Jul
16
Franklin Theatre Named Williamson County’s First LEED-Certified Historic Restoration Project
FRANKLIN, TENN. – The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tenn. a silver-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification for New Buildings and Major Renovations based on the building’s environmentally sustainable renovation design. The doors of Franklin Theatre closed in 2007, only to reopen in 2011 as the community’s first LEED-certified historic restoration project in the county after an $8 million renovation led by the Heritage Foundation.
From L – R: Heritage Foundation President Cyril Stewart, Heritage Foundation Executive Director Mary Pearce, Franklin Theatre Sustaining Partner and Heritage Foundation volunteer Emily Magid and Franklin Theatre Director Dan Hays.
Hastings Architecture | greenSTUDIO worked with the Heritage Foundation to participate in the LEED certification program while restoring the Franklin Theatre. Throughout the renovation process, 85% of construction waste was recycled. Along with significant energy cost reduction and water use reduction, the building now features low-emitting paints, adhesives and sealants, and composite wood materials.
“The greenest building is the one that is already built. Adaptive reuse of buildings and preservation are often the best kinds of green development.” Explained Andrew Orr, Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Franklin. “Historic preservation not only contributes to Franklin’s sense of identity and vibrancy, but it also lessens the environmental impact.”
LEED is an internationally recognized certification system that is aimed at improving building performance in the areas that matter most – energy savings, water efficiency,
and reduced CO2 emissions. Since The U.S. Green Building Council developed the LEED program in 1998, it has been continually improving to better represent and incorporate developing green building technologies.
“Historic preservation is the ultimate recycling project,” says Mary Pearce, Executive Director of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County. “This renovation is part of a larger effort to make our community a more environmentally friendly place. We are beyond proud that the Franklin Theatre is our first LEED-certified historical project.” The official LEED certification plaque is currently displayed outside the entrance of the theatre at 419 Main Street.
About the Franklin Theatre:
Built in 1937, the Franklin Theatre re-opened to the public on June 3, 2011 following a multi-year, multi-million-dollar restoration. The Main Street landmark is owned and operated by the nonprofit Heritage Foundation.
For additional information contact:
Chelsey Reardon
chelsey@franklintheatre.com
615-538-2079