Phoenix set to have more green condos
May 11th, 2008 categories: Phoenix condos, lofts and townhouses
Another green residential development is in the works for Phoenix.
The Victor, a planned 37-unit condo development, will have a variety of sustainable and green building materials and finishes to help it achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for environmentally sensitive building quality. The certification is obtained through the U.S. Green Building Council, a Washington D.C.-based non-profit coalition of builders, manufacturers, developers and public and private organizations.
The infill project was designed by [merz] project, a Phoenix-based architecture and urban design firm. The firm also designed Phoenix’s Galleries at Turney, which was the first residential development in Arizona to receive LEED certification.
LEED features will include low-E windows, xeriscape landscaping, Energy Star appliances, high-efficiency water fixtures and dual-flush toilets.
The site for The Victor, which is now being excavated, is located at 15th and Pierson streets, between Camelback Road and Highland Avenue.
Its location will add to its eco-friendliness by placing residents close to major businesses in the Biltmore area, reducing commute times, improving quality of life and decreasing environmental impact.
At a marketing event, held last month at Copenhagen Imports in Phoenix, architect Joe Herzog said the design, which includes a street-level pool and bench seating along a secure perimeter, aims to promote interaction with the community.
There are five floor plans: live/work, two bedroom flat, private yard, private garage and one bedroom flex. The units range from 1,600 to 2,160 square feet. Pricing begins at $395,000.
In addition to the private garages available in some units, there will be on-site underground parking and street parking available.
The development is offering buyer incentives for the first 10 contracts. One of the most compelling is a $25,000 package, which includes interior design services, appliance upgrades and furniture. As another incentive, the seller will make purchase price adjustments to reflect any subsequent price drops.
The Victor is expected to open in 2009.
To view pictures and the materials used for the interior and exterior, click here.
typically how much does a LEED home cost?
The U.S. Green Building Council says:
“The net cost of owning a LEED home is the same as a conventional home. A home certified at the basic ‘certified’ level can be built for no additional costs. If there are additional upfront costs they are between 1-5%, depending on the green features the home incorporates.
For an averaged priced $300,000 new home, this would be a cost increment of about $10,000 for the additional green measures. When this $10,000 cost increment is amortized over 30 years, the result is an increase in the monthly mortgage payment of approximately $70 per month. This amounts to a cost increase of about $2 per day - for all of the feature and benefits of a LEED home (e.g., healthier, more comfortable, more durable, energy efficient, and environmentally responsible). However, if you also weigh in the approximately 30 percent utility bill savings from a LEED home, the utility bill savings are approximately $70 per month.”
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.
I really like this development!
Great design!