Frasier Retirement Community recently completed campus-wide renovations after a flood devastated their community in 2013. The community situated at the base of the flatirons in Boulder, Colorado has undergone a significant campus renovation that includes a new 98–unit independent living building, new Wellness Center with indoor aquatics programs and a new Arts & Education Center with 200 seat theater.
As part of the renovation, Frasier and its residents embraced the concepts of sustainability and wellness as part of their recovery back to “normal”. The new Independent Living Building is seeking LEED Silver certification under the Multifamily Midrise V4 rating system as well as Gold certification under WELL Building Multifamily Pilot VA rating system. While not formerly submitted, the rest of the reconstruction on the campus incorporated the principles of both LEED and WELL programs into their buildings and operations.
Sustainability and Resiliency strategies integrated into the process and project, include:
Location & Transportation
- Reuse of existing site
- Immediate access to public transportation
- Access to local shopping and professional services
- Bicycle parking for residents and visitors
Sustainable Sites
- Heat Island reduction with light colored roofing and hardscape
- Implementation of a non-toxic pest control program
Water Efficiency
- Indoor water use reduction through low flow fixtures
- 20 percent reduction is outdoor water use through irrigation and native vegetation
Energy & Atmosphere
- 20 percent modeled annual energy reduction
- Optimize energy use including over 200Kv of rooftop photovoltaic panels
- Advances utility tracking through BAC software
Materials & Resources
- Use of environmentally preferred products
- Divert 60 percent of construction waste form landfill
Indoor Environment Quality
- Enhanced ventilation through continuous unit exhaust fans
- Contamination controlled by installing walk-off mats at all entry points
- Open-air garage provides enhanced pollution protection
- Use of low emitting interior materials
- Campus is a designated Non-Smoking area
Innovation
- Incorporation of WELL Building strategies
- Acoustical comfort through the use of high STC rated windows facing public streets
- Charging stations for electric vehicles
- Post-occupancy occupant comfort survey
- Inter-community programs
Regional Priority
- Compact development through reuse of existing site