the impressive stair
and other details that lend an industrial feel to the two-story space. - Energy-efficient Cooling: Movable walls and a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system – 25% more efficient than traditional – allows PAG to cool just the spaces being used.
- Mixed-Income Residences: A mix of studio, one, and two bedroom units were made available on the sixth and seventh floors at both market-rate and affordable-rate.
- Capturing Advantages of the Site: Taking advantage of Tucson’s mild climate and inspiring mountain views, every unit enjoys floor-to-ceiling windows and a private patio or terrace.
- Integrated Building System: Also motivated by Tucson’s climate, the building envelope is well insulated with an exterior wall double the minimum r-value, thermally broken window frames and low-e, insulated glass.
- Renewable Energy: Rooftop solar panels provide renewable energy for residents in the form of solar hot water. A renter’s average monthly electric bill is $50/month.
Vist the PAG LEED Scorecard to see how it ranks!
About Engberg Anderson Architects
Founded in 1987, Engberg Anderson Architects is an architecture, planning and interior design firm whose work supports activities and institutions at the heart of a vibrant culture. With offices in Milwaukee (WI), Madison (WI), Chicago (IL) and Tucson (AZ), the firm has experience in a variety of building types including housing, mixed-use, libraries, cultural, corporate, healthcare, senior living, historic preservation and sustainable design.