Mill Creek Announces LEED Certification at Modera South Lake Union

Seattle Apartment Community Granted Green Building Certification to Silver Level

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Aug 29, 2017, 09:15 ET

SEATTLE, Aug. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mill Creek Residential, a leading multifamily investor and operator specializing in premier apartment communities across the U.S., today announced it has achieved the distinguished LEED® green building certification to the Silver level at Modera South Lake Union, a seven-story luxury apartment community located near downtown Seattle.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council for buildings, homes and communities with improved environmental and human health performance. It is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings.

Modera South Lake Union is the first Mill Creek Residential community based in Seattle to achieve LEED certification. The city is the second-most green-friendly apartment city in the U.S.

"Mill Creek is dedicated to advancing green building technology, and we are extremely proud of Modera South Lake Union's LEED certification and the role our community is playing in creating a more sustainable future," said Sean Hyatt, senior managing director of Seattle for Mill Creek Residential. "We are proud to be leaders in the green building sector and will continue to explore additional opportunities to certify our communities."

Modera South Lake Union achieved LEED certification due to a variety of green features. Included were the use of locally sourced materials, reduced construction waste, recycled content in materials, high-efficiency lighting and plumbing fixtures, enhanced waste management system and a healthy indoor environment. The indoor environment was deemed healthy due to the use of low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) paints, coatings, sealants and adhesives; a continuous, quiet ventilation system and safe, formaldehyde-free wall insulation.

From design to occupancy, Modera South Lake Union was third-party verified for performance by an independent party affiliated with the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC). The community's physical location also factored into its certification, as it features excellent access to public transit options, several community resources, eateries, job centers and additional nearby attractions that help limit commute times, thus reducing the community's carbon footprint. Bike parking is also available at the community and a bike-sharing station is less than a mile away.

"Market transformation happens one building at a time. Mill Creek understands the value of LEED and has exemplified extraordinary leadership in reshaping their sector," said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC. "The success of LEED is due to the partnership and support of those committed to advancing green building and sustainability. Each new LEED certification is one step closer to revolutionizing the environment in which we live, work and play."

While green-certified apartments are on the rise across the country, Seattle has helped lead the charge. There has been a 13-fold increase in green apartment homes across the nation since 2008, and only Chicago has a larger contingent of such homes. Since 2009, 27 percent of new large-scale multifamily developments in Seattle have been green. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy ranks the city fifth in the nation for policies and programs advancing energy efficiency.

Located at 435 Dexter Avenue North, the community features 294 apartment homes with remarkable views and a central location. It offers easy access to major roads, such as Highway 99 and Interstate 5, and is adjacent to public transit options, including the South Lake Union Streetcar, several bus lines and connections to light rail. Major employers in the area include Amazon, Microsoft, University of Washington Medicine, Gates Foundation, and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and the community is in close proximity to the Space Needle, Paramount Theatre and CenturyLink Field.

Modera South Lake Union consists of studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments that range in square footage from 444 to 1,144. Community amenities include controlled-access garage parking, self-serve package lockers, pet spa, 24-hour fitness center, clubhouse, game room, rooftop deck, theater and coffee bar. Apartment interiors are equipped with air conditioning, wood plank-style flooring, nine-foot ceilings, stainless Energy Star appliances including gas ranges, quartz countertops, USB ports, large closets and full-size washer and dryer.

Including Modera South Lake Union, Mill Creek has developed or acquired four apartment communities in the Seattle area. Others include Modera Ballard, Modera Capitol Hill and Skye at Belltown.

About Mill Creek Residential
Mill Creek Residential Trust LLC is a national multifamily company focused on the development, acquisition and operation of apartment communities in targeted markets nationwide. The company proactively pursues development, acquisition and construction opportunities through its seasoned team of real estate professionals in 14 offices across the United States. Mill Creek is building its portfolio in many of the nation's most desirable apartment markets in Seattle, Portland, the San Francisco Bay area, Southern California, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Houston, South Florida, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, and Boston. As of March 31, 2017, the company's portfolio comprises 68 communities representing over 18,600 apartment homes that are operating and/or under construction. For more information, please visit www.MillCreekPlaces.com.