Green Condos: More options around the country

Friday, May 23, 2008 9:00AM - By SiRobins

Perhaps this week we’ve enlightened you, GearCrave reader, to a whole new green, urban lifestyle that you’d like to pursue. But you don’t live in Phoenix, New York, LA or Chicago? Shame on you! Just kidding… to end the week, we have a few more places around the country to throw your way in case you’re living in those other parts of the country. Remember, every day you’re living in your non-efficient death trap of a home is one day we’re closer to the impending apocalypse and the destruction of mankind. So, start reading and get your green condo!

West Coast: GreenCity Lofts in Emeryville, CA

Just a stone’s throw across the bay from San Francisco, Emeryville is an emerging modern design hub. GreenCity Lofts is a fully-encompassing green lifestyle center, so much that it was named the greenest development in the whole city. Green features include a gas-powered radiant heated floor, a heating method that will save 40% compared to traditional methods. Each unit is also formaldehyde free and uses standard green methods such as low-E windows and low/no-VOC paints. Floor plans include one- and two-bedroom flats, lofts and townhomes from 534 to 2,116 square feet. Check www.greencitylofts.com for pricing and availability.

Mid-South: Morgan Park Place East in Nashville, TN

These truly beautiful, Energy Star-stocked spaces are right in the heart of Nashville, and the green perks are seemingly endless. Morgan Park Place East features Independent wall framing and concrete floors dramatically slash energy bills, and in-line water heaters heat water instantaneously instead of stockpiling 40 to 80 gallons at once. You’re using less and paying less, yet living with all of the same comforts. All units have been certified by EarthCraft House, a green building program. The units are clustered together on Van Buren Street in an “urban village” setting, as opposed to traditional condos in one or two buildings. Square footage ranges from 1,020 to 2,029 square feet. Hurry, only seven units are still available, from $287,000 to $406,000. See www.mppeast.com for details.

South: Privado Seaside Condos in Jacksonville Beach, FL

Jacksonville may be a blue collar town, but Privado provides some luxury and much needed green in this Northern Florida metropolis. With an astonishing 200 solar panels, it is the largest solar loft project in the entire Southeastern United States. Some unique features include recycled paper counter tops and a carwash area powered by recycled rain water. Privado is a block from the beach and just a short commute into town. Only eight units remain! One, two and three bedroom lofts are 822 to 1,478 square feet, starting at $350,000. Head over to www.privadoseaside.com to purchase.

Midwest: Sky House in St. Louis, MO

A revolution is brewing in St. Louis. Sky House is set to open with 166 condos and an unprecidented 13,000 square feet of retail, becoming the Gateway to the West’s most prized address. Each unit has 9-foot floor-to-ceiling glass walls on all sides, giving you panoramic views of St. Louis. Computer-controlled engery-efficient temperature gauges will keep you cool during the summer and toasty during the winter. High-speed elevators using recycled energy will whisk you up to the rooftop in no time flat. With 11 different floor plans and four different penthouses, there’s space for everyone in this 22-story tower. Floor plans span 800 to 2,200 square feet and range from the mid-$200,000s to $800,000 for a penthouse. Visit www.skyhousestl.com to get in on the action.

Pacific Northwest: Veer Lofts in Seattle, WA

Opening this summer, Seattle’s Veer Lofts are gushing green cool. Residents are encouraged to make the space all their own, with each unit starting as a blank canvas: hard wood floors, one entirely glass wall and a bevvy of green products at their disposal. Residents even choose from one of three types of units: a standard flat, the flexi-loft (1.5 stories) or the full loft (two stories with up to 16-foot ceilings). Everything is green, from the collection of recycled materials used to make the building, to the energy efficiency programs in place. Funky features like a bocce ball court provide even more added fun. All this set in Seattle’s picturesque South Lake Union neighborhood, just a few blocks north of downtown, with stunning views of Lake Union. Homes range from 680 to 1,100 square feet, starting in the mid-$200,000s. See www.veerlofts.com to purchase for a move-in this summer.

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