Norfolk, VA (April 5, 2010) – Earth Day 2010 in Norfolk will preview the nearly completed Grandy Village Learning Center (GVLC) showcasing state-of-the-art environmental design, wetlands reclamation as well as aquatic education and recreation on the Elizabeth River.

These efforts are breathing new life into a portion of the river largely written off as dead and expediting the Elizabeth River Project’s goal of making the river fishable and swimmable by 2020.

The 15,000 square foot GVLC is expected to reach US Green Building Council LEED Gold Certification making it 30-40 percent more energy efficient. The building will utilize geothermal energy, a renewable energy source because water is replenished by rainfall and the heat is continuously produced inside the earth.

During construction, approximately 70 percent of building materials are being recycled. The building process also uses structural insulated panels, which are made by sandwiching a core of rigid foam plastic insulation between two structural skins of oriented strand board and result in lower heating and cooling costs, as well as four inches of expanded foam on exterior walls. Double-glazed low-E windows, which reduce heat loss but admit solar gain, and low VOC paints have also been utilized.

Educational components of the facility will include preschool classes used by Norfolk Public Schools and the STOP Organization’s Head Start Program, a wet classroom for school children to learn about river ecosystems and an aquatics program with a canoe/kayak launch.

The center offers an expansive community room overlooking the riverfront, a wetlands pavilion, observation pier with floating dock and a wetlands trail.

The center is being developed by Henderson Incorporated (Williamsburg, VA) and designed by RRMM Architects (Norfolk, VA).

The program on April 22 is as follows:

• 9:30AM – 10AM:
• Breakfast prepared by 5 Points Community Market
• Exhibits hosted by Wetlands Watch, Elizabeth River Project,
• Keep Norfolk Beautiful, Henderson, NRHA
• 10AM:
• Opening Remarks
• 10:15AM – 11AM:
• Tours of Learning Center
• Presentations by STOP Organization/Head Start Program, Norfolk Public Schools, Norfolk Department of Recreation Parks & Open Space

Grandy Village is a 44-acre assisted-rental property built in 1953 undergoing a $60 million transformation to a quality mixed-income community with future market rental and homeownership opportunities.

About NRHA

Founded in 1940, NRHA is a national leader in community revitalization and fostering sustainable mixed-income communities. As the largest redevelopment and housing authority in Virginia, NRHA plays a key role in making Norfolk the city of choice to build, work, play and live.