Entry number: B08033
Project Name: 250 BELL STREET
Building Type: Commercial
Completion Date: August 2007
Architect: Cathexes, LLC
Building Location: 250 Bell St., Reno, NV 89503

Design Team:
Electrical Engineer: CDS
Landscape Architect: N/A
General Contractor: Moody/Welske
Structural Engineer: Cathexes, LLC
Interior Designer: Cathexes, LLC
Photographer: Cathexes, LLC

Statement of Design Approach:
Downtown transitional areas are an opportunity to bring life to an area. 250 Bell Street is not simply making a dated office warehouse "premiere". It is a transformational infusion of energy in a downtown area. The design uses simple materials with color and shape to create a lively, eclectic place that functions for several businesses as well as public functions.

Sustainable design practices were also infused with a sense of play. Concrete cutouts in the exterior panels to create daylight were reused for a front reception desk and partitions. Empty wine bottles are stacked at an art wall in the lobby, soy based stain follow existing cracks in the concrete slabs.

Basketball, movie nights, art classes, public gatherings, video productions and other events have all occurred within the space during the first year of renovation.

Sustainable Description:

• This office is an adaptive re-use, downtown, and close to public transit. Also, most of the employees live within a 3-mile radius.

Salvaged as much of the building as possible:

• Only a few exterior openings were cut to allow for daylight penetration
• Opaque overhead doors were replaced w/glazing to allow for daylight
• Skylights were left for interior daylighting
• Carpet was sent out to appropriate plant for recycling

Reused materials that were salvaged from demolition process

• Concrete panels that were removed were reused for front desk and wall partition
• Wood studs from interior walls were salvaged and reused
• Insulation was salvaged & reused

Creative, sensible & sensitive material use :

• Selected materials were shipped locally (<500 miles radius)
• Used recycled materials such as carpet
• Used renewable materials such as wood - work station tables and casework are all stained plywood
• Paints & stains are low v.o.c. including soy-base concrete floor stain
• Lighting was selected for efficiency as well as aesthetics. Selected lighting fixtures were also salvaged and reused from previous office
• Stair treads are engineered heavy timber construction (parallam) finished (filled & sanded) )
• Product samples were stored in plywood boxes that also serve as stair treads. Boxes were designed with maximum efficiency of material
• Column bases serve as seating and/or tables
• Used wine bottles as veneer/art
• Interior rooms have windows, openings or low walls to allow for more natural light penetration
• Ductwork baffles installed for station control

Employee comfort:

• Operable windows and overhead doors are incorporated for light and ventilation
• Basketball provided for exercise and entertainment
• A shower has been provided for those who chose to use the court or ride their bike to work

Recycling: