What
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) will install the city of Worcester's first "living green roof" atop the soon-to-be-completed residence hall, East Hall. The green roof demonstrates the university's commitment to sustainability, and it will also help with WPI's ongoing academic research of stormwater quality and quantity. By including the green roof into educational research, the over-5,000-square-foot roof will uniquely compliment the university's motto "theory and practice." The green roof is just one of many environmentally friendly facets that will lead East Hall toward becoming LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. East Hall is expected to be WPI's second LEED-certified building on campus; the first was Bartlett Center, home of the university's admissions and financial aid offices, which opened in 2006.
The new, 232-bed, apartment-style residence hall and 189-parking garage are set to open in late August 2008. East Hall features four-person apartments with full kitchens, living rooms, compartmentalized bathrooms, and single and double bedrooms. The building also includes recreation and fitness facilities, technology suites on each floor, and full wireless access. Boston-based CannonDesign is the building's architect, and the general contractor is Gilbane Building Company.
When
Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 10 a.m. to noon
Where
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
East Hall
Boynton Street, Worcester, Mass.
