Blair Towns Smart Growth
23,100 sq ft (2,140 sq meters)
33,100 sq ft (3,070 sq meters)
50,700 sq ft (4,710 sq meters)
The new Blair Towns at the Blairs represent a “Smart Growth” approach to multi-family development. This 78-unit apartment community, comprising one 4-story building and two 3-story buildings, was built on a surface parking lot located on a portion of the Blair property, a mixed-use urban site in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland with existing apartment buildings, shops, and a variety of parking facilities. The Blair Towns apartments offer the added value of variety in unit types and high-end interiors.
Environmental Aspects
The entire Blair Park site is transit-oriented, located near a major Metro rail station and bus lines, with convenient storage for bicycles and a measured walking path around the perimeter of the site. In addition to its transit-oriented, urban infill land-use, the Blair Towns reduce site-related impacts by meeting strict Maryland standards for erosion and sediment control and treatment of stormwater runoff, thereby reducing detrimental impacts to the Chesapeake Bay. The drought-tolerant landscape plantings eliminate the need for an irrigation system, and the buildings use 30% less water than conventional apartment buildings thanks to a combination of ultra-efficient showerheads, faucet aerators, and Energy Star clothes washers and dishwashers. The efficient lighting, HVAC system, and thermal envelope also save over 20% base building energy use. This project, and several others, are served by a landmark green power purchase made by the Tower Companies in 2003. Over 40% recycled-content materials and over 60% regionally manufactured materials (excluding equipment) were used, and ample space is provided for occupant recycling. Wood-efficient framing and the use of finger-jointed lumber minimized the total amount of wood used for the structure. Indoor air quality was protected during construction, and all finish materials are low-emitting. A comprehensive user-education program helps Blair Towns residents appreciate and make the best use of their new green apartments and site.
Owner & Occupancy
