Theatrical outfit at the Balzer Theater at Herren’s — the country’s first LEED-certified “green” theater
Theatrical Outfit, Atlanta’s third oldest professional, not-for-profit theater company, is also the first LEED-certified “green” theater in the United States. In December 2004, after a $5 million restoration and renovation of the downtown building it now calls home, the Balzer Theater at Herren’s received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and an Urban Land Institute (ULI) Development of Excellence Award for its adaptive reuse of a historic structure in an urban setting and the implementation of innovative design features. Today, Theatrical Outfit serves as a national model for environmentally sound and healthy design and practices. With major financial gifts from Bill and Peg Balzer, The Kendeda Fund and the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, among others, Theatrical Outfit launched construction with the firm of Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein Architects, Inc., the Atlanta green-building design firm CxGBS (Commissioning & Green Building Solutions, Inc) and with Gay Construction Company.
The Theater’s various green components save natural resources, energy and expenses.
- An innovative HVAC system provides clean, quiet air and acoustics by regularly measuring the amount of carbon dioxide expelled by the audience, bringing in more fresh air as required, so the audience does not become oxygen-deprived and stays comfortable.
- Recycled contents constitute approximately 33% of the total material cost in the building; all adhesives, sealants, paints, coating and carpets emit low or no volatile organic compounds; carpeting was made from recycled glass, for example.
- More than 75% of the demolition and construction waste, by weight, was diverted from the landfill.
- Rainwater collected on the roof in a 7500-gallon tank is used in place of fresh water for toilet and sewage systems; waterless urinal use filters and require no flushing; low-flow toilets require less water,
- Improved insulation and efficient lighting has led to a 25% reduction in energy use compared to conventional structures.
The theater reviewed more than 20 potential sites prior to purchasing the historic and culturally significant building known as the old Herren’s Restaurant, located in the Fairlie-Poplar district since 1934. The space critics now call “the best place to see local theater” was once one of Atlanta’s finest restaurants. Prizefighter Charlie Herren opened his eating establishment in 1934 and later sold it to the Negri family. For years, generations of Atlantans came to Herren’s to celebrate special occasions, close business deals and enjoy its famous cinnamon rolls. In 1962, Ed Negri became the first Atlanta restauratuer to voluntarily desegregate, welcoming his first African American customers, Lee and Delores Shelton (who are now Theatrical Outfit subscribers). Thus, Herren’s was established as a landmark in Atlanta’s history.
Theatrical Outfit’s Walk of Stars in front of the theater honors many of those who have played a role in the history and revitalization of this special place.
