As AVA is developing plans for an extensive renovation of the 11 Bank Street building, it is nevertheless clear that the basic character of the former H.W. Carter & Sons overall factory building—the spaciousness, the high ceilings, the abundant natural light--will be kept intact.

However, there is much to be done to make the building as safe, healthy and energy efficient as possible while at the same time accommodating AVA's plans for the future. To this end, we have contracted with Banwell Architects and Trumbull-Nelson Construction Company, and are honored that both firms feel so strongly about the importance of this project that a percentage of their fees will be waived.

Briefly stated, the renovations include complete code compliance (an elevator is in sight!), including handicapped accessibility, expanded gallery areas, increased and improved studio facilities--in the basement, and on the first and second floors. We will continue to have rental studios for artists on the second and third floors, and they will see considerable improvements, as well. Other attractions, such as a cafe and a small auditorium for the showing of 16mm films, are under consideration, as are improvements to the exterior, including a new entrance area on the west side of the building, facing Colburn Park.

Additionally, we have decided to "build green."* AVA's Board of Directors has–after several months of careful investigations and discussions–decided to seek LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for this renovation project. Thus, we will adhere to the LEED Green Building Rating System, which is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. For more information about LEEDs link to http://www.usgbc.org/leed/ci and LEED-EB http://www.usgbc.org/leed/eb

The actual renovations of AVA's 11 Bank Street building are expected to begin during the Fall of 2006.

* In a pamphlet-How do I build green?-published in October, 2003 by the Kresge Foundation, the following benefits are suggested:

"A green building process, with its integrated and collaborative approach, is front-loaded: time and expenses are concentrated near project start. The reward is fewer unpleasant surprises and shifts in expectations during and after construction. With careful management, committed leadership, and a collaborative team, your organization can create the building you desire--one that supports your mission, saves you money in the long term, provides a healthy and safe environment, and treads lightly on the earth."

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