Affordable Senior Property Near Atlanta Wins LEED Silver
Water-efficient landscaping and Energy Star appliances give this property an edge.
By Dees Stribling, Contributing Editor
Lithonia, Ga.—Panola Gardens, which is in Lithonia in eastern DeKalb County near Atlanta, has obtained LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The 80-unit property was recently developed by the nonprofit National Church Residences, which also operates it.
Among other features, it includes Energy Star appliances; high-efficiency heating, cooling and lighting; Grade I high-performance insulation; and water-efficient plumbing fixtures. The property also sports water-efficient landscaping design, low VOC finishes, Green Label Plus carpet and Forest Stewardship Council sustainably grown and harvested wood components.
Sol design + consulting of Cincinnati provided LEED green building and energy efficiency consulting and certification services for the project, from design through construction completion. The property was built by Foley Design and NorSouth Constructs.
Panola Gardens offers affordable homes to age 55-plus adults with moderate incomes. It includes an on-site medical suite staffed with a care coordinator to assist residents with health needs. Primary care, home health and wellness services are provided through providers that include JenCare Neighborhood Medical Centers and Dr. Dharmesh Patel.
The property was developed with financial support from Bank of America, the National Church Residences Foundation, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the National Affordable Housing Trust, Fifth Third Bank and Sugar Creek Capital. Ohio-based National Church Residences operates 330 properties in 28 states and Puerto Rico, and also provides healthcare services in Ohio.
