Russ Schleiden, Chairman of the Board of the Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation, announced that JSA Architects, Inc., Pittsburgh, has been selected to design the Wildlife Research and Education Center for the Foundation.

The 45,000 square foot complex will be located on 70 acres near State College. It will house wildlife biologists, a library, research facilities, and a theatre.

"We are privileged to be working with JSA because they understand the importance of wildlife conservation and our mission here at the Foundation," said Schleiden.

JSA is a full-service, nationally recognized architectural, planning, engineering and interior design firm. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, it has been providing dynamic building design solutions since 1939. By having architects, engineers and interior designers in one office, JSA's "single-source" philosophy and blend of professionals creates value for its clients by delivering a final product that is creative, functional, cost effective and technically smarter.

Jim Eckles, Firm President and Principal involved in the project, has direct experience with other local, national and international wildlife organizations similar to the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation.

Eckles stated that "The Foundation's Wildlife Education and Research Center design will ensure Pennsylvania is in the vanguard of wildlife conservation. The state of the art education complex features a library, theatre, classrooms and interactive exhibits, and will stimulate continuous learning about Pennsylvania's birds and mammals, their habitats, and their benefits to all Pennsylvanians."

The building will be green certified using The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. The system encourages the adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the implementation of accepted tools and performance criteria.

The Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation was established in 2004 to provide permanent private support for wildlife habitat enhancement, wildlife research and education, land preservation, and for the establishment of a Wildlife Research and Education Center.

1/11/2008