KS Associates provided site planning, design, LEED consulting, and surveying services for the new Richard Desich SMART Commercialization Center on the campus of Lorain County Community College (LCCC). The building houses the SMART Commercialization Center for Microsystems, an economic development collaboration designed to serve the sensors and silicon-fabricated device manufacturing industry.
KS Associates was challenged to design the site with minimal impact to the existing topography and adjacent wetlands. The site design called for the installation of bio-swales, a method of conveying stormwater runoff and maintaining required water quality levels. This solution met OEPA NPDES permit requirements. The KS design team also reviewed LEED credits (6.1 and 6.2) related to stormwater management and water quality.
LEED consulting services included assisting LCCC in determining and documenting LEED No-Build Areas — green space areas restricted from development, which qualify for LEED Innovation credits. KS Associates’ site plan also included vehicle recharging stations and parking for car pooling and eco-vehicles.
The Final Improvement Plans included new pavement and sidewalks; utilities; grading; new storm sewers, sanitary sewers and waterlines; and a new truck access drive with associated grading and drainage.
KS Associates also assisted with bidding and construction administration, and prepared the necessary LEED credit documentation.
The facility is LEED certified at the Silver Level.
