menu
GTC Natural Prairie Renovation

GTC Natural Prairie Renovation

Racine, Wisconsin

While all Gateway Technical College building projects are designed to a LEED Silver Certification standard, a project focused on providing better access to their Lake Building from parking lots below the lake bluff, offered an opportunity to make an out-of-the-ordinary environmental statement.

Initial concepts to add a degree of sustainability included wind mills and solar panels. Partners in Design Architects suggested consideration of establishment of a natural prairie to replace its expansive bluegrass lawn. Not only did this offer an aesthetic benefit, it provides a valuable habitat for numerous plant and animal species AND eliminates the need for regular lawn maintenance.

The new sidewalk and stair wrap around and through the new prairie.
Before students, staff and visitors accessed the Lake Building by way of a sometimes dangerous two-story concrete stair.

Similar Projects

Riley Construction LEED Certified

Riley Construction LEED Certified

Kenosha, Wisconsin

Prairie Medical LEED Certified

Prairie Medical LEED Certified

Grayslake, Illinois

LakeView RecPlex Aqua Arena Geothermal

LakeView RecPlex Aqua Arena Geothermal

Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin