Attendees

Julie Gabrielli, AIA COTE Matt Tuckfield, Intern

Stuart Staman, MD APA F Mahjouri, Thermo Technologies

Stan Sersen, Architectural Support Group Ghashang Navabi, Thermo Technologies

John Hawk, USNA Sherif Wahdan, AIA COTE

Wendy Bratzel, Ecological Design Assoc. Chuck Hovancik, AIA COTE

Bion Howard, BEST Sigi Koko, Down to Earth

Nils Eddy, AIA COTE Randy Orloff, FloorTec

Sara Colhoun, Tributary Teams Jane Willeboardse, Baltimore County

Janet Harrison, AIA COTE Joan Simons, SKS

Future of the GBN

Bion Howard began the meeting by distributing a Brainstorming Session Concepts Paper he developed as a result of the October GBN meeting in Annapolis. The main purpose of the discussion was to respond to the question, “Where would the GBN like to be in 3-5 years?” The conversation began with why participants attend meetings in the first place; namely, the networking opportunities, dissemination of information, and the informal meeting structure. Further, it was clear that participants feel the GBN is working well, and there is a need to continue to build upon the GBN’s success.

Attendees also liked the approach of widening the group’s knowledge and information, specifically from product presenters. An idea was given to hold one or more “Product Session”, wherein various sales representatives would explain their innovative products. Another issue raised was broadening membership to involve State and county agencies and addressing policy issues, such as Smart Growth, Smart Codes, the upcoming Governor’s Executive Order, and others. Bion asked that all members reflect on the list of topics included in the Concept Paper and add/edit as appropriate. This discussion led into which stakeholders the GBN should reach out to, namely MD Energy Administration, DGS, Maryland’s Tributary Teams, and others.

The idea of creating a non-profit organization, or 501(c)(3), for the GBN was again brought up. The issue emerged for funding reasons and other administrative functions. The NPO would be a supplement, not instead of, the GBN. Bion asked for GBN members to consider the pros and cons of the idea and we will again raise the issue at the December meeting in Annapolis. At very least, the GBN needs to acknowledge a possible vacuum here in Maryland that our consortium might fill, and we should therefore take a review of allies and potential partners. In addition to the Concept Paper, members identified Earth Home, ARC-DC, SIA, Eco-Village Institute, and the Conservation Fund as additional stakeholders.

Regardless of any final decisions, it was agreed that the Concept Paper should become a living document, to be built upon and altered to fit the needs and goals of the GBN in their future activities.

Finally, Sean McGuire introduced himself and indicated that he will be the new staff person for the GBN. It is Sean’s intent to facilitate the needs and objectives of the GBN, but that he is not a trained planner as Chuck Kines. He will maintain the e-mail list, be the central contact, and provide any additional assistance the GBN might need, and is looking forward to working with its members in their future successes. Sean can be contacted at 410-260-8727.

Montgomery Ward Building – Sam Himmelrich

The Montgomery Ward building, although perceived to be in a bad part of town for commercial property, is in fact a great opportunity for renters. Many local communities are within walking distance and there are adequate parking facilities for the structure. Accordingly, it was their objective to turn the commercial building into functional and attractive office space.

Specifically, one aspect clearly apparent to the developers was the copious amount of windows and natural lighting. Further, the MD Department of the Environment released a Request for Proposal for a building as they were moving from their Broening Highway building. In the RFP, two specific issues were identified in order to secure the bid: energy efficiency and the use of recyclable materials. While Sam focused on the energy efficiency aspects, specifically with lighting and heating/cooling, he also identified examples of recyclable materials used in the building such as carpet tiles.

After a detailed discussion of the variety of techniques used in the building (such as Green Roofs, insulation, gray water, storm water management, and wiring), Sam ended by stating they were given a great building to work with. Further, it was their intent not to significantly alter the structure or “feel” of the building, but rather work with it and highlight its stunning features (namely the atrium).