What used to be an abandoned BP gas station in Pittsburgh's Larimer neighborhood at the corner of Larimer Avenue and East Liberty Boulevard is now the Environment and Energy Community Outreach (EECO) Center.
The Pittsburgh Community Services Agency, which battles poverty in the city, employs about 30 staff. A handful of them will be working out of the EECO building. They will assist and educate the public on using renewable and sustainable energies in their homes. State Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny) said that there is conference and workshop space in the building for groups to come together.
"It's really going to be a center for all things related to environment and energy," Ferlo said.
Over the last two years, $650,000 was raised to construct the facility in Strattanville, Clarion County. In December, the building was moved and placed in its permanent home in Larimer.
Ferlo said the building will also be featured in a documentary highlighting the changes the Larimer area is experiencing.
Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl points to other larger projects in Pittsburgh that reflect the goal of "going green," like the East Liberty Target, Consol Energy Center, and PNC's green skyscraper.
"It's not just about the big projects," Ravenstahl said, "but [the EECO center] will allow everyday people to come in, to experience 'green,' to know what it means, to have an opportunity." Ravenstahl said.
