Tour of Alliance Center Building

WELCOME TO THE ALLIANCE CENTER!

Take a virtual tour of the Alliance Center to learn how:

• a building benefits its tenants, partners and community;
• a building can be used as a tool for social advocacy; and
• sound building design and technologies reduce environmental impacts and create healthy workplaces.

The Alliance Center is open for self-guided tours M-F, 9-5:00 p.m. Brochure available (download tour brochure).

Corrected: Guided Tours are offered on the 1st Friday of each month.  Meet in the first floor lobby.

Group tours can be arranged by appointment.

Please e-mail us or call (303) 572-1536 for more information.

Overview
History of the Alliance Center
LEED Certifications
Energy & Atmosphere Features
Water Efficiency Features
Materials and Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality Features
Sustainable Sites Features
Collaboration Features
Innovative Features
ADA Features
Educational Signs

OVERVIEW

This 38,000 sq. ft warehouse, built in 1908, was renovated in 2005 with green materials and collaborative design features. As a “Multi-Tenant Nonprofit Center”, the Alliance Center offers affordable office space to almost 30 non-profit organizations whose missions address sustainability. The building is a tool that provides a base for tenants and like-minded organizations around the state to jointly develop programs that advocate for policies and practices of sustainability. The Alliance Center is also a model of sustainability in an older building.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado's goal is to increase space for a greater number and greater diversity of tenants, and for meetings and trainings for non-profit tenants and non-tenant partners. The Alliance will conduct a capital campaign beginning in 2008 to fund the construction of a new building on its lot adjoining the present Center. The build-out will include event and conference facilities to create a national center for a network of state based sustainability movements.

Vision Sign

HISTORY OF 1536 WYNKOOP STREET BUILDING

In 1881, the Denver Union Station opened and railroad tracks were built along Wynkoop Street . The street quickly turned into a popular warehouse row.

In 1887, Hallack and Howard Lumber Company Railroad set up operations at 1520 and 1536 Wynkoop Street . Simple two-story brick buildings replaced the lumberyards by the early 1900's.

In 1908, the Higgins Investment Company replaced the two-story structure at 1536 Wynkoop with the current, massive 5-story brick warehouse. The building was occupied by Merchant Transfer and Storage Company from the early 1920's to 1933.

After World War II, the Lower Downtown district went through a steady decline. Union Station services went from 80 trains per day to 1-2 trains. At this time the old two-story warehouse at 1520 Wynkoop was torn down, making room for a parking lot used by warehouse employees in the area.

The 1536 Wynkoop building continued to be occupied intermittently. In 1990, the empty building was bought by Joyce Meskis of the Tattered Cover Bookstore for shipping, receiving, and warehousing their books. Joyce Meskis leased some space out to a few nonprofit organizations and it was home to the first official offices of the Wynkoop Brewing Company.

In 2004, the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado was founded and purchased the building and neighboring parking lot.

History Sign

LEED

With a team of green building experts from around the U.S. the US Green Building Council created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building certification program. LEED has become the preeminent international benchmark for determining whether or not a building is ‘green.'

LEED Sign
US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

USGBC HONORS GREEN BUILDING LEADERS

USGBC press release: Recognition Awards acknowledge the best in the industry Denver, CO., November 17, 2006.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recognized outstanding leaders in green building with the annual USGBC Leadership Awards last night at an event held during the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Denver, Colorado. The awards were presented to select companies and individuals with exceptional vision, leadership, and commitment to the evolution of green building design and construction. The Alliance for a Sustainable Colorado received an Education award.

COLORADO ENERGY CHAMPION AWARD

The Colorado Energy Champion Award was given to the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado in recognition of its development of a central resource for building trade professionals, including contractors, engineers, architects, and designers, to increase available tools and education that advance energy-efficient design and construction in an office building that it renovated with green features exclusively for non-profit tenants.

WIND ENERGY “100% WIND POWERED BUILDING”

The Alliance Center supports the development of clean, renewable electricity by purchasing windpower for 100% of its energy needs.

Wind Energy Sign

T-8 FLUORESCENTS AND BALLASTS ”ENERGY PAYBACK”

By changing nearly 1,000 fluorescent lamps from 40-watt T-12's to 32-watt T-8's and 2 low efficiency magnetic ballasts per fixture to 1 high efficiency electronic ballast per fixture, energy consumption for lighting in the Alliance Center has been reduced by about 40%. The lighting retrofit is estimated to pay for itself in 2.5 years.

