BWP Sevice Center

Utility Closer to ‘greener’ Site
Burbank Water and Power is slated to have new, more efficient facilities with more space by January. Burbank Leader: May 19, 2009 by Christopher Cadelago

BURBANK — Construction crews are set to break ground on a $14.9-million Burbank Water and Power project as part of what officials called an aggressive plan to serve as a model of sustainability.

The yearlong project, slated to begin next month, consists of a 16,729-square-foot warehouse and a two-story service center measuring 8,768 square feet per floor. The site will also include improved landscaping using recycled water and a system that prevents storm water from draining into the sewer.

Once the buildings are completed in January, roughly 70 employees are scheduled to move in. The utility would also begin work on a labor-saving wash facility for large vehicles, covered parking areas and an upgraded entrance along Lake Street.

“When the dust settles, the workplace will be more efficient, it will be greener, and it will represent a much more efficient use of water,” said Greg Simay, assistant general manager of electric services at the utility.

After the buildings are finished, landscaping will be done along Lake Street to match the quality of greenery along Magnolia Boulevard, the Western Flood Channel and Olive Avenue, officials said. The utility also has plans to remove all of the overhead lines along Lake Street, said John Cassidy, manager of telecommunications and facilities.

Located in the heart of Burbank, the 22-acre campus stretches between Magnolia Boulevard, Olive Avenue, Lake Street and the Western Flood Control Channel. It includes facilities for electrical generation and distribution, water production and treatment, as well as engineering offices and customer service centers.

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