Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center

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Coordinates: 34°03′51″N 84°00′18″W / 34.06417°N 84.00500°W / 34.06417; -84.00500
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Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center
Map
Alternative namesGwinnett EHC
General information
LocationBuford, Georgia
Address2020 Clean Water Drive
CountryUnited States
Coordinates34°03′51″N 84°00′18″W / 34.06417°N 84.00500°W / 34.06417; -84.00500
CompletedAugust 2006
OpenedOctober 6, 2006
Cost$16.6 million
OwnerGwinnett County
Technical details
Floor area65,000 sq ft (6,000 m2) or 59,000 sq ft (5,500 m2)
Grounds233 acres (94 ha; 0.364 sq mi)
Design and construction
Architect(s)Meg Needle
Architecture firmLord Aeck Sargent
Website
Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Website

The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center is an environmental and cultural community center and museum in Buford, Georgia, United States. The center opened in 2006 and is designed to be an educational facility with a focus on environmentalism. The building itself follows the center's environmental theme and is a green building that utilizes less water and energy than other buildings of its size. It hosts exhibits and summer programs, many of which are focused on environmental topics, including water science and preservation primarily geared towards children. Located at the center are an historic home and barn from the 1800s that were each moved to sit adjacent to the facility in 2012 from elsewhere in Gwinnett County. It also has a ropes course that opened in 2011 and is connected to a series of several miles of walking trails that lead to other nearby destinations.

History[edit]

The center was the result of a collaboration between the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, Gwinnett County Public Schools, the University of Georgia, and the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation.[1] It was created as an educational facility for Gwinnett County with a focus on environmental issues.[2] Funding for the $16.6 million project was provided through a special purpose local option sales tax that Gwinnett County implemented in 2001 and 2005.[3]

The building was designed by architect Meg Needle of the Atlanta-based architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent.[4] Construction of the center began in spring of 2005,[5] and construction was completed in August 2006.[1] The center hosted an open house on September 30, 2006[6] and officially opened on October 6, 2006.[1][2] New facilities were added in 2012 via a $2.2 million contract which included a festival field for outdoor events as well as a 2,400 sq ft (220 m2) storage building[7] that were intended to highlight sustainable construction and environmental technologies.[8]

Facility[edit]

The two wings are connected by a bridge that goes over the man-made stream
Sedum grows on the roof of the building to help with runoff

The building is Gwinnett County's first LEED Gold certified building.[9][10] The facility is made of stone and natural pine.[11] It is designed to use 75 percent less potable water and 35 percent less energy than a typical building of the same size.[12] The center is adjacent to the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center, one of the three most effective water reclamation facilities in the United States.[13]

The center has a focus on water-saving and energy-saving strategies, such as using non-potable water from the nearby water reclamation facility for toilets, irrigation, and as part of the building's cooling system.[1] The paved areas include porous paving and bioswales to help channel groundwater and runoff.[14]

The roof is a 40,000 sq ft (3,700 m2) vegetated sloped roof,[12] which was the largest sloped green roof in the United States at the time of its construction.[1][3][6] The roof is planted with six different species of sedum to reduce surface runoff and to improve the quality of the runoff.[1][6] The resulting grass on the roof grown from the sedum also reduces the heat absorbed by the building, keeping the building cool.[15] The interior of the center is variously described as being 65,000 sq ft (6,000 m2)[16][17] or 59,000 sq ft (5,500 m2),[11][18]

The building's location was chosen to minimize the need for grading, and because the chosen location had a dry ravine that was built over, with one wing on each side of the ravine with a bridge over the ravine connecting the two wings.[12] The ravine was turned into a man-made stream made of reinforced concrete that flows between the two wings of the center[5] and acts as a horizontal cooling tower.[14]

The center is located on 233 acres (94 ha; 0.364 sq mi) of land[19] and is connected to several miles of walking trails[20] with a council ring and covered pavilion,[21] and which connect to the Ivy Creek Greenway,[22] the Mall of Georgia, and George Pierce Park.[21] The center serves as a venue for events and weddings[23] and allows for the rental of conference rooms, pavilions, a catering kitchen, and a theatre presentation center.[24]

Exhibits[edit]