Lighting Sign
Conserve-A-Watt Lighting

SELF-DIMMING / LIMITABLE BALLASTS “COMFORTABLE LIGHTING"

The super-efficient, electronic ballasts on the 5th floor incorporate a sensor with a photo-cell that detects natural light. The photo cell automatically dims the ballast to balance the amount of artificial light with incoming natural light to maintain a constant, optimal light level for working.

OCCUPANCY SENSORS “WATTS ON, WATTS OFF”

In an effort to reduce energy consumption, occupancy sensors, which detect when a room is unoccupied and turn off the lights, have been installed throughout the Alliance Center. Conversely, when someone enters a room, the lights automatically turn on.

Occupancy Sensor Sign
The Watt Stopper
Leviton Ceiling Mounted Occupancy Sensor

DIRECT DIGITAL CONTROL (DDC) SYSTEM “FLIPPING A SWITCH WITH A MOUSE”

The Alliance switched from pneumatic (air pressure) temperature controls to computerized direct digital controls (DDC) to set heating and cooling levels. The DDC system allows us to customize the temperature and air-flow in zones throughout the building. The system monitors the internal climate of the building, which minimizes energy costs without sacrificing the comfort of tenants and visitors.

GLASS FRONT DOORS "GLASS THAT PERFORMS"

These entrance doors incorporate high performance insulating glass 3/16” thick, with a special thermal edge spacer and heat mirror film suspended between the two panes. The film reduces solar gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, cutting energy consumption.  Krypton gas, denser than air, has been added to the dead air space. This glass has an R-value of 9.1, more than twice standard low-e windows and doors, and almost 4 times traditional double pane glass.

Alpen Energy Group

WINDOW TINTING

A bronze mylar film has been applied to all the lobby windows in the Alliance Center, reducing glare and saving energy. This film rejects 99% of the UltraViolet (UV) radiation, protecting furniture and carpet from fading and sun rot. By reflecting 60% of the heat, it lowers the temperature up to 15 degrees on sunny days.

Window Tinting Sign
SunScape Select

WINDOW SHADE SCREENS “SUN BLOCK FOR BUILDINGS”

This “cradle to cradle” product is 100% recycled and recyclable, where it can be reclaimed and remade into new, first quality shades, rather than "down cycled" into a product of lesser quality and wind up in a landfill.

EcoShade Sign
Mechoshade

WATER FOUNTAINS “ CHILL OUT”

Rather than repair six refrigerated water fountains, they were replaced.   Around 3,000 kWh of energy and $200 per year are being saved by not chilling the water.  Coolant in the old units, CFC-12, one of the hazardous materials causing the hole in the ozone layer, was responsibly recovered by a certified technician.  The old fountains were recycled.

Water Fountain Sign

Halsey Tayer

The Alliance Center realized huge water savings beginning in January 2006 when all water fixtures were replaced with more efficient models. Water consumption was reduced immediately by 84%. The fixtures save over $4,500/year, which will pay back the $22,000 (retail) investment in the fixtures in under five years – without taking into account that water rates and sewer rates have been rising an average of 7% per year. Taking the increased rates into account would decrease the payback time.

Plug the Money Drain Sign
Monthly Water Savings Table

FAUCET FLOW RESTRICTORS “SPRAY POWER-REPLACE WATER WITH AIR” 

An inexpensive and simple aerator with a flow restrictor screwed into your sink faucet is a great way to save water and the energy required to heat that water.

Flow Restrictor Sign
Whedon Saver Aerator

FAUCETS – INFRA RED SELF-GENERATING “WATER ON COMMAND”

Not only does this innovative faucet provide no-touch convenience, it also saves water and energy by generating it's own hydropower.

Toto Eco-power faucet sign
Toto EcoPower Electronic Thermal Mixing Faucet

SHOWERHEADS LOW FLOW “SHOWER POWER”

Showerheads in The Alliance bathrooms are fitted with a special low-flow showerhead that delivers less than 2 gallons per minute, thus conserving water, energy, and water bills.“Resources Conservation's Europa Elite 2gpm showerhead”.

Showerhead Sign
Europa (1-800-243-2862)

TOILETS – DUAL-FLUSH "A BETTER WAY TO FLUSH”

The dual-flush toilet gives the user a water conserving choice. Unlike the typical single flush lever, this dual-button system can release .9 gallons or 1.6 gallons, as appropriate for the need.

Dual Flush sign
Toto Aquia Dual Flush Toilet

TOILETS – ONE-GALLON ”THE PERFECT FLUSH” 

This toilet consumes just 1 gallon per flush.  Inside the tank is an inner tank which functions as a pressure-assist device by allowing incoming water to compress air.  When the toilet is flushed, the air expands behind the discharged water.  This action moves water twice as fast gravity-only toilets, at 70 gallons per minute.

