Photo Credit: 2RW Consultants

Alexander Black House & Cultural Center Restoration

Blacksburg, VA

Owner

Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation

Sustainability

Pending LEED Silver

Timeframe

2011 – 2014

Size

9,036 SF

Cost

$2 million

Provided LEED energy modeling services which entailed analyzing, identifying, and designing systems that defined an efficient path to LEED certification while also meeting the client’s key project goals such as budget, design integrity, and sustainability.

Also 2RW provided MEP/FP design for all-new HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems for this two-story facility. The sustainable HVAC design included a high-efficiency, split-system heat pump with energy recovery. One of the design goals was to preserve the building’s historic fabric wherever possible. This was particularly challenging because space for mechanical systems was extremely limited. With precise design and close collaboration with the contractor, 2RW was able to provide modern amenities that preserved the character of the facility.

The building was restored and necessary modifications and additions were made to the structure to provide for its new function as a museum and cultural center all while preserving the historic integrity of the property.

Project Goals

This restoration and design project converted a circa 1897 Victorian residence, the former home of the town’s prominent businessman Alexander Black, into a museum, gallery, and meeting facility. Historically inaccurate modifications were removed and the interior was reconfigured slightly to accommodate the building’s use as a community center offering art and history exhibitions, community programs, and meetings and special events. A rear addition was constructed to make the facility more accessible.

Services

2RW provided prerequisite credit documentation and LEED energy modeling. 2RW also provided LEED consulting services which entailed analyzing, identifying, and designing systems that defined an efficient path to LEED certification while also meeting the client’s key project goals such as budget, design integrity, and sustainability.

2RW also provided MEP/FP design for all-new HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems for this two-story facility. The sustainable HVAC design included a high-efficiency, split-system heat pump with energy recovery. One of the design goals was to preserve the building’s historic fabric wherever possible. This was particularly challenging as space for mechanical systems was extremely limited. With precise design and close collaboration with the architect and contractor, 2RW was able to provide modern amenities that preserved the character of the facility.

Results

The building was restored and necessary modifications and additions were made to the structure to provide for its new function as a museum and cultural center all while preserving the historic integrity of the property.

Partners

Glave & Holmes Architecture

Awards

2RW Logo
Team
Adrienne Hendrickson, PE, LEED AP BD+C | | 2RW

Adrienne Hendrickson, PE

Senior Electrical Engineer
2RW_Prevatt_WWW_RGB | | 2RW

Bethany Prevatt

BIM/CAD Operator