While 800 19th Street is starting its face lift, so is another aspect of the Green & Main Pilot Project. The Green & Main website, www.greenandmain.org, received an extreme overhaul in both content and graphics in the fall of 2010.
It was determined that the Green & Main website could be a rich source of information for a variety of disciplines including historic preservation, storm water management and post-occupancy education to name a few. The new website is designed to help various audiences find information on green renovation and tailor it to their specific needs and interests. A few key areas that illustrate the renovation progress can be found under ‘Renovation Plans & Updates.’ This section highlights photo galleries with construction photos documenting the step-by-step process of renovating 800 19th Street. ‘Renovation Plans & Updates’ also includes a project blog with everything from tips on finding local foods to current news with Des Moines area sustainability groups.
The ‘Research & Findings’ section further breaks down the pilot project to the fine details of retrofitting historic mixed-use masonry buildings. A report from Iowa State’s Center on Building Energy Research (CBER) is present and compares the pilot project with other buildings across the country. Also, the ‘Research & Findings’ section includes information about the best practices manual that the Green & Main Team will produce and publish once construction has finished.
‘Our Community of Supporters’ features those involved in the Green & Main initiative. This section is impressive with its wide array of agencies, organizations and individuals contributing to the restoration of an historic building. Each supporter has his or her own reason for supporting the initiative, yet together they have provided a backbone for this project to reach fruition. Each supporter’s commitment to sustainability can be found in the ‘Our Community of Supporters’ section.
Lastly, to ensure the Green & Main website is providing the newest information and educational opportunities we have created two sections to aid visitors. These two sections are titled ‘Education & Events’ and ‘Media Center.’ Upcoming workshops and education opportunities can be found in the Education & Events section, including monthly workshops hosted by Green & Main. The ‘Media Center’ keeps our visitors updated by providing links to the Green & Main Twitter, Facebook and YouTube accounts. Also in the ‘Media Center’ is an archive of all news articles and press releases related to the initiative.
Want to stay updated on all things Green & Main but you often forget to check the website? E-mail info@indigo-dawn.com to sign up for our e-mail updates. Simply type ‘E-mail Updates’ in the subject line.
– Sara Crouse is a writer and marketing strategist who lives in Des Moines, Iowa.
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