Perfect Flush Sign
Mansfield QuantumOne Model 148-153

URINALS – WATER FREE “HANDS OFF!”

Waterfree Urinals are one of the water conserving appliances at The Alliance that save the greatest amount of water, while also increasing restroom hygiene.

Urinal Sign
Falcon Waterfree Urinal F-4000

  MATERIALS & RESOURCES

ACOUSTICS “Muffled Zone”

An open floor plan increases interaction, natural light and air flow, while using sound absorbing ceiling tiles, absorbent office partitions, and sound board limit noise distractions.

USG Ceilings

POST-BEAM CONSTRUCTION “PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE”

Douglas Fir trees were hand-hewn and hand-sawn to create the posts and beams at the Alliance Center.

DOORS - DOORS TO THE FUTURE

This composite door is light, strong and fire-proof, using low-VOC sealants and no-formaldehyde binders.

Marshfield Signature Series DoorSystems

BAMBOO - THE “GRASS” MAY BE GREENER

Bamboo, a woody grass, can be harvested in just 5 years. It's a great alternative wood for cabinets, furniture and flooring. Impacts caused by destruction of exotic habitats make its benefits questionable.

Grass May Be Greener Sign
Smith and Fong Plyboo
Terragren

FURNITURE - RECLAIMED WOOD

The custom built cabinet in the entry lobby is made from samples of reclaimed materials. Every board, hinge and latch has been used before or has been diverted from the waste stream. Wood is deconstructed from houses, mills, barns, bridges, tanks, warehouses, etc.

Terramai

CARPET TILES “WHAT'S RIGHT WITH THIS CARPET?”

These Interface carpet tiles are made from low VOC-emitting, recycled materials, which improve indoor air quality and contribute to the sustainable use of resources. The new TacTile “grabbing” system avoids the use of toxic glues. Hybrid carpet tiles contain polyactic acid (PLA) – made from corn starch.

What's Right with this Carpet Sign
Interface Flooring Systems or www.interfaceflooring.com

FURNITURE - REUSED “IF THIS FURNITURE COULD TALK”

Most of the furnishings in the lobbies and meeting rooms of the Alliance Center, and in many of the non-profit offices is reused or has been made from recycled materials.

Furniture sign

FURNISHINGS “SUSTAINABLE FROM START TO FINISH”

A furniture manufacturer and interior designer partner to create an office space that demonstrates sustainability and facilitates collaboration.

Teknion
Citron

INSULATION – DENIM “EVEN THE WALLS WEAR JEANS”

Natural cotton-based fiber insulation, made from old blue jeans, is a direct substitute for fiberglass batting and offers greater benefits.

Insulation Sign
Bonded Logic Ultratouch Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation

MARMOLEUM “NATURAL FLOORING”

The counter tops and linoleum floor are made of a natural product called Marmoleum, made from linseed oil, wood flour, resin binders and dry pigments. These ingredients are mixed and pressed onto a natural jute backing. Marmoleum lasts 25 to 40 years and is completely biodegradable.

Natural Flooring Sign
Forbo Marmoleum

RECYCLING PROGRAM “REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE”

The Alliance Center offers a Single Stream Recycling Program to building employees and visitors. A variety of materials, such as phone books and plastic bottles, can be mixed in the same blue recycling bin. Single stream recycling is so convenient that participation in recycling increases greatly.

Recycling Sign
WM Recycle America

WHEAT BOARD

Wheat board is made from an agricultural waste, wheat chaff. It uses no formaldehyde in its bonding agent and is a superior replacement for particle board, hardwood plywood, or Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF).

EPA AND THE GREEN ROOF

Across the street are the green offices of the Environmental Protection Agency. On top of the 8th floor is the first vegetated roof in Colorado . Multiple varieties of sedum plants were pre-planted in trays then installed on the terrace. The Alliance Center roof is the control site for a 10-year test of the

iveness of EPA's green roof. Instruments on both roofs are measuring samples of storm water runoff and the filtering of pollutants.

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

CLEANING PRODUCTS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ”GREEN BEHIND THE SCENE”

The paper towels and toilet paper used at the Alliance Center are chlorine free and made from post-consumer recycled fiber.  Cleaners for bathrooms, glass, carpet and liquid hand soap are chosen for their outstanding cleaning properties.  In addition, where possible, they are biodegradable, non-toxic, non-chlorine, non-phosphate, non-flammable and organic.

Cleaning Product Sign
Wausau Paper – BayWest
Green Solutions All Purpose Cleaner

LEXAN DIVIDERS ”LET THE NATURAL LIGHT IN”

Contemporary architectural designs are responding to demands for natural light, beauty, and energy savings by installing recycled “plastic” walls made from polycarbonate thermoplastic resin. (This item can also found on the 2nd and 3rd Floors).

