The Albion College Science Complex is a major renovation/expansion of the existing science facilities. The project includes the interior renovation of the three existing science buildings, the construction of an adjacent building, and construction of an "Atrium" connector between them all. The site consists of an entire city block with a zero lot line zoning requirement, however, the city of Albion\'s population does not justify an urban designation. Because this project is a major renovation/expansion, it is not clear how to address this credit. Clearly the existing buildings are within the project scope because of the interior renovations and connections. The addition of the new building and connectors, however, puts the "complex" footprint 1-2% higher than the open space available in the lot. At the same time, the open space for the parcel actually increased with the additions because they were built over existing parking lots and the remaining space was returned to natural landscape. In addition, the college is willing to compensate for the small shortcoming by permanently conserving an adjacent 144-acre parcel via an easement to the Michigan Chapter of the Nature Conservancy dedicated to the new science facilities. The undeveloped parcel includes a stretch of the Kalamazoo River, surrounding wetlands, and an old growth forest. The site will be used solely for recreation and educational purposes. Instead of the site "gerrymandering" and "clustering" suggested in previous CIR\'s, we would like to seek compliance based on the following practices that have clearly met the intent of the credit to "Conserve existing natural areas and restore damaged areas to provide habitat and promote biodiversity." 1. The practice of renovating the existing facilities rather than expanding to sites where an open space credit might be more achievable but clearly less intended. 2. The practice of pursuing the threshold (and almost achieving it) despite the zero lot line zoning requirement in place. 3. The net gain in open space by restoring previously developed areas to natural landscape. 4. The commitment of the college to conserve natural areas that provide habitat and promote biodiversity by conserving a 144 acre adjacent, undeveloped parcel. We welcome any and all feedback on the likely outcome of this proposed strategy.