Design-build real estate developer Opus Northwest LLC, together with architectural partner LMN Architects, has announced completion of the first phase of the $33 million, 67,000-square-foot city hall and civic center for Shoreline, Wash.
The second phase of this government campus will be completed at the end of the year with the opening of the garage and public plaza, which will serve as a central gathering place for the community. The municipal real estate development project is expected to receive the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver certification. At the outset of this public-private partnership, Opus Northwest and the City of Shoreline agreed upon a strong, collaborative, management team approach.
"The combination of design-build, build-to-suit and lease-to-own methods ensured a focus on the guiding principles we developed with the community, while limiting our exposure to potential cost overruns for our new city hall," said Bob Olander, city manager for Shoreline. "I am pleased to say it more than meets the city's smart design intent and demonstrates our commitment to customer service, transparency and accessibility for the entire community."
To strengthen Shoreline's sense of identity, designers created a council chamber with doors that open onto a plaza and outdoor amphitheater, a water feature and the stunning, four-story dogwood mural "Lime Light" by local artist Linda Beaumont.
"It is a special opportunity to be a part of creating a new front door and living room for a city. With Shoreline, our team worked passionately with citizens, constituents and community leaders to develop the vision and design that culminated in the creation of a municipal real estate project with a great sense of place and a clear statement about sustainability," said PJ Santos, senior real estate director for Opus Northwest.
The commitment to green building resulted in a design that's as educational as it is sustainable, and features a path called The Shoreline Sustainability Stroll.
"The idea for the Shoreline Sustainability Stroll came from our shared belief that changing paradigms and educating the community -- especially young people -- on the possibilities of green development is as important as achieving a LEED accreditation," said Jesus Sanchez, Shoreline project manager. "This educational pathway is something to be proud of, and we hope others will follow this creative example in their projects. It's just the kind of change we all need to implement to reduce our environmental footprint."
The stroll will guide visitors through the project with interpretative signs that disseminate the sustainable elements of the project including rain gardens, a green roof topping the council chamber, solar shades, electric car charging stations, photovoltaic panels and pervious concrete sidewalks and bioswales.
