Steuben Arc breaks ground on 'green' addition
BY ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

At left, architect Quentin Castle of JHL/Tecture, Bernie Burns, executive director, Steuben Arc; Linda Carl, Arc boardmember; Art Stillwell, Arc board president; Assemblyman Jim Bacalles; state Sen. George Winner Jr.; Connie Manikas, board member, Steuben Arc Foundation, and Mike Henry, Arc customer, break ground on the new administration and training facility adjacent to the organization's Route 54 headquarters in Bath. PHOTO BY ROB PRICE

BATH - Steuben Arc and New York state officials Wednesday broke ground on an environmentally friendly building that will double the size of the nonprofit organization's facilities on state Route 54 and provide new space for training programs and administration.

The building, designed by JHL/Tecture of Hornell, will showcase environmental features that include the use of renewable energy, high-performance insulation and building products made from recycled materials.

The "green design" will qualify the building for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, which recognizes building structures that conserve environmental resources.

To date, Steuben Arc has raised $3.3 million toward construction of the $4.5 million addition, and Wednesday's ceremony recognized the award of an additional $150,000 from the state Community Capital Assistance Program.

State Sen. George Winner Jr., R-Elmira, presented a ceremonial check for $150,000 to Arc Executive Director Bernard Burns; Assemblyman James Bacalles, R-Corning, also was on hand for the ceremony.

Prior to the groundbreaking, Arc representative Kathy Kent conducted a tour of the organization's facilities, noting areas where Arc customers work on clothing design and, in another room, a powdered compound guaranteed to rid home gardens of rodents.

Founded in 1964, Arc has spearheaded efforts to provide developmentally disabled individuals with education and workplace opportunities. Last month, the organization dispatched about 15 customers to Pleasant Valley Winery to help employees prepare cases of champagne for holiday distribution.

Arc's more than 2,000 customers also specialize in embroidery, embossing and printing, and the organization provides intervention, clinics and respite programs.

JHL architect Quentin Castle said Arc hopes to bid the expansion project in January, with construction slated to begin in the spring.

The architect noted several "green" features of the building that qualify it for LEED certification, including:

 Geothermal systems for cooling.

 Recycled products used in construction, which reduce the generation of solid waste.

 High-efficiency lights and appliances.

 The avoidance of solventbased adhesives, finishes, carpeting and particle

board to reduce the release of volatile organic compounds into the air.