Charlestown, RI: Early last week, members of Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation spent time touring the nearly-completed, new Charlestown Package Store. The building was designed by Oyster Works, a local company that utilizes a “Sensibly Green” approach to architecture and construction. U.S. Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-2) and David Cicilline (D-1) toured the store together on Monday, and U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse visited Tuesday.
The delegation witnessed the myriad eco-friendly and energy efficient features of the building, such as the custom-designed geothermal heating and cooling system. The features were described to them by Oyster Works and their prime subcontractors. Oyster Works made a priority of using local contractors and material suppliers – over 95 percent of the tradesmen used were from Rhode Island, mostly the Washington County area.
The package store project, situated in the town’s Traditional Village district, was built with Oyster Works trademark “Sensibly Green” approach that encourages the incorporation of environmentally friendly features that make sense for the bottom line of a business. This building is a model for eco-friendly, energy-efficient commercial design and development.
Tours of the facility were hosted on both days by Oyster Works partners Andrew Baer, project manager, and Megan Moynihan, architect,AIA. The package store is located at 4625 Old Post Road, Charlestown, RI. For more information on Oyster Works, visit them online at www.oysterworks.net. For more information on the Charlestown Package Store, visit charlestownpackagestore.oysterworks.net.
