Photo credit: Courtesy of the Tower Companies

Overview

• Location: Silver Spring, MD
• Building type(s): Multi-unit residential
• New construction
• 107,000 ft2 (9,970 m2)
• Project scope: 3 4-story buildings
  23,100 ft2   (2,140 m2)
  33,100 ft2   (3,070 m2)
  50,700 ft2   (4,710 m2)
• Urban setting
• Completed August 2003
  The phased completion began with Building 3 in May 2003.
• Rating: U.S. Green Building Council LEED-NC, v.2/v.2.1--Level: Certified (27 points)

The new Blair Towns at the Blairs represent a "Smart Growth" approach to multi-family development. This 78-unit apartment community, comprising one 4-story building and two 3-story buildings, was built on a surface parking lot located on a portion of the Blair property, a mixed-use urban site in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland with existing apartment buildings, shops, and a variety of parking facilities. The Blair Towns apartments offer the added value of variety in unit types and high-end interiors.

Environmental Aspects

The entire Blair Park site is transit-oriented, located near a major Metro rail station and bus lines, with convenient storage for bicycles and a measured walking path around the perimeter of the site. In addition to its transit-oriented, urban infill land-use, the Blair Towns reduce site-related impacts by meeting strict Maryland standards for erosion and sediment control and treatment of stormwater runoff, thereby reducing detrimental impacts to the Chesapeake Bay. The drought-tolerant landscape plantings eliminate the need for an irrigation system, and the buildings use 30% less water than conventional apartment buildings thanks to a combination of ultra-efficient showerheads, faucet aerators, and Energy Star clothes washers and dishwashers. The efficient lighting, HVAC system, and thermal envelope also save over 20% base building energy use. This project, and several others, are served by a landmark green power purchase made by the Tower Companies in 2003. Over 40% recycled-content materials and over 60% regionally manufactured materials (excluding equipment) were used, and ample space is provided for occupant recycling. Wood-efficient framing and the use of finger-jointed lumber minimized the total amount of wood used for the structure. Indoor air quality was protected during construction, and all finish materials are low-emitting. A comprehensive user-education program helps Blair Towns residents appreciate and make the best use of their new green apartments and site.

Owner & Occupancy

• Owned by The Tower Companies, Corporation, for-profit
• Occupants: Individual(s)
• Typically occupied by 160 people, 168 hours per person per week

Blair Towns is a market-rate rental apartment community.

Building Programs

Indoor Spaces:	Living quarters (81%), Circulation (11%), Structured parking (6%), Other (2%)
Outdoor Spaces:	Parking, Pedestrian/non-motorized vehicle path, Garden—decorative

Keywords

Integrated team, Green framework, Simulation, Green specifications, Commissioning, Transportation benefits, Stormwater management, Efficient fixtures and appliances, Drought-tolerant landscaping, Insulation levels, Glazing, Airtightness, HVAC, Efficient lighting, Recycled materials, Local materials, Occupant recycling, Daylighting, Natural ventilation, Low-emitting materials