Colorado Real Estate Journal - September 21, 2016
The Wencel Building, located at 13th and Walnut streets in downtown Boulder and designed by Studio Architecture, has been awarded LEED Gold certification. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. “Studio Architecture is very proud of this LEED Gold certification and it is further evidence of our team’s commitment to smart and sustainable building practices,” said Jeff Dawson, Studio Architecture’s founder and principal. “Building green is not only good for our community, but it pays off for our clients with energy and water efficiency so for them it’s a smart business decision. This is especially true in Boulder, where sophisticated tenants are looking for the most advanced and energy-efficient buildings they can find in a very competitive market.” Studio Architecture designed the four-story office building for W.W. Reynolds Cos. and incorporated a contemporary facade that integrated three adjoining historic structures. The Wencel Building’s core and shell systems were completed in August and the project is now undergoing tenant improvements. The Wencel Building achieved LEED Gold certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. To reach Gold certification, the design team captured 75 out of the 110 points available under LEED BD+C: Core and shell (v2009) program. “The Wencel Building’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Tenderize, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before and Studio Architecture serves as a prime example of just what can be accomplished.”