Jan 19, 2007 10:22 pm US/Central
New Condos Are Going Green To Up Marketability
by Jeanette Trompeter
(WCCO)
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The Penfield will be heated and cooled by District Energy St. Paul, which is a bio-mass system. It basically uses renewable fuels to heat buildings that buy into the process. (File)
CBS
New condo projects are in the works despite a slow market. One condo is taking an interesting approach to its marketability.
The folks who buy into the Penfield Condos in St. Paul will no doubt be living in some sweet digs.
It's billed as "five-star living in the capitol city."
In addition to a great location, sleek architecture and hip interior design, the Penfield has a selling point not often found in many sales brochures. It's being built green.
"Really, it's not as if it's a new concept that we came up with. If you go to any of the larger European cities, it's been going on for years," said Developer Bob Lux.
Penfield developers are not only trying to build a beautiful building, but one that is environmentally friendly.
"There's definitely additional cost for a developer to make a building green, but we're seeing that not only are people demanding it ... they're embracing it," said Lux.
Lux said consumer interest in energy savings has finally reached a level where it's profitable to make it part of the sales pitch.
"You know, we're getting anywhere from 30 to 40 customers a week ... and I would say well over half of them have some level of interest in green technology," he said.
In addition to energy efficient windows, lights and appliances, the Penfield goes a few steps further in its design. Its green roof will offer more than a park-like setting.
Its sustainable landscaping will help with storm water management, preventing further pollution and erosion of our waterways.
The Penfield will be heated and cooled by District Energy St. Paul, which is a bio-mass system. It basically uses renewable fuels to heat buildings that buy into the process.
Going green does require upfront investment, but it doesn't take long to reap the rewards, and people are figuring that out. Penfield developers are banking on it.
"Within 5 or 10 years from now, people won't be talking about this nearly like it is now, because it will be the standard," said Lux.
The Penfield will be built on top of the old Police Station between 10th and 11th Streets and will incorporate the old building.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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