Living Building Renovation of an Existing Historic Structure

The Center for Sustainable Landscapes, CSL, net zero energy building and net zero water landscape at Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, PA, has been a true inspiration for our town. This building and its landscape are in the process of being built right here in da 'Burgh. Richard Piacentini, the Executive Director at Phipps has been leading the way for many years now. He and his staff and the group he gathered to form this project is truly amazing. We are blessed that he is part of our town. The Integrative Design with Bill Reed and the 7 Group formed part of the core of the process.

At 1317 East Carson Street we aim towards a similar goal to what is being accomplished at Phipps, with the addition of a Center for Health and Healing from the Heart. Our renovation will be of an existing historic structure and will be a prototype for future developers of these kinds of properties.

See our recent video, produced by Kevin May of the Cultural Recyclists:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG6q-mz5T0k

We look forward to working with all of you! With great intentions, Elisa Beck

Cooperative Formation, Field Trip and Business Planning

Happy New Year! May this year bring us peace, serenity, joy, and lots of healthy and healing food, water and air.

Join us on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, at the East End Food Co-op to learn from Lisa Stolarski about the formation of food cooperatives.

Join us on Thursday, January 6, 2011, at Sunnybridge Natural Foods at 11:00 AM for a tour with the owner to learn about the natural foods for-profit world. If interested in carpooling, let us know.

On Thursday evening, Janaury 6, 2011, we will be writing up business plans as we move our project forward. We'll have templates and assignments for you, if you are interested in writing a piece of the plans. The time and location of this meeting are to be determined.