WoodsEdge is the first special education facility in the nation to receive Gold Certification in the LEED for Schools category, according to the USGBC website. The 117,708-square-foot school at 1501 E. Milham Avenue provides a nurturing environment for students with autism, severe cognitive and physical impairments.

 

The design of the building, which opened in the fall of 2010, supports students in developing independence while increasing safety and reducing stress for both students and staff.

“We believe this innovative facility will serve as a model for similar programs in other school districts throughout the United States,” said Kalamazoo RESA Superintendent Ronald Fuller. ”And we thank the Kalamazoo County citizens for their vision in promoting this building project.”TowerPinkster’s architects and engineers and construction managers at Miller-Davis Company worked closely with Kalamazoo RESA to achieve the prestigious LEED Gold certification. This designation is particularly important for a special education facility because sustainability plays a major role in the students’ daily activities and environment.