The Strauss Company began work last week on Habitat ReStore, clearing the way for a newly expanded and renovated building. Habitat ReStore, the retail outlet which sells donated and salvaged building materials to the public, supports the endeavors of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.
Local architect Thomas Palmer of Palmer Built Environments designed the building to LEED standards. “The Habitat ReStore project attempts to implement the Store's own philosophy by taking an old warehouse building, one that most would have torn down and giving it new life and simultaneously giving Habitat a space to generate more revenue for new houses not only by adding more space, but also by creating a building that is well lit by the sun and using a fraction of the energy a typical building consumes” said Palmer.
The building will be the first LEED certified Restore in North America. “It is really great that a non-profit like Habitat Restore sees the value in building to LEED standards. They see the big picture. They are already good stewards of the environment by selling donated and salvage building materials, keeping those items out of our landfill. But to go the extra mile by investing in the LEED process really shows their commitment to the environment, their employees and patrons” said Kate Gilbert, LEED AP for the Strauss Company, Inc.
While renovations are underway the ReStore has moved to 3126 Alton Park Boulevard and is open Tuesday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Construction is slated to be complete in June 2011.
