J. J. Pickle Elementary School and St. John Community Center
(Pickle School/St. John Community Center)

Overview

• Location: Austin, TX
• Building type(s): Health care, Recreation, K-12 education, Assembly, Public order & safety
• New construction
• 116,000 ft2 (10,800 m2)
• Project scope: a single building
• Urban setting
• Completed January 2002
  The school portion of the building was completed in August 2001; the community center was completed in January 2002.
• Rating: Austin Energy Green Building Program --Level: Three stars

The J. J. Pickle Elementary School and St. John Community Center is a joint venture between the Austin Independent School District and the City of Austin. This project provides not only a new school for about 600 students but also a neighborhood center, health clinic, public library, and police office.

Environmental Aspects

Housing multiple uses in one building, the J. J. Pickle Elementary School and St. John Community Center strategically doubled the effectiveness of the new infrastructure it required. Pragmatically green design was at the core of the project; proper solar orientation, right-sized mechanical equipment, and insulated concrete tilt-up construction were among the strategies employed. The building also features rainwater collection, salvaged pine and recycled-content materials, unfinished materials, and paint and finishes with low levels of chemical emissions.

A life-cycle cost analysis indicated that the school's green features would save more than $12 million over the building's lifetime. Because of this analysis, the Austin Independent School District allocated more money for green features.

Owner & Occupancy

• Owned and occupied by Austin Independent School District and the City of Austin, Local government

Building Programs

Indoor Spaces:	Other, Medical treatment, Circulation, Restrooms, Classroom, Cafeteria, Public assembly, Lobby/reception, Gymnasium
Outdoor Spaces:	Playground, Athletic field, Other, Parking

Keywords

Integrated team, Green specifications, Transportation benefits, Open space preservation, Water harvesting, Massing and orientation, Glazing, Lighting control and daylight harvesting, Efficient lighting, Durability, Recycled materials, Daylighting, Low-emitting materials

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