Tellus360: Keepin’ it Green

At Tellus360, Irish owner Joe Devoy likes to keep things simple and green.

That is why Devoy’s green roof suits him and his cause so well. Nestled between the Marriott and Annie Bailey’s downtown, Tellus360 has a 9,600 square foot flat roof that with the help of some local volunteers, was completely installed in just four days.

What is the link between Devoy’s self-proclaimed “deep passion for reclaimed wood furniture” and green roofing? According to Devoy, “It was about stormwater for certain, but [it was] also to about helping to establish therapeutic space in a city that currently has very little.” The space has already been a host to a honeymooning couple from Italy, rooftop yoga classes, and many early-Monday morning breakfasts for Devoy.  In the future, a competition will be held to design the roof top patio to go with his green roof.  Devoy is committed to engaging artists to assist in establishing a sense of community centered around the powerful greening aspects of a green roof.

Details:  9,600 square foot, built-in place vegetated green roof.

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 Chestnut Hill Cafe: Art Meets Function

For Doreen Landis (pictured left with Mike Musser of The Village Green), Chestnut Hill Cafe’s owner, Lancaster City’s stormwater problem hits home. Literally.

Originally, Landis bought the brightly painted rain barrel — a Libby Modern original — not to reduce stormwater, but rather to conserve city water by using it to water the Cafe’s flower boxes and planters instead of the hose. But when a series of heavy rainstorms flooded Landis’ basement, she realized her rain barrel could help fix this problem too.  Now, when asked about the barrel, Landis talks about its dual benefits. She also thinks the rain barrel serves a bigger purpose. “It just gets the word out there because it is so beautifully painted and colorful that it attracts a lot of attention … I think it’s creating an awareness.”

Overall, despite the fact that a rain barrel “takes a little more extra work rather than just grabbing a hose,” Landis thinks it’s worth the effort. She says, “You know, I think people appreciate that we’re doing it.”