hc architects transformed a former vocational school into a headquarters for the U.S. Department of Energy and National Institute for Environmental Renewal, combining Administrative, Scientific/Laboratory, Educational, and Training functions.

A 25,000 SF auditorium with its own parking and entrance is at the center of the Conference Center; both this and the Indoor Environmental Gardens serve as the centerpieces of the building. Architectural Services were augmented with Space Planning for the Institute and the former occupant.

The facility was operated by Lackawanna County and was occupied by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and a variety of tenants. The adjacent land remained undeveloped.