Dranoff Breaks Ground on Philly’s First LEED-Registered Residential, Mixed-Use Building

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorPhiladelphia–Dranoff Properties broke ground yesterday on 770 South Broad, Philadelphia’s first LEED-registered residential, mixed-use building.Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, City Councilman Frank DiCicco and Delaware Valley Green Building Council Chairman of the Board Dan Garofalo were present at the groundbreaking along with the developer.The five-story project will feature 146 luxury loftstyle apartments and 18,000 sq. ft. of retail space along with high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. The high-tech roof will dissipate summertime heat, while floor-to-ceiling glass will let natural light in.The project includes a comprehensive carbon management plan, which makes full use of public transportation, including SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) and PhillyCarShare. The plan includes use of eco-friendly refrigerants to minimize ozone impact, and green carpeting, paints and coatings to reduce harmful emissions. It also features low-flow plumbing fixtures to conserve water and locally produced materials to reduce transportation costs and pollution. Construction waste is expected to be recycled to shrink landfills.“Dranoff is doing it again,” says Philadelphia City Councilman Frank DiCicco. “He’s making a dramatic, positive impact on the city, the Avenue of the Arts, and now on the environment.” 777 South Broad has a contemporary glass and brick exterior with one- and two-bedroom units featuring 10-ft. ceilings and tall windows. Unique corner units feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls that extend the living rooms over Broad Street. Each loft is finished with polished granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, marble baths, and hardwood bamboo floors.777 South Broad features amenities including 24-hour concierge, state-of-the-art fitness center, conference center, clubroom, library/meditation area, sky deck with views of the Philadelphia skyline, and on-site gated and secured parking and bike storage. “The future of Philadelphia’s green initiatives starts here,” says Dranoff. “The groundbreaking of 777 South Broad marks the beginning of a new era in the Philadelphia residential landscape, one that blends urban luxury with sustainability to continue evolving and breathing new life into the Avenue of the Arts.”(Photo Caption: (l-r): Daniel K. Garofalo, Board Chairman of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council; Rahim Islam, President/CEO of Universal Companies; Philadelphia Councilman Frank DiCicco; Developer Carl Dranoff; Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter; and Dan Fitzpatrick, President of Citizens Bank Pennsylvania.)