East Hills Gets Double Gold

GRAND RAPIDS — Bazzani Associates, the West Michigan Environmental Action Council and Lake Affect Design Studio are the recipients of the first Double Gold LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for their work on the East Hills Center (of the Universe).

The building, at

1001-1007 Lake Drive SE

, earned certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design in both the Commercial Interiors and Core and Shell categories. It is the first such structure to earn the dual honors.

The center represents the development of a former vacant brownfield site in the geographic center of the East Hills neighborhood. Officials called it an excellent example of integrating local businesses, social capital and environmental sensitivity.