Going Green in Allegheny County

Green Building features are highlighted at Park Sheldon Community Center

The Community Center at Park Sheldon, a property of the Allegheny County Housing Authority, is a showcase for "green" building. This recreation and education center was constructed to meet energy efficiency and environment-friendly standards. For instance, paint sealants and glues used in its construction were low-to-zero-volatile products, meaning they gave off little or no harmful gases. The structure's cool roof was designed to reflect solar radiation.

The building is expected to use 30 percent less water and 14% less energy than a similar structure built to traditional standards. The building has received a LEED 2.2 Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The $1.65 million center will serve residents of the Allegheny County Housing Authority's Park Sheldon housing development as well as residents from other areas of Harrison Township. The new facility includes a full-sized basketball court that can be adapted for multiple activities, including volleyball and dance, a computer tutoring lab to be staffed by the Highlands School District and an instructional kitchen for nutrition and cooking lessons. The intention is to build character and discipline for children and youth through sports and academic programs.

Most of the $1,050,000 for the 8,800 square foot building is funded through capital funds from the Allegheny County Housing Authority and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Allegheny County's Department of Economic Development allocated $450,000 from its community development block grants and the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program provided the final $150,000.