Project Spotlight: United Teen Equality Center

The United Teen Equality Center in Lowell was founded to serve the young people of Lowell and to provide them with the tools to trade violence and poverty for success. Through a number of programs, including intensive street outreach and gang peacemaking, UTEC helps students resume or continue their education and develop skills through their workforce development programs. UTEC is nationally recognized as a model youth development agency.

Photo Courtesy of UTEC

UTEC also holds the distinction of being one of the oldest LEED certified buildings in the country. UTEC renovated the former St. Paul’s United Methodist Church building, built in 1839, and were certified as LEED Platinum last November. The expansion of the building will allow UTEC to double the number of youths in their Workforce Development and Education programs.

There are 147 solar panels on the roof of the historic building. The project team also incorporated soy-based insulation in the basement. Other sustainability features include an electric car-charging station, solar chimney, passive cooling system, and natural daylighting.

The building will also have a youth-run café open to the public, serving locally sourced food. The café will also have a Green Resource Center with interactive displays.

Learn more about the United Teen Equality Center and their LEED Platinum Certification.