Master Builders Association Breaks Ground on New Mercer Slough Educational Wet Lab
- “Legacy project” marks Master Builders’ 100th year and commitment to building with the environment in mind
The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, the nation’s oldest and largest local home builders association, joined forces today with representatives from the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center and public officials to break ground on a new wet lab and educational space at the Center in Bellevue. The project, known as Wet Lab II, is the centerpiece of the Master Builders Association’s commitment to complete 100 community service projects in King and Snohomish counties in celebration of its centennial year.
“Striking a balance between housing and the environment is of critical importance to the building industry and the greater community. That is why we have named Wet Lab II our 'legacy project’ for our centennial year,” said Master Builders Association Executive Officer Sam Anderson. “The new wet lab will allow more students and visitors to participate in hands-on learning that directly relates to the local wetland complex ecosystem. Today’s groundbreaking demonstrates our continuing commitment to educating young people and the community at large about the importance of environmental sustainability.”
The new Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center opened its doors in October 2008 after 13 years of delivering programs in an old farmhouse, expanding the opportunities for school children to explore and study the 320 acres of wildlife habitat, agriculture, freshwater ecosystem and wetland complex that comprise the slough. In addition to the wet lab, the Center is planning to add at least one additional classroom in the future.
“The Master Builders Association’s championing of the new wet lab is an important part of our expansion effort,” said Bryce Seidl, president and CEO of the Pacific Science Center, which established the Center in collaboration with the city of Bellevue. “We are grateful for the association’s enthusiastic support for the Center and we are thrilled to have Wet Lab II named as its “Legacy Project” as MBA members mark their impressive 100 years of service to our community.”
During its centennial year, the Master Builders Association has been busy marking the 100 years by building wheel chair ramps, teaching high school students trade skills and completing 100 projects that in some way improve the communities where its members live, work, play and build. The wet lab represents the largest of these projects and reflects the association’s desire to promote responsible environmental practices and sustainable quality construction. The project will be certified as 5-Star Built Green for light commercial construction.
Association First Vice President Dave Main of Main Street Builders of Enumclaw is acting as project manager, while Martha Rose Construction, Inc. of Seattle and Grey Lundberg, Inc. of Bellevue have assumed responsibilities as builder captains for phases of the construction. Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects of Seattle designed the wet lab. Once completed, the 474-square-foot wet lab will help current and future students foster a connection with the natural world. The project is planned for completion at the end of 2009.
About the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
The Master Builders Association (www.MasterBuildersInfo.com) is celebrating its 100-year anniversary by honoring its members, recognizing the role housing has played in our region’s development and performing 100 community service projects. Comprised of more than 4,200 member companies involved in the residential construction industry, it is the nation’s largest and oldest local home building association affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders.