The Detroit School of Arts (DSA), part of the $1.5 billion Detroit Public Schools Capital Improvement Program, is an integral part of downtown. It is, in fact, the first LEED-certified project in the city, having met the standards of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, administered by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). These include siting to maximize natural light, energy-efficient windows, low-emitting materials, reflective flashing to redirect heat, bike racks to promote alternative transportation, recycling during construction.

DSA capitalizes on its urban site. Temperature extremes are mitigated by a 4,000 sf green roof – vegetation atop a waterproof shield – over part of the building. Sedum, a robust native plant, holds water efficiently and filters pollution. Also, this arrangement protects roof insulation from the elements, lowering maintenance demands.

The program management team included Barton Malow, CTE, Jomar, W-3 Construction, Spillis Candela/DMJM, and AMCM. Hamilton Anderson was DSA architect.