Lexan sign
About Lexan

PAINTS AND SEALERS “WHAT'S IN THAT ‘NEW' SMELL?”

Operating a non-toxic building to improve indoor air quality and health of people in the building, The Alliance Center has only low emitting VOC products.  That philosophy extends to choices of paint, naturally based wood primers and preservatives, carpet adhesive and furniture.

Bioshield Wood Preservative
Benjamin Moore paint

WALK OFF MATS “PLEASE WIPE ALL FEET” 

Commercial quality doormats placed at the entrances to The Alliance Center catch dirt and keep it from entering the building, keeping the work environment healthy and the floors clean. As much as 80 to 90% of the dirt in a building or home enters on people's feet.

Doormats Sign
Green Home Guide

  SUSTAINABLE SITES

BIKING TO WORK “PEDAL POWER” 

Alliance Center encourages tenants to bike to work by providing convenient bike racks and showers.

Pedal Power Sign
Bicycle Colorado

MASS TRANSIT "RECOMMENDED TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS”

A conveniently-located RTD kiosk offers transit routes and schedules. T he Alliance Center encourages the use of sustainable transportation alternatives such as bus, light rail, bicycling, and carpooling. 

Regional Transportation District

XERISCAPING “WATER WISE LANDSCAPING”

Plants selected for the Alliance Center garden fit a ‘Xeric' profile - that is, adapted to Colorado's low annual rainfall fluctuating around 15 inches, summer temperatures over 100 degrees F, and freezing winters below 0 degrees F.

Xeriscape Sign
Xeriscape

  COLLABORATION

Space is an organization's second most valuable asset. Yet little attention is paid to how it supports the new ways in which today's organizations operate---teamwork, flattened hierarchies, telecommuting, collaborating across functions.

COLLABORATION

Proper office place design can encourage team environments, non-territorial offices and other strategies can support business objectives, energize employees, and produce a more competitive organization.

Collaboration Sign
Workplace by Design

DOG FRIENDLY ”EVERYBODY’S BEST FRIEND”

Dogs visit the Alliance Center for fun or for work as service dogs. They increase productivity and morale.

MULTI-TENANT NONPROFIT CENTERS

What does a Multi-Tenant Nonprofit Center look like? When non-profit organizations share office space, equipment, and services, the costs are more affordable.

SHARED SERVICES: CONFERENCE ROOMS

Conference rooms and conversation nooks throughout the Alliance Center are available to tenant organizations as well as allied non-profit, for-profit and government groups.

Meeting of the Minds Sign
Meeting Room Rental

WIRELESS INTERNET -- SHARED SERVICES, SHARED SAVINGS

When organizations share services and equipment, it benefits the bottom line of each participant.  The Alliance Center offers building-wide shared services to tenants, such as a Digital Phone System, Highspeed Internet Connection, Wireless access , Community Photocopier and Fax machine, meeting rooms and AV equipment.

Shared Services Sign

MAIL BOXES “THE WATER COOLER EFFECT”

Social interaction builds relationships and makes it more fun to come to work.  A block of mail boxes in a single location provides an opportunity for tenants to meet up with each other.  The mail carrier also appreciates the one-stop delivery.

Water Cooler Effect Sign

SHARED PHONE SYSTEM AND PHONE BANK

A building wide digital phone system provides advanced phone operating features including an intercom system, conference calling, and the ability to use Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phones.

Meeting rooms are wired for multiple telephone lines. When an organization needs to reach all of its members by phone, a bank of 10 phone lines is ready to use in an instant.

TOUCH SCREEN

Take a self-guided tour of the Alliance Center, and get to know the non-profit organizations in the building.

Self Tour

DIGITAL SIGN

Calendar of events, introduction to tenants.

Four Winds Interactive

EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS – UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, DENVER DESIGN STUDIO

Graduate students from the University of Colorado at Denver School of Architecture partnered with Alliance staff during a semester-long course to create designs for a new office building in the adjacent parking lot incorporating “green” and collaborative features while integrating and respecting the current historic building.

Alliance Center Education Programs

ADA “EASING ACCESS”

Removing structural, architectural and communication barriers make buildings more accessible to people with disabilities, children, elderly and people carrying heavy loads.

Easing Access

ABOUT THE EDUCATIONAL SIGNS

Over 50 educational panels are placed throughout the Alliance Center to describe green, collaborative, and historic features in the building. You are welcome to download the pdf files and use them without charge. Attribution to the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado is appreciated.

Meet the educational sign design team
Learn about the elements of the signs