Green Features of the Paresky Center
Architect:  Polshek Partnership Architects
Date completed: Spring 2007
Function: Student Center
Square Footage:  72,000 square feet
Energy use in 2007: To be determined
Energy use per square foot: To be determined
Paresky Center, which replaces Baxter Hall, includes a variety of innovative features designed to reduce energy and resource needs. The building includes several dining venues, a performance space, student mailboxes, a great hall, meeting rooms for student organizations and more. Construction of Paresky and demolition of the 58,000 square foot Baxter Hall were carefully designed to use regional materials, minimize waste, and reduce the use of toxic materials.

Deconstruction of Baxter Hall and Construction Waste
Reduction of Energy Requirements
Choice of Materials
Building Operations

Materials From Regional Sources

Fireplace in Baxter Hall, featuring slate from the Vermont Structural Slate Company
A number of materials, including steel, timber, wood flooring, slate and windows were manufactured within 500 miles of Williamstown. The slate used in the fireplace and floors was produced by Vermont Structural Slate Company, a family owned and operated business that has been operating in Fair Haven, Vermont (about 70 miles from Williamstown) since the late 1800’s. The cherry flooring is from Green River Lumber, a mill in Great Barrington, just 40 miles from Williamstown. By using regional materials, Williams decreased the amount of fuel used for transportation and supported local and regional markets.

VOCs

 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are released as gases from certain solids and liquids commonly used in construction, most especially materials used to finish the interior of buildings, such as paint and carpet. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which have negative short and long term health effects. Materials were chosen for the Paresky Center to minimize VOC content and off-gassing.