Johnson Controls donation funds Tulane City Center, a university-led architectural program to improve New Orleans
Johnson Controls stood with Tulane University to help quickly rebuild and resume classes within five months after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in 2005. Ten years later, Johnson Controls is proudly continuing its commitment to Tulane and the New Orleans community with annual donations, totaling $1 million, to help fund the Tulane City Center, a non-profit building design organization founded by the Tulane School of Architecture to rejuvenate its community.
For an inside look at Tulane University’s revitalization and the Tulane City Center’s ongoing community efforts in partnership with Johnson Controls, visit http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7604631-johnson-controls-tulane-univ-hurricane-katrina/.
“Ten years ago we stood on a flooded campus – our students and staff were displaced throughout the country,” said Yvette Jones, executive vice president for university relations and development, Tulane University. “Together with partners like Johnson Controls, we made a commitment to resume classes within five short months. Our community needed Tulane back up on its feet and we had to deliver on our promise.”
Johnson Controls and university officials quickly activated the right resources to ensure a successful spring semester. Emergency generators supplied more than 12 megawatts of power to get restoration under way, and electrical and mechanical systems across the uptown campus were rebuilt. The company went on to improve the energy and operational efficiency throughout the uptown campus and Johnson Controls employees continue to work onsite to ensure optimal building performance.
“Tulane needed help then, and New Orleans continues to need help today. We proudly have committed $1 million to help revitalize the community with projects that advance the lives of Louisiana residents and their families,” says Bill Jackson, president, Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls.
The company’s financial commitment helps fund the Tulane City Center’s education, advocacy and project design services throughout New Orleans. Each year, the Tulane City Center rigorously reviews and selects new design projects. Now in the sixth year of Johnson Controls’ annual giving, the Tulane City Center has successfully implemented more than 80 projects, including the Grow Dat Youth Farm, an urban garden that’s produced more than 10,000 pounds of healthy food each year for local residents while teaching young leaders valuable life skills. Johnson Controls funds also helped open Parisite Skate Park, named after its proximity to Paris Avenue, which has helped more than 5,000 young residents channel their energy and athletic skills in a safe recreational environment.
“Every year our students embark on new design efforts to give back to our community, while getting real world experience in the architectural field. It’s a win-win for everyone that helps improve New Orleans one project at a time,” said Kenneth Schwartz, dean, Tulane School of Architecture.
