GID’s New Development Proves ‘Green’ and ‘Luxury’ Aren’t Mutually Exclusive Terms
GID Development Group announced it is developing The Sovereign, a luxury high-rise community—and it’s also green.
Houston—No need to choose between living in an environmentally sustainable building or having luxury amenities. GID Development Group announced it is developing The Sovereign, a luxury high-rise community—and it’s also green.
“GID believes in creating sustainable communities like The Sovereign, where residents can learn an environmentally progressive lifestyle and not have to forgo luxury amenities,” James Linsley, president, GID Development Group, tells MHN.
The Sovereign, which is being built on a 24-acre property, will have 21 stories and include 290 units. The designer, Zeigler Cooper Architects, included a mixture of glass, brick and stone in the façade so that the architecture would be both traditional and contemporary.
The community will have many sustainable elements. The Sovereign will feature a highly efficient HVAC system, pedestrian-oriented street design with wide sidewalks, bicycle parking, the use of condenser water to irrigate landscaping, green and reflective roofs, low-energy glass, electric car charging stations, recycling trash chutes that separate recyclables and a cardboard bundler. The building is also designed to achieve a LEED Silver rating.
Residents of The Sovereign do not have to sacrifice luxury for being eco-conscious. In addition to all the green features, the community will feature many amenities. According to Linsley, it will include a clubhouse; fitness room with yoga studio and private training space; massage room; library; cyber lounge and business center; demonstration kitchen, catering kitchen and indoor and outdoor private dining rooms; screening room, game lounge and bar and sports lounge; resident herb and vegetable gardens; Zen garden; and a pet spa featuring fully equipped washing, drying and grooming areas.
Units will include kitchens with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, as well as unique features such as under-counter wine/beverage refrigerators. The bathrooms will include double vanities and low-flow toilets.
The City of Houston is also benefiting from The Sovereign. Through a Development Agreement from the City of Houston and Tax Increment Zone 5, The Sovereign will be reimbursed for improvements to the public infrastructure in the area. These improvements include burying overhead utilities, upgrading drainage in the area and creating pedestrian-friendly sidewalks.
The Sovereign is slated to be completed in March 2014.
