Almetris Marsh Duren (1910-2000)
- Housemother, advisor, mentor, advocate and inspiration to African-American students and to all students, staff and faculty on campus from 1956 through 1980
- Founder of first minority recruitment program, Project Info, and the Innervisions Gospel Choir
- Recipient of the Margaret Berry Award for outstanding contributions to student life, the Presidential Citation and the Southwest Association of College and University Housing Officers Distinguished Service Award
Resident Features
- "Azteca" Seneca Quarry Tile flooring in Lobby and First Floor Common Areas
- Four bronze commemorative Texas floor medallions
- Exposed red oak wood beams and Texas heritage furniture in Formal Lounge
- Study/lounge space on each floor
- Card swipe system to access the living areas
- Video surveillance system for exterior doors and elevator lobbies
- Game room and exercise room adjacent to the large laundry
- 24-hour desk with ability to monitor access system and video surveillance system
- Individual room thermostats
- Average RA to student ratio 1:48
- Multipurpose Room
- Private courtyard framed around century old Live Oak
- Academic year rates comparable to San Jacinto Hall
Construction |
Physical Features |
|
$50 million total project cost |
588 beds |
Almetris Duren Sustainability Initiatives
Site
- Controlled erosion and sedimentation to reduce negative impacts on water and air quality
- Selected a site that did not include sensitive environmental elements and designed a building footprint with stacked floors to minimize the site impact
- Built on a site adjacent to commuter bus lines and future planned light rail line to support reduction of pollution and land development impacts from automobile use
- Minimized parking opportunities by use of adjacent shared parking structures
- Conserved existing trees reducing site disturbance
- Limited disruption and pollution of natural water flows by managing storm water runoff
Energy & Atmosphere
- Designed the building envelope and systems to maximize energy performance, meeting ASHRAE 90.1 and the State Energy Code
- Specified HVAC equipmentthat uses no CFC refrigerants
- Connected to and utilized the existing campus central plant
- Capture of HVAC systems condensate water for reuse
- Use of a Total Energy Heat Recovery Wheel to recover energy from exhaust air
- Use of lighting controls for energy efficiency
- Use of high efficiency motors and variable speed control pumps
- Use of low pressure loss duct systems
- Incorporation of mechanical controls for energy efficiencies
Materials & Resources
- Designated area for recyclable collection
- Useof regional materials including brick, caststone and concrete
- Designated area for recyclable collection
Indoor Environmental Quality
- Compliance with ASHRAE 62 code for acceptable indoor air quality requirements
- Designed HVAC systems with carbondioxide monitoring sensors
- Designed HVAC system and building envelope to optimize air change effectiveness
- Specified Low-Emitting Materials such as sealants, adhesives, paint and carpet
- Complied with ASHRAE 55 code, providing thermally comfortable environments that support the productivity and well-being of building occupants
- Provided for the building occupants a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors through the introduction of daylight and views into regularly occupied areas of the building
Innovation in Design
- Principal participants of the project team have successfully completed the LEED Accredited Professional exam
