ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Everyone is invited to an upcoming open house at Muhlenberg College — especially those curious about how environmentally friendly a building can be.
From 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 10, college officials will open up the campus’ newest building, the Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation, 2400 W. Chew St., for residents and community members to explore.
The “Community Open Day” will give visitors the chance to learn about sustainable design and building practices at the building, which already has racked up three different green-building awards and certifications.
"The event is for anyone interested in sustainable design, construction and renovation, including homeowners," said Muhlenberg Capital Projects Manager Rick Waligora.
Waligora said that in addition to a presentation and Q&A sessions, the open house "will provide an up-close view of the building's notable features, which include rooftop solar, windows with bird-saving glass coating, native plantings, rainwater harvesting systems and high-efficiency lighting, heating and cooling systems."
“Attendees will have the opportunity to see and learn about Fahy Commons' sustainable design principles, including passive design, high-efficiency MEP and renewable systems, rainwater harvesting, low-toxicity and low-embodied carbon materials, zero-energy ready strategies, on-site restoration and carbon sequestration, as well as accessible and biophilic measures,” officials said in a news release.
“The event aims to showcase the various strategies implemented in the building's construction.”
Muhlenberg's largest personal gift
While the event is free and open to the public, officials said it’s targeted toward those interested in environmentally friendly construction and renovation, including homeowners, architects, home builders and contractors, and those involved in sustainability efforts and organizations.
Waligora, as well as officials from Re:Vision, the Philadelphia-based firm that worked with the college on the project, are slated to give a presentation about the building.
They include Eli Agia and Angela Iraldi, project architect and sustainability consultant, respectively.
The $13.2 million building, which sits on land that once held a fraternity house, opened to students in January 2023. Construction was funded through a $7.5 million donation from Gerald P. Fahy, a 1979 Muhlenberg graduate, and his wife, Cathleen — the largest personal gift in the institution’s history.Muhlenberg College
After that, attendees can take a guided tour of the building and participate in a question-and-answer session.
The $13.2 million building, which sits on land that once held a fraternity house, opened to students in January 2023.
Construction was funded through a $7.5 million donation from Gerald P. Fahy, a 1979 Muhlenberg graduate, and his wife, Cathleen — the largest personal gift in the institution’s history.
The 20,000-square-foot, three-floor building has more than 180 solar panels and a 10,000-gallon rainwater cistern.
Because of its sustainable attributes, it’s one of the first buildings in the world expected to achieve the Living Building Challenge Core, a rigorous sustainability certification for buildings that reward housing efforts that produce more energy than they use.
In addition to holding the schools of graduate and continuing studies, Fahy also houses the office of community engagement, art studio spaces, the Muhlenberg Institute of Public Opinion and the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program.
