First LEED-ND Platinum Housing Development Debuts

December 4, 2013 1776 Views Correctional Association of New York, Decatur Correctional Center, Eastern U.S., Illinois Department of Corrections, India, Julie Barrett, New York State Corrections

PHILADELPHIA — The city of Philadelphia yesterday celebrated the completion of the $47 million mixed-use, transit-oriented housing development.

Paseo Verde is the first LEED-ND Platinum housing development in the U.S. and the second in the world. Green features of the new development include green and blue roofs, permeable paving, water gardens to maintain and manage water, solar panels and the use of recyclable, renewable materials.

“The completion of Paseo Verde brings Philadelphia another step closer to being America’s greenest city,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, in a statement. “Its location, design and materials have created a world-class and unique, sustainable development. The green design, proximity to transportation and the 550 construction jobs created by this project demonstrate that Paseo Verde is already having an impact on this neighborhood’s environment and its economy.”

The 206,000-square-foot development consists of 120 residential units and includes 30,000 square feet of retail and community service space. The land was developed through a joint partnership between New York-headquartered Jonathan Rose Companies and Philadelphia’s Asociacion Puertorriquenos en Marcha. Wallace Roberts Todd served as architect on the project and Domus Inc. served as the general contractor. Both firms are based in Philadelphia.

The transit-oriented development is located adjacent to the Temple University Train Station. The development includes only 67 parking spaces to encourage the use of public transportation.

“Paseo Verde is a blueprint for developing communities of opportunity,” said Jonathan Rose, president of Jonathan Rose Companies, in a statement. “Literally touching the North Philadelphia SEPTA station and adjacent to the educational and cultural resources of Temple University, the project provides green healthy, energy-efficient housing for a range of family incomes. Together with on-site health and family services, Paseo Verde provides a complete community platform for its residents to thrive.”