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It's Eco-Chic

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By LAURA FRAZIER

lfrazier@tampatrib.com

Published: November 19, 2008

TAMPA - Its owners and managers say a new apartment complex under construction just west of Brandon will feature high-end accommodations with an environmentally friendly flair.

Crescent Multifamily Development Group of Charlotte, N.C., is building Circle at Crosstown off U.S. 301, north of the Selmon Crosstown Expressway, just west of the intersection of Falkenburg Road and Delaney Creek Boulevard.

The 300-unit complex is modeled after the developer's "Circle" concept to create communities with upscale amenities, environmentally friendly features and a "nouveau commune" appeal. Similar properties are under construction in North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

Nicole Mallory, Riverstone Residential Group's property manager for Circle at Crosstown, described the complex as "eco-chic."

Trendy touches, such as faux-granite countertops, wood blinds and pendant lighting, will complement the apartments. A clubhouse expected to be completed in January will boast a fitness center, aerobics room, game tables and serve-yourself Starbucks coffee station.

Outside, there will be oak-shaded picnic areas with grills and a beach-entry style pool. But Mallory said the real beauty of the complex will be more than meets the eye.

"They are using a lot of green products," she said. "The project is LEEDS certified by the U.S. Green Building Council."

LEEDS certification - which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - is a nationally recognized program that sets benchmarks for design, construction and operation of high-performance, environmentally friendly buildings. Such certification takes into account site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Mallory said countertops in the clubhouse will incorporate recycled glass. Hard-surface flooring was formed from recycled materials, and the builder chose carpet and adhesives that have low levels of harmful emissions. Light fixtures and bulb wattages were selected with the reduction of light pollution and energy costs in mind, and recycling bins for glass, paper and plastic will be stationed next to the community trash compactor.

Another part of the "Circle" concept aims to bring together eco-minded people.

"We want to get residents together to socialize, and do things like plan carpools and volunteer out in the community," Mallory said.

The developer hopes to open the clubhouse by Jan. 2 and begin leasing some of the one- to three-bedroom apartments and carriage houses a few weeks later. The complex won't be finished until September, but Mallory said interest has been high.

"Without any pictures or anything, I'm averaging 20 contacts a week," she said. "Everybody's becoming so environmentally conscious, and our rents are comparable to other high-end luxury apartments in the area. Being green gives us an edge."

Circle at Crosstown is at 1820 Cross-

town Club Place, Tampa. For information, call Mallory at (813) 630-5600 or go to www.liveinthecircle.com.

BENEFITS OF GREEN

Environmental

Enhance and protect ecosystems, biodiversity

Improve air and water quality

Reduce solid waste

Conserve natural resources

Economic

Reduce operating costs

Enhance asset value and profits

Improve employee productivity, satisfaction

Optimize life-cycle economic performance

Health and community

Improve air, thermal and acoustic environments

Enhance occupant comfort and health

Minimize strain on local infrastructure

Contribute to overall quality of life

Source: U. S. Green Building Council

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 657-4523.

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