Entry number: UB07018
Project Name: Las Vegas City Hall Expansion
Location: Stewart & Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas NV
Building Type: Governmental
Completion Date: 2011
Architect:  JMA Architecture Studios


Sustainability Description

Design Team:
Architect: JMA Architecture Studios

Narrative/Project Description:

The Las Vegas City Hall East Tower project responds to the planned growth of Las Vegas. The facility was programmed to centralize Development Service Activities, creating a one-stop shopping location for city clients. The site is master planned for future growth.

The six story, 162,000 sf steel framed, travertine and pre-clast concrete clad, LEED registered facility is connected to the existing City Hall Building by a gateway pedestrian bridge crossing Las Vegas Boulevard. Environmental strategies include utilizing existing employee parking beneath 1-15, creating a landscaped shaded pedestrian way along Las Vegas Boulevard, and an East-West pedestrian plaza. The plaza leads to a north facing central 6-story atrium. This serves to provide order to public service activities, reduce energy costs, and provide natural day lighting. The glazed north wall of the atrium forms a lantern visible from 1-15. The building systems were designed with the aid of energy and daylight modeling. Lighting levels are electronically controlled and high efficiency earth friendly mechanical systems are utilized. Recycled materials will be incorporated within the facility.

Sustainability Description:
The City of Las Vegas chose to design and construct the City Hall expansion as a sustainable building. In order to measure the sustainable improvements, LEED NC criteria has been followed to achieve a LEED Silver Certification. The City of Las Vegas wishes to expand the existing City Hall in downtown Las Vegas. This sustainable action will cause redevelopment in the downtown core. Existing utility infrastructure will be utilized, and the infusion of additional professional jobs will encourage commercial and residential redevelopment. Existing and planned future alternative transportation systems will be enhanced. Heat island effect common in downtown cores is reduced by the use of proper roof and non-roof surface materials.

Landscaping water use will be reduced by 50%. Roof top water harvesting and super efficient irrigation and drought tolerant species will be utilized. The building's internal water use will be reduced by approximately 25% through the use of low flow fixtures, efficient hot water systems, and mechanical cooling waste water which will be processed for landscape irrigation.

Energy and daylight modeling are utilized to help design the HVAC central plant and the building's lighting systems to operate at 30% below expected levels of energy consumption while reducing ozone depletion. Extended commissioning is planned and will be utilized to insure the building operates at design expectations. Results will be measured and monitored.

Construction waste management will achieve a minimum of 50% reduction of materials deposited in landfills. These diverted materials will be included in the material streams for use in new products. Building materials containing recycled material content, and certified wood products are specified throughout the facility.

The indoor air quality will be improved dramatically. C02 content will be monitored,
and ventilation effectiveness and thermal comfort are improved by complying with appropriate ASHRAE standards. Continuous monitoring of each comfort zone for air quality and air movement will occur. Low emitting materials including paints, carpets, composite wood and agrifiber will be used. Daylight is available in most occupied spaces and views are available in 75% of occupied spaces. High performance glazing will be utilized. Through construction, an indoor air quality plan is required to be followed. The cleaning products used by the contractor and owner following occupancy will be biodegradable green products.