Located east of Salisbury, Maryland, the Choptank Electric Cooperative – Regional Service Center (RSC) was designed in an effort to help the utility company consolidate several area service centers into a singular entity. The selected site was originally unincorporated, but with the assistance of Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. (DBF), the RSC was incorporated into the City of Salisbury upon construction completion.

The design of the building was to convey a modern, fresh appearance; informal and inviting in many respects. The single-story office building needed to work with a somewhat typical pre-engineered warehouse and, in order to balance the scale of the two entities, the roof was elevated at the entrance to match the warehouse height and to direct visitors to the front doors. Brick, metal and aluminum storefront were chosen as the materials of choice. The repetitive stainless steel-clad roof supports were intended to serve as a symbolic reference to electric transmission, the hallmark of the Cooperative.

To demonstrate to their members their commitment to sustainability, it was the client’s directive that all aspects of the project, including the site, be designed in accordance with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Rating System for new construction and major renovations.

Choptank Electric Cooperative Regional Service Center has since achieved LEED Certification. Energy and water efficient technologies, renewable recycled and low emitting materials, and a construction waste management program were incorporated into the project.