PROVIDENCE – A former jewelry factory has reopened as what the R.I. Economic Development Corporation (EDC) describes as the state’s “first and only Net-Zero” commercial building.
The 8,000-square-foot mixed-use building, at 28 Wolcott St., has been dubbed The Wolcott Eco Office.
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“I am passionate about sustainable development and want to demonstrate that sustainable commercial buildings are possible and affordable today,” developer John Jacobson said in a statement at the official opening last week. The renovation is a $1.1 million investment in Providence, without “any form of incentives,” he added.
The building’s heating, cooling and electricity are provided by the sun. The office uses solar water heaters by Viessmann Manufacturing Co. of Warwick and is equipped with 25 solar panels designed by Bristol-based SolarWrights Inc., the EDC noted.
“I applaud Mr. Jacobson for developing The Wolcott Eco Office, which will provide high-quality work space for small businesses with room for up to 30 workers,” EDC Executive Director Saul Kaplan said in a statement, adding that he hopes other developers will undertake similar projects.
“Rhode Island is home to some tremendous technological resources for green development, from such companies as SolarWrights and Viessmann, along with a fantastic stock of old industrial buildings ripe for similar green development.”
The R.I. Economic Development Corporation is a quasi-public agency established to promote business development, preservation and expansion in the state and undertake port projects in Rhode Island. Additional information is available at www.riedc.com.
