Category green

Architecture, apartments, and a power plant … really?

All images courtesy of Fast Company

 
I’m a big proponent of smart development. Call it green … sustainable … sensible.

And why not?

If you can build something that is eco-friendly, costs less to maintain, lasts longer, and can survive on its own (instead of being connected to the power grid), I’m sure most of you would be all for it; as I would be myself. The problem is, most of these kinds of projects cost more to build than traditional building styles.

In other words, upfront costs are typically higher.

 
Here’s what I find cool about this project:

1. It’s located in a great spot (on the ever-changing Delaware River Waterfront)
2. It has a unique design (probably more unique than anything Philadelphia currently has, or is proposed to have)
3. It has 2 important purposes (provide housing to Philadelphians, and establish a waste-to-energy trash incineration plant).

Here’s what I don’t find cool about this project:

1. No one has agreed to develop it yet (most likely, because it looks complicated)
2. Who knows how long it would take to build (again … because it looks complicated)
3. My guess is that it would be super-expensive, to construct and to live in (last time, I promise … because it looks complicated)

What I will say after reading about the project, and browsing through the well-done graphics, is that a project like this would attract global attention. Not because of the cool factor, or because of its proposed location, but because it is a forward-thinking concept for a large US city that will save energy, save money, and save the environment.

 
What are your thoughts?

Another big development proposition for the Waterfront

This one would indeed be large and in charge.

Here are some of the details:

  • Four Towers
    • 2 Larger Towers = 426 Feet Each
    • 2 Smaller Towers = 227 Feet Each
  • 1,458 Residential Units
  • Mixed-Use Project
  • Public Green Space
  • Green Roofs
  • Roof-Top Swimming Pools
  • LEED Certified

Sounds like a cool project, right?

It will be interesting to see if Philadelphia’s City Planning Commission overrides the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation on this one (they do have the power to). While the project sounds awesome, and meets most of the Delaware River Master Plan’s goals, it exceeds the height limits set forth in the plan.

As the economy starts to pick up even more, I’m sure this issue will keep popping up. Let’s see if builders and planners can come to some kind of an agreement on these proposed projects.

Net-zero comes to No Libs

Foundry Court | Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

 
I’m not talking about the inexpensive, broadband Internet giant. I’m talking about sustainable, residential development; or “green” development to those who do not follow this already trendy topic.

A lot of buyers, sellers, investors, and renters always ask me where the next up-and-coming area of Philadelphia is. One such place in Northern Liberties, just north of Center City.

Why No Libs?

Because this is a neighborhood that has changed drastically to reflect the current demographic trend of Center City Philadelphia, without being directly located in Center City Philadelphia. Some locals may argue that it has changed for the worse, but others will tell you that it’s getting better and cooler everyday. Believe me, the real estate values back up that statement; higher demand, higher prices.

Since this neighborhood is already synonymous with upscale, sleek, new construction projects (residential, commercial, and mixed-use), it makes sense to focus on a hot trend like sustainable/green development and take it one step further into the world of net-zero.

What does net-zero mean?

According to the article on Flying Kite, net-zero means “Using a number of features, including solar power generation, a net-zero home feeds power back to the grid on sunny days and draws minimal energy at night or when its cloudy, resulting in a net energy cost of zero.”

Interesting, right?

But if it’s so easy, why don’t all builders consider this option, Tim? #1 answer is cost. This development will be offering only 5 townhomes at a base price of $799,000. Now you see why not everyone can do this, especially on a larger scale.

I know that No Libs is a pricey area already, but $800K will get you a lot in Philadelphia; including Center City.