KNOXVILLE (WATE) - The Knoxville Community Development Corp.'s newest property, the Residences at Eastport, has been awarded LEED Platinum certification.
The certification by the U.S. Green Building Council is due to green homebuilding and design at the 85-unit complex in the Five Points community. The property, which opened in fall 2011, is affordable housing exclusively for seniors 62 and older.
KCDC says the complex is fully leased.
"The health and well-being of our residents is our utmost priority. This environmentally-conscious property will not only create a healthier living environment for our residents, it will decrease long-term maintenance costs and provide cost savings through energy and water conservation," said Alvin Nance, executive director and CEO of KCDC.
As KCDC's owner representative, Partners Development joined with Eastport Architects, a joint venture between BarberMcMurry Architects and Sanders Pace Architecture, to spearhead the process for LEED-certification.
The qualification process began in the conceptual phase of the project's design. General contractor Denark Construction then implemented the plan to achieve LEED Platinum certification.
To achieve LEED certification, the design and construction of the project is scored according to USGBC guidelines. They include the use of renewable building materials; energy-efficient lighting and appliances; water conservation; high-efficiency HVAC, plumbing and irrigation systems; surface water management; and construction waste management.
USGBC also requires residents to be educated on conserving energy and water for cost-effective and environmentally-friendly living.
The first phase of construction housed 25 units in the former Eastport Elementary School building, which was listed in Knox Heritage's Fragile 15 properties.
The building retains the facade of the school constructed in 1932, and it's believed to be the first African-American school in Five Points.
A second phase of new construction incorporated the school's unique design features into four single-story buildings, housing an additional 60 units.
All five buildings of the Residences at Eastport achieved the LEED Platinum certification.
The Residences at Eastport is an 85-unit complex in the Five Points community.
