The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired headquarters on Kent Street in Utica is undergoing a $24.5 million renovation to promote both operational and energy efficiency.
There’s even something in the project to help guide canine efficiency.
“The redesign of our Kent Street home will complete our 10-year board-led strategic plan,” CEO Ed Welsh said in a statement. mission to help people who are blind or visually impaired achieve their highest level of independence.
“As we approach our 100th anniversary, the completion of this project will serve as a launching pad for the next 100 years of CABVI’s mission.”
Ed Welsh, president and CEO of the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, speaks Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, before a ceremonial groundbreaking for a $24.5 renovation of the nonprofit’s headquarters on Kent Street in Utica.
During a ceremonial groundbreaking Friday, Chairman of the Board George Nehme and former Chairman Dr. Thomas Webb, who currently chairs the building committee, presented the keys to the building to Greg Benincasa, president of HR Beebe Construction, the construction contractors. project.
The project timeline calls for completion in spring 2026.
CABVI, a 95-year-old nonprofit organization, provides services and employment to Central New York residents who are blind or visually impaired. 60 people with visual impairments work in the production and business services departments at the head office.
This artist’s rendering shows what the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired headquarters at 507 Kent St. in Utica will look like after a $24.5 million renovation project.
These are the main improvements to be made during the renovation:
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New machines will increase production efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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The more than 100-year-old production facility will be modernized, creating a better working environment for employees.
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A new design will benefit the manufacturing process for products such as examination gloves and other supplies used by the Transportation Security Administration and other federal agencies.
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Enhancements will make the call center’s management of incoming and outgoing calls more efficient.
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The roof will have insulation, a reflective white membrane and more than 350 solar panels, saving energy and reducing the building’s ecological footprint.
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There will also be greenery on the roof, giving employees with guide dogs an accessible outdoor space. There has been an improvement in the efficiency of guide dogs.
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New energy efficient windows and heating, LED lighting and motion sensor will save energy.
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The project received a $1.6 million capital grant from Empire State Development for its sustainability.
“New York State is committed to a sustainable future and this project will help advance the state’s green energy goals,” said Empire State Development CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight in a statement, “while creating a more inclusive workforce and greater economic supports opportunities.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired renovations
