The new Whole Foods-anchored apartment complex in downtown Minneapolis, called 222 Hennepin, has been awarded LEED-Silver designation by the U.S. Green Building Council for environmental sustainability.
The $45 million project, developed by Minneapolis-based Ryan Cos., was awarded the designation in the Midrise Residential category. The 580,000-square-foot project contains 286 upscale apartments as well as the grocery store.
"We are extremely proud to be part of a project where energy efficiency and sustainability were key design goals," said Tony Barranco, Ryan's Vice President of Development, in a statement. "To be a part of the team that achieved this prestigious designation is an honor and embodies Ryan's commitment to sustainable leadership."
Some of the complex's LEED design features include motion-operated lighting in common areas, dual flush toilets, door and window frames made with more than 25 percent post-consumer recycled content, and a smoke-free atmosphere. In addition, reusing the existing 300-stall parking structure from the old Jaguar car dealership saved in excess of 20 million pounds of concrete and over 1 million pounds of steel rebar.
The project also earned LEED points for its convenient location near bus routes and bike and foot trails.
