Toledo, Ohio

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Federal Stimulus Program has awarded Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant of $2,163,655 to the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library for improvements at its Kent Branch Library. This grant assists in developing public computer centers in libraries and other community centers, promoting public use of computers and offering personal computer skills necessary to spur job creation and stimulate long term economic growth and opportunity.

Buehrer Group’s responsibility in this BTOP Federal Grant preparation was defining sustainable issues as it related to energy & water use, reviewing lists of endangered species both plan and animal to determine if any would be affected by this project, reviewing environmental questionnaires dealing with wetlands, flood plains, critical habitats, protected lands and brownfields. Other grant writing efforts included historic reviews and cost estimation.

Work on the Kent Branch Library includes a complete reorganization of the existing spaces within the existing library. The enclosure of an existing 3-walled courtyard, a new main entry to the facility, and an increase in public computer stations make this the 1^st technology rich library within the county’s system.

This project is seeking LEED Certification with the USGBC.

Completion Date: Winter 2011

Pettisville, Ohio

The new Pettisville PK-12 School is located on a tight site adjacent to the existing PK-12 School.  The district purchased land across a county road to accommodate the ball fields, additional parking and the retention pond.  A reduction in energy usage was a driving force for this project.  Daylighting roof monitors for the second story classrooms and a geothermal pond system are just a couple of energy efficient components for this new building.  A 600 kw windmill is also planned to provide clean energy for the facility.

In 1994, an addition consisting of a new gymnasium, locker rooms and library was added to the original 1929 facility.  To make room for the new PK-12 building, the original building will be demolished.  An atrium is planned to connect the new building to the 1994 addition.  Brick and stone details on the façade of the new building are intended to pay homage to the original facility, while still creating a new vibrant appearance.

Unique to this facility is the Career Tech component that a typical PK-12 school does not have.  This 5,000 square foot facility includes an Ag Shop, Lab, and classroom, along with a greenhouse that provides ample space for various types of agriculture, science, and industrial activities. 

Another interesting component in this facility is the forward-fold telescopic platform seating.  This seating divides a space into a “Little Theater” and a dining space when retracted, or expands to provide auditorium-style seating for larger performances.

Completion Date: September 2011

Square Footage: 98,530

Casstown, Ohio

The new Miami East High School is designed for 397 students in grades 9-12. The school will be built on the existing school district campus between their K-8 school to the north and the existing high school to the south.

The east side of the single story building will have Administrative Offices and the Media Center centered on the main classroom wing of the school along with a tiered 80 seat Lecture Hall / Study Hall. The west side of the school includes a 1,348 seat Gymnasium with four Locker Rooms, Wood Shop, Ag-Ed Shop with Classroom, Music Room, and Student Dining with Stage.

Included in the design is a Geothermal horizontal pipe loop field, Solar hot water heating, and Storm water storage for flushing water closets. 

Completion Date: Fall 2011

Square Footage: 85,447

Genoa, Ohio

Currently under design is an 80,226 square foot, 694 student, new K-5 elementary school to be located at the high/middle school’s campus consolidating the entire school district onto one campus. The school will feature 5 classrooms per grade level with 6 at the kindergarten level along with 2 music studios and one art studio. The HVAC system will be geothermal closed loop heat pump system generated from a 25 foot deep pond at the back of the site. The school features a unique daylighting system in all K-5 standard classrooms allowing additional light to filter in through clerestory windows. The school is seeking to achieve LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Completion Date: May 2011

Square Footage: 80,226

Perrysburg Township, Ohio

A five acre accessible site located within Cedar Business Center between State Route 795 and I-75 now is home to the New Zenobia Shrine’s Temple. The Masonic Group’s new headquarters in Perrysburg Township is a 5,508-square foot, one-story, structure encompasing three smaller meeting rooms that have the ability to open to one large gathering space. Support functions also include a catering kitchen, offices and storage to help the organization function.

Completion Date: November 2009

Square Footage: 5,508

Awarded LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council

Waterville, Ohio

Buehrer Group Architecture & Engineering, Inc. has been awarded LEED® Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the design and construction of Waterville Gas & Oil Company new office headquarters.  Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED®) is the USGBC’s leading rating system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings and interior spaces.

The 5,070 square foot new building was designed by Buehrer Group’s architectural team to achieve LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and sustainable materials, as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies.  LEED® verifies environmental performance, occupant health and financial return, and was established for market leaders to design & construct buildings that protect and save precious resources.  This is the first new facility in the history of Waterville Gas Company’s 122 year history.

Completion Date: 2010

Square Footage: 5,070

1st Public Library in Ohio to Obatin LEED Certification!

Awarded LEED Silver Certification

Toledo, Ohio

With nature as its theme and a social consciousness towards being responsible stewards of the earth’s resources, Reynolds Corners Branch Library underwent a transformation. The task was to be as green as possible adn in doing so resolve issues of obstructed vision and flow through the library. The solution erquired a circulation reorganization adn reclamation of unused space such as….

• Creating new front entry giving order to patron movement
• A once interior court open was covered with translucent insulated panels
• The space stripped of its four walls allowing an unobstructed view
• Masonry walls were removed allowing natural light to flood inside
• Recycling of site materials limited contents headed to the local landfill
• Salvaged materials went into the construction reducing new materials

Completion Date: 2009

St. Paris, Ohio

This project is both an expansion and renovation in five phases. The school remains open during construction.

Expansion includes two classrooms, two science rooms, a gymnasium, locker rooms, public toilets, and serving kitchen. Renovation includes complete reroof, exterior masonry restoration, tuck pointing and window replacement.

A new H.V.A.C. system, fire suppression system, electrical demolition adn complete up-grade. Work includes new ceilings throughout, wall finishes, flooring, marker and tack boards, solar light tubes and building insulation in both the walls and roof.

Graham High School partnered with High Point Career Center. High school students are offered educational services through this joint venture, preparing students to immediately enter the work force after high school or earn college credits with various area partner colleges.  Specific Graham High School classrooms are designated as High Point Career Center spaces through a joint venture.  Classroom space was designed for student training on office technology.  Six life science labs were renovated and a new food service lab was built.

Completed Date: August 2010

Square Footage: 125,727

1st LEED Silver High School in Ohio Under the LEED for School Program!

Clyde, Ohio

The renovation of Clyde High School’s 143,820 square foot existing facility includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems along with architectural finishes. The renovation work is being completed in phases in a manner in which no portable classrooms are required. The 11,469 square feet of additions include an auxiliary gymnasium, expanded kitchen, cafeteria, and guidance office areas. The main entrance is being revamped with a new skylight where visitors will be welcomed under a 1,065 square foot, blue translucent curved canopy.

Complation Date: October 2010

Square Footage: 155,289