FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2013
MEDIA CONTACTS: Collin Nash, Ryan Mulholland, & Sam Marksheid | (516) 869-7794
North Hempstead “Yes We Can” Community Center Awarded for Engineering and Architectural Excellence
Manhasset, NY– North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman and David Lapping of the RBA Group, Inc., were recently awarded for excellence in engineering and architecture in the construction of the “Yes We Can” Community Center in Westbury.
The state-of-the-art, 60,000 square foot facility is a platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified structure, that features roof-top solar panels, grade-level solar trees, electric vehicle recharging stations and geothermal heating and cooling. The community center, opened in September 2012, is home to two NBA-sized basketball courts, fitness center, community meeting rooms, internet café, the North Hempstead television studio and more.
The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of New York presented the Town and the RBA Group, Inc., with its Gold Award for Engineering Excellence. The American Institute of Architects, Long Island Chapter bestowed their Sustainable Design Award in a Commercial Project in recognition of outstanding use of sustainable design.
“A multi-purpose recreational facility in Westbury was a decades old dream for residents. It took partnerships between all three levels of government and the private sector as well as input from the community to make this happen,” said Supervisor Kaiman
In its Executive Summary, the ACEC said, “This building represents the social and economic realities that can be accomplished when professional disciplines work together towards a common goal.”
The ACEC also lauded the Town and the RBA Group for a site design that promotes water and energy efficiency, as well as indoor environmental air quality and overall sustainability.
Supervisor Jon Kaiman with Dave Lapping, Senior Vice President of the RBA Group, Inc