Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/717684
THE CENTENNIAL PROJECT Build Wet Lab II, a building which now functions as a learning center for children participating in environmental education programs held in the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue. Last summer, Association staff spent a day at Mercer Slough helping with trail maintenance. While there, we noticed lots of people walking along the trail by Wet Lab II. We saw lines of children being led by and parents coming and going as they dropped them off. We decided that this would be a perfect spot for interpretive signage about New Mercer Slough Signage Touts Built Green, Master Builders Association Impact BY LEAH MISSIK BUILT GREEN PROGRAM MANAGER MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION the Wet Lab II building and its connection to Built Green and the Association, thereby expanding the project's impact. After all, the project's impact is not insignificant. In addition to functioning as a center of environmental education, the building also has environmental benefits. A green roof, radiant hydronic heating, FSC certified wood, salvaged materials and other green building attributes make it a 5-Star Built Green certified building. All of this significantly lessens the building's environmental impact while actively demonstrating in a public, educational setting how buildings can be green. Soon after, we got to work designing a sign that educated passersby on the environmental attributes of the building. We wanted to make sure the sign would thematically mesh with other interpretive signs in the park, which turned out to be no small effort. We dug up old project files to get architectural details, communicated with the illustrator and graphic designer, and discussed the signage with the Park and City of Bellevue to make sure the sign met everyone's needs. Now, after months of work and coordination, the sign is here! We're very happy with the final result. We encourage you to take a look and explore Mercer Slough while you're at it. The park really is a local gem. SEE THE SIGN! Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Mercer Slough Nature Park ADDRESS 1625 118th Ave SE Bellevue, WA CENTER HOURS 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PARK HOURS Dawn to Dusk In 2009, Built Green and the MBA started work on a centennial building project to benefit both the community and the environment. 24 master builder 09.16 industry image