Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity needed a new home to meet the growing demands of the clientele. They also wanted a location that was more visible and accessible than their previous one, which was tucked away in an industrial area in Minneapolis’ Prospect Park. The new location, a former brownfield site, is on University Avenue in St. Paul and right on the new Green Line light rail. Not only does it offer transit access for volunteers and clients, it also has enabled Habitat to become a center for housing resources in the Midway neighborhood. The facility was built employing the same values the organization applies to building homes for Habitat families: quality workmanship and a simple, affordable design that is functional and welcoming. Glass panel walls make up the street level, inviting passersby to see the warmth and energy inside. The reception area is furnished with old furniture, painted and reupholstered in bright colors for a homey feel. Functional surfaces like exposed concrete and waferboard are used throughout the building, as is exposed ductwork. The facility has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Eco-friendly features include an HVAC system that is 90 percent efficient, water fixtures that reduce usage and high-efficiency lighting with shutoff sensors. The carpeting, which is done in a modern quilt of triangles, is made up of remnants that would have ended up in a landfill. -Finance & Commerce
Finance & Commerce Top Projects: Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
MG McGrath Scope of Work: MG McGrath fabricated and installed 15,073 square feet of .080 Aluminum Dri‐Design Panels finished in light bronze anodized. Installation also included 5” thermally broken z‐furring installed over 1” spacer and .050 aluminum sill flashings, window flashings, window jamb flashings, window head flashings.
Rendering and Completed Project
