Hawthorne District apartments showcase “puzzle parking” system, amongst numerous “green” features of The 20 on Hawthorne building, designed to promote Portland Sustainable living.
Portland, OR – August 18, 2009 (PressReleasePivot) -– Gerding Edlen Development is pleased to announce the grand opening of The 20 on Hawthorne, a 51-unit apartment building designed and built to a LEED Silver Certification standard (property pending certification). Construction began in Fall 2008 and the building was ready for occupancy on June 1, 2009. Floor plans include a variety of one- and two-bedroom units ranging from 502 to 968 square feet, with more than half of the units already leased.
“We feel strongly that the places we build should improve the livability of the communities where they are located. They should use less energy and have cleaner air. It’s just the right thing to do for this and future generations,” said Mark Edlen, CEO, Gerding Edlen Development.
The 20 on Hawthorne Building, ( http://www.livethe20.com/ ) designed by GBD Architects, includes recycled materials, high-efficiency appliances and high-efficiency glass windows among other items that support a sustainable lifestyle. The units feature Armstrong Marmoleum flooring (made with natural, recycled and rapidly renewable materials) in the bathrooms, premium energy efficient lighting throughout, cabinetry in kitchen and bathrooms made from recycled materials, low-flow / ultra low-flow bath and kitchen faucets and dual flush toilets to conserve water, along with high efficiency Energy Star® appliances, including Bosch “ventless” washer and dryer. Second floor units include Eco-Roof patio areas ( http://www.livethe20.com/first.php ).
“While we are proud of the many green features and European-inspired design of this property, we are especially pleased to have found a way to minimize its footprint with the automated parking system,” said Damin Tarlow, Gerding Edlen Development.
The automated parking system at The 20 on Hawthorne is the largest of its type in the country, according to installation contractor Harding Steel. This “puzzle parking” system stores 29 cars on “trays” that move up and down and side to side, whereby one car is stored below grade, one car at grade and one car above grade ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fg2UIH3iJs ). This system allows for 29 cars to be parked in an area that would typically only accommodate 10. The system is operated by using a magnetic swipe card. Residents simply swipe the card, and their car is made available at ground level with an average wait time of 30 – 40 seconds.
Demonstrations of the automated parking system can be seen at the building’s Grand Opening and Smart Living Fair on Saturday, August 22, from 3:00 – 6:00 PM. The Smart Living Fair will feature local companies focused on resources for sustainable living, including: Smart Car and folding bicycle demonstrations, Segway rides, sustainable pet care options, local food and beverage sampling, space-saving organization tips from Organizers NW, interior design solutions from MHD Studio, along with gift certificates from local Hawthorne restaurants.
About Gerding Edlen Development:
Gerding Edlen Development exists to do one simple thing: to create vibrant, sustainable and inspiring places where people can work, learn and live. Creating places that offer fresh air, foster creativity and incorporate art and culture help Gerding Edlen achieve this goal. With a notable record of sustainable building and urban communities cemented in 1999 by the development of The Brewery Blocks, Gerding Edlen has more buildings in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification process than any other developer in the country. Gerding Edlen’s commitment to green building is so strong, the principals have set a goal of creating buildings that generate more energy than they consume and consume more waste than they produce within the next five years.
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