Nov 10 2010
The Austonian, Austin's newest and tallest luxury residential high-rise in the heart of downtown, has been awarded a coveted Four-Star rating from Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB).
The Austonian is the newest and most modern example of a sustainable and environmentally-smart high-rise community in the United States.
The Austonian's Four Star rating from Austin Energy is the equivalent to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Gold rating.
"This accomplishment is the result of support from our developer to realize a goal, keen attention to detail and a lot of hard work by the design and construction team," Bob Albanese, design and construction manager for The Austonian.
From its planning stages, The Austonian set out to create a new standard for luxury condominiums, redefining the term so that it's synonymous with green living. The Austonian reduces energy use, conserves water, improves air quality, preserves history and reduces sprawl.
"The Austonian is a one-of-a-kind building," said U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin). "There are national ramifications for what is being done here, and I hope this project sets an example for downtown living."
"The Austonian shows that we can have population growth, preserve the values of our community and be a green city," said Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell.
The building occupies just one-third of a city block, providing luxury homes for 166 families on less than three-quarters of an acre. In contrast, a suburban residential community housing the same number of families on one-acre lots requires at least 27 acres of asphalt and concrete.
Source: http://www.theaustonian.com/