This article originally appeared on June 13, 2022, published by Multi-Housing News.
The world’s first LEED Platinum City, a designation received by Washington, D.C., in 2017, maintained its position among the highest-ranking markets in the U.S. in sustainability-focused practices. Watermark at Buzzard point made the top of the list.
The 453-unit community at 1900 Half St. is a perfect example of adaptive reuse. Watermark at Buzzard Point replaces a 1970s office property that sat empty for several years before Douglas Development and PTM Partners brought it back to life. The two co-developers built the asset with aid from a $22 million construction loan funded by United Bank, according to Yardi Matrix data. The property received the LEED Gold award in February with a scorecard of 60 points.
The act itself of repurposing a massive structure instead of repouring thousands of tons of concrete had a substantial positive environmental impact. Of course, the site was carefully evaluated, and the developers selected green building materials, minimizing water and energy usage, prioritizing indoor air quality. The project has water-efficient landscaping, low-emitting and reusable building materials, quality control for stormwater design and alternative transportation.
