DUNEDIN, FL – The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), the leading certifier of green projects in the state, has announced that Artisan Apartment Homes of Dunedin, Fla. has achieved a Platinum-level designation as a “Florida Green” apartment community.
“Artisan Apartment Homes believes that style, substance and sustainability are the pillars of quality of living for residents,” said FGBC Executive Director C.J. Davila. “The unparalleled location, lavish collection of amenities, and caliber of services offers residents much more than an apartment community.”
Located at 966 Douglas Ave., the 201,404 square foot project features 65 residences in a four-story building centered around a stunning three-story lobby.
Amenities include professionally decorated common areas, 24/7 residents-only access control and secure parking, a comfortable and inviting residents lounge with game room, televisions, billiards and a bar, a state-of-the-art fitness center, bicycle storage, kayak storage, and a spectacular 18,000-square-foot elevated pool deck overlooking the Pinellas Trail and stunning sunsets.
Residents can relax in lounge chairs, grill at one of the two outdoor kitchens, or take in the vistas sitting by the natural gas fire pits.
One immeasurable contribution of the Artisan is its contribution to public art. Three murals and two sculptures seamlessly incorporated into the project not only serve to improve the quality of life of Artisan residents.
The public art program reinforces owner’s Joseph and Anna Kokolakis’ commitment to community-centric developments that people want to live in and everyone can enjoy.
The development also includes 11,700 square feet of retail shops, including a local grocer and café, Nature’s Food Patch, Salon Blonde, and Iberian Imports boutique.
A total of 361 parking spaces were created as part of this project, including 234 that are open to the public. The second floor of the garage provides 127 secure spaces exclusively for the Artisan tenants.
Dunedin is a FGBC certified local government and the first Platinum certified city.
Nate Ritter of GreenBuilt Solutions, Orlando, Fla. was the FGBC designated professional. Dr. Jennifer Languell of Trifecta Construction Solutions evaluated the project. Artisan Apartment Homes achieved 203 of the 105 required points, earning them Platinum-level status.
“There are a lot of reasons to live in a green certified apartment. They create less of an impact on natural resources, while conserving resources and work to sustain the environment,” noted Ritter. “Indoor air quality is better, homes require less energy and water usage, both are environmental and economic benefits.”
Some of Artisan Apartment Homes features include:
• Plants and trees are local drought tolerant
• Reclaimed water for irrigation
• Community wide recycling program
• Site is located close to public transportation access
• Low flow faucets and toilets
• 75 percent of all occupants have line of site view to exterior
• High efficiency air filtration system in common areas and individual units
• Hurricane Impact Resistant Openings
The success of Artisan Apartment Homes is attributable to the dedication, hard work and team effort of all parties involved.
They include the following: Joseph and Anna Kokolakis, Owner/Developer; Ed Binkley of BSB Design, Architect; Jose Colmenero of Kokolakis Contracting, Construction Manager; Daniel Vickstrom of Vickstrom Engineering Services, Civil Engineer; Mike Costello of Emerald Engineering, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Engineer; and Chris Anuszkiewicz of PlaceMaker Design Studio LLC, Landscape Designer.
The community is 100 percent smoke free and has direct access to the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail. This 38.2-mile linear park and recreation trail currently extends from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs and provides a unique, protected green space for walking, jogging, skating and biking.
FGBC certifications provide pathways to build green homes, developments, local governments, high rises and commercial buildings. The process, including low fees, is often more affordable than other certifications. The free market aspect of FGBC certifiers also keep costs reasonable.
Over 34 high-rise projects are currently certified under the Florida Green Certification Program. The intent of the FGBC Florida Green High-Rise Residential Building Standard is to encourage owners of high-rise residential projects to adopt green and sustainable strategies during the design and construction of their projects and to receive recognition for their efforts.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA GREEN BUILDING COALITION: The Florida Green Building Coalition is the leading certifier of green projects in Florida. To date it has over 18,000 residential, commercial, high-rise, land developments, local governments participating in its certification programs. FGBC certification programs are the only standards developed with climate specific criteria to address issues caused by Florida’s hot-humid environment and natural disasters. The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) is a nonprofit 501(C)3 Florida corporation founded in 2000 dedicated to improving the built environment. Its mission is "to lead and promote sustainability with environmental, economic, and social benefits through regional education and certification programs." For more information about the FGBC “Florida Green” certification programs visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org.