Circle at South End Earns LEED Silver Certification

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Crescent Resources earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver rating from the U.S. Green Building Council for Circle at South End. Silver is the highest level of certification among existing North Carolina apartment communities. Circle at South End also received the Green Project of the Year merit award from Multifamily Executive magazine.

The U.S. Green Building Council recognized the project as a model for smart growth. Green features, which were also noted by Multifamily Executive, include parking for fuel-efficient vehicles, units with water-efficient fixtures, recycling centers throughout the community, and close proximity to Charlotte's light-rail service.

"LEED certification identifies Circle at South End as a pioneering example of sustainable design and demonstrates leadership in transforming the building industry," said S. Richard Fedrizzi, president, chief executive officer and founding chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Crescent designed the community to reduce urban heat-island effects and light pollution, as well as optimize energy efficiency and conserve water through its landscape design. Circle at South End also offers green educational programs, including a newsletter, Facebook page and YouTube channel that provide tips for residents on conservation and green living.

"We were pursuing a top LEED rating when we designed this project, and this recognition underscores our commitment to sustainability in our apartment communities," said Todd Farrell, president of Crescent Resources' multifamily division. "Green buildings are good for the environment, as well as the people living in them."

The 360-unit Circle at South End community includes 8,000 square feet of retail space and 714 parking spaces on about 5 acres. The project was a former brownfield site that was decontaminated and converted back into service for the community.

The project's engineer and commissioning agent was Elm Engineering, and the architect was Perkins Eastman.

Additionally, Circle at South End recently won the 2009-2010 Recycling Incentive Program competition from Charlotte-based Waste Management Concierge. Circle residents recycled more than 12,000 pounds of household materials during the yearlong competition, which was more per unit than any other Charlotte-area apartment community.

Managed by Greystar, Circle at South End is the first smoke-free community in Charlotte and embodies Crescent's innovative approach to apartment living. Circle communities offer unique programming – from volunteering to pet happy hours – aimed at enriching social experiences and fostering a sense of community among residents.

Circle at South End opened June 2009. Crescent's other Circle communities include Circle at Concord Mills in Concord, N.C., Circle at Crosstown in Tampa, Fla., and Circle at Bartram Park in Jacksonville, Fla.

About Circle

Circle was inspired through extensive review and analysis of current industry trends and marketplace needs. The progressive Circle communities are places where neighbors connect and become stewards of the larger community. In addition to presenting a new breed of apartments that people are excited to live in, Circle developments are infused with the exceptional quality and customer-oriented features that have become Crescent hallmarks. Visit www.liveinthecircle.com for more information.

About Crescent Resources, LLC

Crescent Resources, LLC, is a land management and real estate development company with interests in 10 states in the southeastern and southwestern United States. Based in Charlotte and established in 1969, Crescent creates mixed-use developments, award-winning country club communities, single-family neighborhoods, apartment and condominium communities, Class A office space, business and industrial parks and shopping centers. Visit www.crescent-resources.com for more information.

SOURCE Crescent Resources, LLC