The center provides scientific,[25] environmental,[26] and cultural exhibits.[27] Many of the exhibits are focused on the topics of water and water conservation, with many of the exhibitions geared towards school-age children.[28] The center has hosted exhibits on the area's original Creek and Cherokee inhabitants,[29] folk art exhibitions,[30] and workshops that encourage environmentally friendly ways of living.[31] In 2021 the Gwinnett County commissioners approved a $1.97 million exhibit called "Pathways Through the Piedmont" to showcase the ecosystem in the Piedmont region of the United States, including its waterways, geological formations, flora, and fauna.[32] The center also hosts seasonal activities such as summer camp programs[15] and acting as a location for environmentally-friendly Christmas tree removal after the end of the holiday season.[33]

Chesser-Williams House[edit]

Chesser-Williams House, with the Lee Farm Barn seen in the background
Close-up of art inside the Chesser-Williams House on the overmantle
Painted ceiling of the Chesser-Williams House

The Chesser-Williams House is a preserved home from the 1850s that was moved from its original location to sit adjacent to the museum.[34] The house is an antebellum[35] house made of heart pine[36] in an I-house style. It is unknown who built the house, but it was owned and lived in by American Civil War veteran Benjamin Chesser in the 1870s,[37] who had served Georgia in the American Civil War as part of Company D of Georgia's 9th Artillery Battalion, known as the "Gwinnett Artillery".[38] Chesser was living in the house when an unknown itinerant German painter traveling from Texas to North Carolina painted scenic folk art on the interior and exterior of the home in exchange for room and board.[36] The scenic painting-style folk art can be found inside the home in places such as the overmantel.[39]

Donated by Jerald Williams,[34] ownership of the Chesser-Williams house was given over to Gwinnett County in May 2012.[40] In September 2012 the kitchen of the home was moved six miles from Braselton Highway to the museum, and in November 2012 the remainder of the house was moved.[34] In 2015 the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center received an "Excellence in Preservation Award" from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation for their efforts in preserving the Chesser-Williams House.[41]

Adjacent to the Chesser-Williams House is the Lee Farm Barn, an historic crib barn from the 1800s.[42] The barn was moved in 2012[43] from its original location in Lilburn, Georgia[7] by dismantling it and reconstructing it in its new location.[44] Separate from the center itself, the Chesser-Williams House and Lee Farm Barn are also used as a venue for events and weddings.[45]

Treetop Quest[edit]

