Kresge Peek

The Kresge Foundation, an independent, private foundation created in 1924 by Sebastian S. Kresge "to promote the well-being of mankind" is located in Troy, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit that's closer - geographically and economically - to Bloomfield Hills, home to Cranbrook.



The Foundation's new home is designed by Chicago's Valerio DeWalt Train and reuses their existing farmhouse and barn while adding 17,000 square feet of office space.



According to VDT's project description (PDF link), the project has been designed to achieve a LEED platinum rating, the highest in the U.S. Green Building Council's rating system for sustainability.



Apparent from these images are the use of rooftop landscaping and natural daylighting, though the project also includes a ground water heat exchange.



My friend Dan worked on this project (the Foundation moved in last week) and it appears to be a fitting extension of his other sustainable pursuits predating this project. But of course credit should also be given to Kresge as well as the folks at VDT, especially since the Foundation has instituted a Green Building Initiative, "to encourage environmentally sustainable nonprofit organizations." It's great to see somebody practice what they preach.

Many thanks to Bill Kissinger for the images (by Joe Valerio - click for larger views).