Photo by Jeffrey Totaro
Paseo Verde, Philadelphia

A mixed-use residential development adjacent to Temple University, Paseo Verde is the first project in the nation to receive LEED Platinum for Neighborhood Design, the submitter says. A Latino community-development organization envisioned the $48-million project as a way to showcase sustainable design and to provide affordable, community-based housing with access to mass transit. The design includes a well-insulated building envelope, green roofs and blue roofs, individually controlled gas-fired heating and cooling units in each apartment, a 40-kw photovoltaic array on the roof and natural lighting. The pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly design represents a dramatic change from the parking lot surrounded by a chain-link and razor-wire fence that had been on the 1.9-acre site.

Residential/Hospitality: Award of Merit - Paseo Verde, Philadelphia

Key Players

Owner Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha

Lead Design Firm Wallace Roberts & Todd

General Contractor Domus

Structural Engineer David Chou & Associates

Civil Engineer Urban Engineers

MEP Engineer CSA Group