Sustainability in Austin: Pedernales Lofts

Despite initial resistance from locals and mockery from other developers who saw any unused green space as wasted space, the Pedernales Lofts manage to strike a successful balance of functionality, desirability and affordability.  In 2006, it was the first mixed-use LEED Gold building in East Austin. It has 106 Units ranging from 610-1050 sq. ft., priced from $100k-$220k with HOA dues of $0.29/sq ft (includes cable, internet, insurance, amenities and common shared space).  The development was designed to be owner-occupied but many owners have rented out (currently 60% rented/40% owned). 

Interestingly enough, during the buildings construction it was the frequent victim of graffiti tags such as, "Get out Hippie Scum". Ironically, the real estate company, Paul Presley Realty, feels that the sustainability features are fairly irrelevant when it comes to marketing and selling points. Many occupants, whether owner (75%) or renter (25%), find the proximity to downtown and the ability to combine home and business addresses as the more prized features of the building.  I do agree that the ability to combine your home residence with your business is a very attractive feature.   

Although the concept was intriguing, it was much to my disappointment that the sustainability features seemed a little more for show than effectiveness. While residents do enjoy a 30% savings on electricity, thanks in part to features like energy star appliances and double paned low-e windows, there seemed to be something lacking in the most simplistic design concepts. One of the coolest spaces in the development, the rooftop picnic area, could have used tastefully designed gutters which would have turned the, for all accounts, ‘aesthetic’ cisterns and minimal gutters, into a fully functioning rainwater harvesting and irrigation system.  

Though the finish out and attractiveness of the program might not have been the poster child for quintessential "green" developing, the Pedernales Lofts ability to attract young professionals and entrepreneurs showcases its accessibility to the general public.