Springboard Design News

SPRINGBOARD was recently selected to create a new operations center for Pittsburgh’s   United Cerebral Palsy service organization, UCP/CLASS,  that will be called their ‘Centre East’ building.  The 32,000 sf building located on Braddock Avenue between Edgewood and Swissvale, will house several major components of UCP Pittsburgh’s administration,  freeing up space in their Oakland building for more client programs and service.

SPRINGBOARD’s approach to the renovation of the Centre East building will be to transform an existing big box retail space into a flexible, environmentally friendly, and accessible workplace/training center. One of the main goals of UCP Pittsburgh is to “build a community for everyone,” according to UCP CEO Al Condelucci PhD.  “The problem is how typical people in the community come to see and know people with disabilities,”  writes Dr. Condelucci in his book The Essence of Interdependence (Lash Publishing, 2008). Centre East will  raise the profile of UCP/CLASS in the community and help  to break down barriers to understanding.

Centre East is being designed as a LEED Silver building.

The National Aviary’s new Penguin Point exhibition was selected as  a Finalist in the 2009 Building Excellence Award competition. Penguin Point, completed in May, 2009, was part of the Phase 1 of the National Aviary’s multi-phased expansion plan.  SPRINGBOARD developed this expansion plan and collaborated with PGAV on the design of Penguin Point and related interior spaces including a renovated Main Hall. Contractor for Penguin Point was Mascaro Construction.

The National Aviary is just about to start construction of Phase 2 of their expansion. Phase 2 – dubbed Project Phoenix – includes the construction of an Avian Theater, Education Center, Building Holding Building, Cafe and Gift Shop. Anticipated completion of Phase 2 is scheduled for Fall, 2010.