The center is the Gwinnett location of Treetop Quest, an outdoor ropes course[46][47] that opened at the center in September 2011.[48] Amongst the trees[49] there are more than 120 courses for participants of differing ages,[50] including zip-lining courses,[51][52] rope ladders,[53] monkey bridges, and rope swings.[54] All of the courses have a belay system.[50]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center "Green" Design Strategies" (PDF). Lord Aeck Sargent Architecture. January 2007. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  2. ^ a b Fox, Catherine (February 4, 2007). "Gwinnett center a green jewel". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. pp. L3. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b "A Working Model of Sustainable Design: Gwinnett County Educational Center". Dexigner.com. January 8, 2007. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  4. ^ "Greenroofs.com Projects - Gwinnett County Environmental & Heritage Center". greenroofs.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
  5. ^ a b "Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center – 2000 Concrete". 2000 Concrete. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  6. ^ a b c Drennen, Eileen (September 22, 2006). "Green building suits center's goal". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. pp. J3. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b Wickert, David (June 12, 2012). "Environmental center gets new facilities". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  8. ^ Young, Camie (June 12, 2012). "Historical barn to be added as heritage exhibit". Gwinnett Daily Post. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  9. ^ Nicolow, Jim (March 27–29, 2007). "The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center: Water-Efficiency and Stormwater Management Solutions for the Southeast". Georgia Institute of Technology. hdl:1853/47919. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
  10. ^ Saporta, Maria (June 18, 2007). "'Sultan of sprawl' leaves environmental legacy". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. pp. D3. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ a b "EHC General Info". Gwinnett County. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c "The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center – Environmental learning center embodies municipality's sustainable vision". Architectural Record. March 1, 2007. Archived from the original on October 23, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  13. ^ "Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center". Lord Aeck Sergent. Archived from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  14. ^ a b "Green Building Technologies". Gwinnett County. Archived from the original on March 8, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  15. ^ a b Diamond, Laura (June 11, 2007). "Environmental center abuzz with summer fun". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. pp. J1, J2. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "About - Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center". Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
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  18. ^ "Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Achieves LEED Gold". i+s. July 1, 2007. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
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  20. ^ Drennen, Eileen (September 29, 2006). "Get inspired to go green in Buford". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. pp. JW4. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  21. ^ a b "Trails & Greenways". Gwinnett County. Archived from the original on March 2, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  22. ^ Hoskins, Phil (May 21, 2013). "Trail Extension Coming For Ivy Creek Greenway" (PDF) (Press release). Lawrenceville, Georgia: Gwinnett County Government Communications Division. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 2, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  23. ^ "Atlanta Wedding Venues – Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center". wedding-spot.com. Archived from the original on March 5, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
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  25. ^ Allen, Deanna (February 20, 2014). "Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center exhibit explores science behind amusement parks". Gwinnett Daily Post. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
  26. ^ "Go green this holiday season with Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center festival". Gwinnett Daily Post. December 11, 2013. Archived from the original on July 6, 2014. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
  27. ^ Ellis, Ralph (December 28, 2010). "Interactive exhibit to focus on housing around the world". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
  28. ^ "Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Experience Something Beyond Your Expectations". Gwinnett Magazine. February 7, 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
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  30. ^ "Off the Hook at Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. June 8, 2012. pp. D5. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ Oliviero, Helena (September 29, 2008). "Planet-friendly cleaning potions". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. pp. C1, C2. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ Yeomans, Curt (October 22, 2021). "Gwinnett County commissioners approve design, construction contract for new exhibit at Environmental and Heritage Center". Gwinnett Daily Post. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  33. ^ Gast, Susan (January 5, 2007). "Bye 'O Christmas Tree', Hello there, Mr. Chips". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. pp. J4. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ a b c Young, Camie (November 27, 2012). "Historical home moving to museum". Gwinnett Daily Post. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  35. ^ Alpert, Michael (June 28, 2012). "Historic Lee Farm Barn relocation in the works". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. pp. B4. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ a b McCarthy, Rebecca (April 5, 2008). "Flip that building: Heritage Center to take it apart, move, reassemble". The Atlanta-Journal Constitution. pp. J1, J8. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ Thomas, Mary Booth (April 7, 2000). "You can see county's historic sites on a driving tour". The Atlanta-Journal Constitution. p. 102. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "Georgia Military – Civil War – 9th Battalion – Company D Gwinnett Artillery". usgwarchives.net. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  39. ^ "The new encyclopedia of Southern culture. Volume 23, Folk art". 2013. p. 108. ISBN 978-1-4696-0800-6. OCLC 845257795. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  40. ^ Wickert, David (May 20, 2012). "County to move, use historic house". The Atlanta-Journal Constitution. pp. B7. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ Huppertz, Karen (May 2, 2015). "Historic sites receive preservation awards". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. pp. B3. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  42. ^ "Environmental and Heritage Center". gwinnettcounty.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  43. ^ Hoskins, Phil (June 7, 2012). "Improvements coming to Environmental and Heritage Center" (PDF) (Press release). Lawrenceville, Georgia: Gwinnett County Government Communications Division. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 18, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  44. ^ "Lee Farm Barn". Macallan Construction. Archived from the original on September 19, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  45. ^ "Premier Rentals". Gwinnett County. Archived from the original on August 13, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  46. ^ "Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Treetop Quest". Treetop Quest. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
  47. ^ Waterhouse, Jon (March 28, 2012). "Learn the ropes during spring break". Access Atlanta. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
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  49. ^ Waterhouse, Jon (August 10, 2012). "Treetop Quest at Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  50. ^ a b "Treetop Quest Gwinnett: Explore over 120 outdoor obstacles and zip-lines". Treetop Quest. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  51. ^ "Treetop Quest Gwinnett". Gwinnett Daily Post. June 14, 2019. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  52. ^ "Treetop Quest Gwinnett". Atlanta Parent. July 10, 2013. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  53. ^ "Treetop Quest – Gwinnett". Gwinnett County. Archived from the original on March 2, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  54. ^ "Treetop Quest: Adventures in your Backyard!". Suwanee Magazine. May 2, 2012. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2022.

External links[edit]

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