I was wondering if Home Depot Foundation would be interested in investing support in cultural institutions that are a vital part of strong communities, particularly, if they are incorporating green planning to reduce operating costs and increase sustainability. The poor economy has pushed back critical maintenance and upgrading needed by many small and mid -sized organizations, especially those serving minority communities. Major comprehensive institutions with large capital needs syphon most of the available dollars for construction and renovation.

My organization is in the process of restoring a nationally historic firehouse, which has been our home for public programming and youth training. Our green planning and adaptive reuse as as a multicultural, multimedia center has potential to serve as a national model and needed example of how one turns a challenge into a opportunity for long-term maintenance and sustainability with enhance adaptability and lower operating costs.

Allan L. Edmunds
President
Brandywine Workshop
Philadelphia, PA