Hicks Center 'LEEDs' Way

Kalamazoo’s first LEED-certified new construction project opened its first phase Jan. 7 on the campus of Kalamazoo College. The Hicks Center dining room and bookstore opened as students returned to campus from the holiday break.

The Hicks Center has undergone a down-to-the-studs renovation and is on track to achieve silver LEED certification as a result of the tenacity of a student-led, environmentally conscious group.

Campus Energy Group (CEG) paved the way for the LEED-certified building, taking it first to the Hicks Renovation Planning Committee (HRPC).

The idea was well received by the committee but initially defeated due to cost concerns.

CEG deployed a number of civil protest activities to get its point across, including a letter-writing campaign to the school newspaper, a student rally, open meetings, surveys and petitions.

Following a meeting with the students in June 2006, college trustees asked the Hicks committee and college administrators to reconsider LEED certification.

Miller-Davis Co. was selected to build the project due to its past work on the college’s library and its employment of LEED-accredited professionals. CQX