Mary M. Gates Learning Center at United Way Worldwide

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The Mary M. Gates Learning Center at United Way Worldwide resides within a 40,000 square foot annex at their main headquarters - located on the Potomac, in Historic Old Town Alexandria.

The Learning Center, which serves the local community in addition to members of the global United Way network, features webcasting and high-def video conferencing. Major mechanical and electrical upgrades were performed to facilitate dual floors of classrooms, training rooms, and a multi-purpose room for up to 160 people wired for real-time exchanges, with an adjoining conference center and pantry.

The entryway encompasses a new feature stair and linking walkways on the second floor that effectively bridges the Learning Center with the 120,000 square foot office tower. An expanded, double-height energy efficient glass curtain wall system drapes both east and west facades of the building and accents the new, expansive lobby with dramatic, light-filled reception space views of the Potomac.

Through the use of sustainable strategies and technology the Mary M. Gates Learning Center received a LEED CI-Gold certification. The project achieved 41.7% water reduction through use of ultra-low flow urinals, dual-flush water closets, ultra low-flow lavatories and low-flow pantry sinks, use of 19% less energy due to energy-efficient lighting fixtures and a solar hot water heating system, 18.6% use of recycled construction materials and 89% use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood.