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Complex Warning: No Smoking Allowed

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By LAURA FRAZIER

lfrazier@tampatrib.com

Published: March 18, 2009

TAMPA - The developers of a new apartment complex off Falkenburg Road just west of Brandon say the rental community revolves around residents who appreciate clean, healthy, environmentally friendly living, no ifs, ands or - especially - butts.

Smoking is prohibited in all 300 apartments and every common area - indoors and out - at Circle at Crosstown, 1820 Crosstown Club Place.

Richard A. Buck, regional vice president of Crescent Resources Multifamily Development Group, said the 100 percent smoke-free initiative - touted as the first of its kind in the Tampa Bay area - is proving popular with current and prospective residents.

"Our leasing rate stands at nearly 15 percent just two weeks after opening the community" in mid-February, Buck said.

Buck said Crescent is committed to the environment and developing communities that promote sustainability and healthy, fun living. The company opened its first concept community last month in Jacksonville. Others are under development in Charlotte and Concord, N.C.

Property manager Nicole Malloy described the Tampa complex as eco-chic: "eco" because green building methods and materials were used to construct the complex, and "chic" for the trendy touches in the apartments, such as faux-granite countertops, wood blinds and pendant lighting.

Another aim of the developer's concept is to foster a sense of community.

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

The community's social hub, a clubhouse, was recently completed. It features countertops that incorporate recycled glass, hard-surface flooring formed from recycled materials and carpet and adhesives with low levels of harmful emissions.

Malloy said 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.

The complex opened its first phase for leasing in February, and developers expect it to be built out by summer.

For information, call (813) 630-5600 or go to www.circle atcrosstown.com.

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

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