Lofts on the Square achieves NGBS Certification!
Lofts on the Square has earned 2012 National Green Building Standard Bronze Certification, certified under the “Whole Building Renovation” standard for NGBS!
This important project brings 47 affordable apartments and common area amenities to independent seniors within its beautifully renovated and restored building, thanks to the development team of Southwestern Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA) and Bywater Development Group. Originally built in 1931 as the Hotel Belleville, the six-story building sits prominently on the main square of downtown Belleville, Illinois.
Key sustainable features of Lofts on the Square:
• The lot is within 1/2 mile of pedestrian access to mass transit, and the building is located proximate to many downtown businesses (services, restaurants, library, bank are all very close).
• The building is a historic preservation project: conserving buildings rather than demolishing and rebuilding them avoids energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions which would result from the embodied energy expended in providing new construction materials and components.
• Community and outdoor recreation areas keep residents active, healthy, and engaged, including an exercise room, community room, library, lounge, and beautiful landscape courtyard.
• The building is a mixed-use development, with commercial tenant spaces on the first floor
• 10% of the dwelling units were designed to be fully accessible and 20% are adaptable, allowing the facility to evolve with the changing needs of the residents
• Energy Star-rated appliances are used throughout
• All windows have insulated, low-E glazed and argon-filled glass
• Energy efficient lighting is used throughout the building, with high-efficiency site lighting saving energy and reducing light pollution
• New spray foam insulation was installed at all exterior walls, in order to reduce air leakage, improve thermal performance and reduce energy usage
• Water-conserving faucets, shower heads and toilets are used throughout the facility
• Quiet exhaust fans remove indoor air pollutants and supply residents with fresh air
• Low-VOC interior paints, sealants, carpets, adhesives and wall-coverings along with non-solvent based and formaldehyde-free wood products were specified for the building’s interior, providing enhanced indoor air quality for persons with allergies, asthma and chemical sensitivities.
WJW is proud to be a partner on this project, preserving a significant architectural icon of Belleville and bringing healthy and affordable housing to independent seniors in the area!
