Aging Holiday Inn Gets New Life as Green Courtyard by Marriott Staff Reports

Grosvenor, the international property development, investment and fund management group, is embarking on a $35 million renovation and re-branding of an old Holiday Inn hotel located in Chevy Chase, Md. The property closed earlier this year and will reopen as a Courtyard by Marriott in spring 2009. Grosvenor is seeking a silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the newly renovated hotel.

The hotel’s energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable features will include a reflective roof; energy-efficient HVAC system and lighting; new energy-efficient windows; low-VOC adhesives, paints, carpets, and sealants; use of regionally sourced construction materials; construction demolition management; green housekeeping; a “bike-to-work” program for employees; low-flow shower heads and dual-flush toilets; and purchase of green power credits.

Nashville Office Building Seeks Silver

Barry Real Estate Cos. based in Atlanta is building The Pinnacle at Symphony Place, Downtown Nashville’s first silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified Class-A multi-tenant office building.

Among numerous environmentally sustainable features, The Pinnacle features a design to minimize the building’s demand for and use of potable water. The plumbing system is expected to reduce The Pinnacle’s water use more than 72% below the usage of comparable buildings constructed to meet current plumbing standards.

Designed by architects Pickard Chilton, the 29-story building will offer views of downtown Nashville and 510,000 sq. ft. of office space and 24,000 sq. ft. of retail space.

When The Pinnacle at Symphony Place opens in January 2010, it will feature a Pinnacle Financial Partner's bank branch, a fitness facility, a 7,000 sq. ft. white tablecloth restaurant, a neighborhood restaurant and coffee shop, concierge service, dry cleaning delivery, mobile auto detailing and an outdoor roof garden overlooking Nashville with seating and wireless Internet access.

Subway Chain Announces First Eco-Store

The Subway restaurant chain recently announced that the brand's first eco-store, located in Kissimmee, Florida, has received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). There are currently five Subway eco-stores open and operating, three others of which are currently pending LEED certification.

Among the elements of the Kissimmee eco-store are high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, remote condensing units for refrigeration and ice making equipment, day lighting and controls for high-efficiency lighting, LED interior and exterior signs, low flow water fixtures, and building and décor materials from sustainable sources. There also is an extensive use of recycled products and furnishings in the construction of the restaurant and an increased emphasis on recycling in customer areas.