Historic Neighborhood Welcomes Lighting Of The Future（英文）

By Christopher Smith

2011年2月至3月

此内容暂无简体中文译文，以下为英文原文。

Parkview’s replaced streetlight. Descriptive caption supplied.

Historical February–March 2011 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.

The historic Parkview district, straddling the border between St. Louis City and University City, proudly announced the successful replacement of the neighborhood’s entire lighting system, which incorporates the latest in “green” technology, while preserving the antique light poles and historic integrity of the existing light fixtures.

The project included a total re-wiring of the existing system, which comprised electric cable laid directly underground in conduit by subsurface boring.

It also included the replacement of the neighborhood’s 61 light fixtures, also known as luminaires, with a more reliable and environmentally sustainable 85 Watt induction lighting apparatus.

The new luminaires were designed to fit the ambiance of the neighborhood yet employ the latest in “cut-off” optics, resulting in reduced glare and virtually eliminating skyward “light pollution.” Induction lights have an anticipated life of 100,000 hours. Induction lighting is commonly used in commercial applications around the metropolitan area, including a current installation at the St. Louis Zoo’s pedestrian areas.

However, according to Randy Burkett Lighting Design, Parkview’s lights are the first residential application of the new technology in the area. “Thanks to the overwhelming support of the Parkview residents, we were able to make this project a success,” said Mary Broun, president of the Parkview Board of Agents. “This new lighting system enhances the security of our neighborhood, maintains Parkview’s historic integrity and will save residents tens of thousands of dollars in maintenance and repair costs in future years.” Parkview’s electric streetlights date back to 1934, when they replaced gas lamps. At that time, they were wired in what is called “series” rather than “parallel” wiring – similar to old strands of Christmas lights.

In addition to operating off a single transformer, the wiring was not protected by conduit, which made it highly vulnerable to electrical shortages.

In 1985, Parkview updated the street lights by adding new luminaires with high pressure sodium bulbs and replacing only bad sections of the original cable. And while ballasts were also added to alleviate certain street-wide outages, the wires were still not protected by conduit. Since 2006, Parkview residents have spent nearly $200,000 maintaining and repairing the previous lighting system.

This high voltage, low-amperage system is not used today. Parts of the neighborhood had been without street lights for over one year prior to the reconstruction. “The continuous outages and repairs we sustained over the years were a great financial drain on the neighborhood’s annual operating budget diverting funds needed to support other services,” said Broun.

The $625,000 replacement of the previous lighting system was funded through a special assessment that was approved by Parkview residents at the neighborhood’s May 2010 annual meeting.

The three main phases of the reconstruction took just under three months. Resident reaction to the new lights has been extremely positive with one resident stating, “They are so beautiful that I have left the blinds open till nearly midnight, just to rejoice. Thanks to all who made this possible.” Randy Burkett, Randy Burkett Lighting Design, of Webster Groves, Mo. provided consulting expertise in fixture and light type selection. Lamke Trenching and Excavating of Marthasville, Mo. performed the boring for conduit and wire. Briner Electric of Maryland Heights, Mo. was the general contractor for the project. Founded in 1905, Parkview was recognized for its historic significance by the U.S. Department of Interior National Register of Historic Places in 1986, St. Louis City in 1978, University City in 1992 and St. Louis County in 1999.

The 70-acre neighborhood, situated immediately west of Skinker Boulevard between Forest Park Parkway and Delmar Avenue, encompasses seven named streets and 255 houses.