Sustainable Urban Renewal: the Story behind Washington Station
Eugenia Brieva
Abstract:
The Washington Station Office building in downtown Syracuse, NY illustrates a number of sustainable
principles, challenges and advantages throughout the design and construction process. The client for the
project, and owner of the building, the Pioneer Companies, possessed a clear understanding of the value
of smart urban design and the use of durable low-maintenance materials. One of the major tenants of
the building, O’Brien and Gere – an engineering firm, was involved in the process from the beginning.
With their move from a large suburban office into the heart of the city they demonstrated their
commitment to revitalizing the downtown area. Both developer and main tenant, wanted to use the
opportunity to update their Corporate image making it demonstrative of their values. The building
occupies a former parking lot, adding activity and population to a once dead space. Some of the
materials chosen for durability and sustainability are the zinc and terracotta rain screen systems that
clad the building, and a green roof outside the 5th floor curtain wall.
Bio:
Eugenia Brevia
Eugenia Brieva, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, joined QPK Design in 1996 and became a partner in 2001. She
received her combination Masters and Bachelor of Architecture from the Pontifical Catholic University
of Chile, and worked as design architect in Chile before moving to the United States. Eugenia is
committed to sustainability and the revitalization of the City of Syracuse, which shows in her projects.