Oct. 22--Lake Oswego-based Otak Inc. is collecting awards for an Earth-friendly, $20 million, city transportation office building the firm designed for the city of Tempe, Ariz.

Totaling 40,000 square feet, the Tempe Transportation Center is the first in Tempe to have a system for recycling gray water (the used water from sinks and showers) and the first to recycle stormwater. It also includes a bike hub called the Bicycle Cellar and proximity to a light rail stop. The site was previously a surface parking lot.

The center is designed to reduce energy consumption by 52 percent, compared with a typical building in the region. Planners expect it to be certified platinum, the highest level of green building certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. A solar thermal hot water heater, natural ventilation and raised floor air distribution are among its energy saving features.

The Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Architects recently gave it the Kemper Goodwin Award for collaboration that "that embodies design excellence, exhibits outstanding craftsmanship and exemplifies teamwork." The chapter also honored the project with its SRP Sustainability Award. Regional and industry magazines have also praised the project with awards.

Otak was the prime consultant to the city of Tempe and lead architect for the center.

-- Dylan Rivera

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