Arc readies $4.5M project
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

BATH - Arc of Steuben could be 20,000 square feet bigger by the end of the year.

The agency last week began advertising for bids on a three-story addition to the present facility on state Route 54 that will allow Arc to centralize its services at one location.

Plans for the building also have been recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council, which certifies environmentally sound buildings through the Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design rating system.

LEED certifications range from silver to gold and platinum.

According to Ron VanOrmer, capital campaign director for Arc, the building has qualified for a LEED silver rating through several design innovations:

+ A geothermal heating and cooling system that uses underground water to heat the building in winter and cool it during the summer.

+ A water recycling system that reduces the overall use of water by staff and clients.

+ The use of sunlight, open space for air circulation, and a compact florescent lighting system that reduces electrical use and heat radiation.

The green features not only mitigate the environmental impact of the building; they also have a financial payoff. VanOrmer noted the geothermal system alone is expected to save Arc $60,000 annually.

The $2.3 million addition is part of a larger $4.5 million capital campaign that will fund renovations to the existing Arc facility on state Route 54 and the construction of a new transportation center available to people utilizing Arc services. VanOrmer said the organization so far has raised 85 percent of the total cost of the project.

"We hope to occupy the building by the end of the year," he said.

Founded in 1964, Arc of Steuben provides a wide array of services to adults and children with developmental disabilities. Programs include residential support, crisis support and vocational training through four businesses owned and operated by Arc.