Former Utica bank gets a "Green" makeover

By by NICOLE ESTAPHAN

Story Created: Jun 30, 2008 at 9:16 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 30, 2008 at 11:16 PM EDT

As part of Utica Monday night community members got a peek inside what may soon be the greenest building in Utica.

The old Homstead Savings Bank has been undergoing green renovations for about nine months. When all is said and done it will be home to Attorney J.K. Hage's law firm and the only 100% green building in Utica.

About 80 people turned out to get a look inside the environmentally friendly construction project and inside an escape from the traditional uses of energy.

Everything from energy-efficient lighting to vegetation roofing will make this what Hage hopes to be the first building in Utica certified by the National Green Building Council and the first privately financed building of it's kind in the Mohawk Valley.

Hage says it was a project they just had to dive into, “I think it's important for our area to launch itself into the 21st century and we decided that the best way to do it is to just do it and not just talk about it.”

Hage went on to say that construction has been a challenge. Much of the green technology is new to the area and contractors so it really has been a learning experience for all involved.

Now buildings like this are not necessarily cheap but the savings on the environment and utilities can add up.

Also certified green buildings qualify for substantial financial incentives from federal and state agencies.
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