Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, The Rapid (Interurban Transit Partnership) is a growing transportation authority that serves the Grand Rapids metropolis and surrounding regions. The new Wealthy Street Transit Operations Center, which is LEED® Silver certified, is the city’s latest project in its sustainable transportation system initiative. CENTRIA architectural metal products are featured on the facility.

A leader in sustainable and eco-conscious urban revitalization, Grand Rapids was named the most sustainable mid-sized city in 2010 and was the first city in the United States to construct a LEED certified transportation center with the Rapid Central Station in 2004.

The newly expanded Wealthy Street Transit Operations Center is approximately twice the size of the original facility and includes many sustainable features designed to further the city’s quest to become a pioneer in interurban sustainability. New features include a 40,000 sq. ft. green roof, designed to reduce heat island effect and provide superior insulation; high speed garage doors that reduce heat loss; abundant natural light and ventilation systems; radiant floor heating; and a bus-wash reclamation system that will save approximately 9 million gallons of water per year. The energy and water saving features are expected to yield an average $4 return per invested dollar to the community.

CENTRIA’s FormaBond composite wall system was chosen for use on this project due to its high-performance, weathertight construction and design flexibility. FormaBond is manufactured entirely by CENTRIA using a proprietary reaction injection molding process that results in stronger, flatter panels with the superior impact resistance necessary to meet the demands of a bustling transportation center. The panels offer patented dry-seal joinery, which eliminates wet seals and provides optimum venting to allow wall cavities to dry effectively. FormaBond is available in three finishes, and offers a wide variety of standard colors, along with the industry's largest selection of custom colors.

Manufactured from 25.5 percent post-consumer waste and 6.8 percent pre-consumer waste, the IW Series Concealed Fastener Profiles are a sustainable choice. The panels provide a smooth, unbroken appearance that adds to the sleek style of the exterior design. The panels also have a common-lock design that can be installed either vertically or horizontally for a wide array of design options. All-weather installation capability shortens installation time and permits fast track scheduling.

MetalWrap Series, an insulated composite backup panel that acts as a single thermal, air and moisture barrier backup system, utilizes CENTRIA’s proprietary advanced thermal and moisture protection (ATMP®) building envelope technology. Because it’s a single panel, MetalWrap Series eliminates the need for conventional batt or board installation, exterior gypsum board, and air, water, and vapor boards. With three different versions, designed for use with metal, brick, and or terra cotta, MetalWrap offers the flexibility that makes it the perfect solution for either single-exterior or mixed-medium buildings.

CENTRIA’s Profile Series Exposed Fastener Style-Rib panels were also chosen for their aesthetic and sustainable qualities. With the ability to be installed vertically or horizontally, Profile Series panels offer unlimited options in terms of form, color and texture. In keeping with Grand Rapids’ commitment to sustainability, the panels can be insulated to meet many levels of thermal protection and provide excellent negative wind load properties, thus reducing energy expenses.

CENTRIA’s MicroSeam Corner option uses cutting edge structural bonding techniques to produce corners that appear virtually seamless. Manufactured from the same substrate coil as the panels, MicroSeam Corners eliminate riveting, welding and post-painting, further reducing construction and material costs.

CENTRIA’s EcoScreen Perforated Screenwall is a unique fabrication that provides a 10 to 40% open area, creating the effect of a translucent screen to control light, air movement and provide safety and security. EcoScreen combines a contemporary airy aesthetic with outstanding performance, blending industrial and other applications with their surroundings.

The project architect was Progressive AE of Grand Rapids, MI; the CENTRIA products dealer/installer was Architectural Metals Inc. of Portland, MI; and the contractor was Christman Construction of Lansing, MI. The total project measures 200,000 sq. ft.

CENTRIA products used on this project included:

• Profile Series Exposed Fastener Profiles (Style-Rib). Square Feet: 29,550; Color: Silversmith; Finish: Smooth; Coating: SundanceTM Mica; Gauge: 22; MicroSeam® Corners.

• Profile Series EcoScreen Perforated Screenwall (Style-Rib). Square Feet: 1,242; Color: Silversmith; Coating: Sundance Mica; Gauge: .040.

• IW Series Concealed Fastener Profiles (10-A). Square Feet: 17,144; Color: Light Gray; Finish: Smooth; Coating: Fluorofinish®; Gauge: 22.

• MetalWrap™ Series 3” Horizontal. Square Feet: 7,020; Gauge: 29.

• FormaBond® 8mm. Square Feet: 38,077; Color: Silversmith; Finish: Smooth; Coating: Sundance Mica; Gauge: .032.

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