Nauset Construction and Oaktree Development's recently completed Lexington Place development was awarded Silver certification in the LEED for homes program. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a certification program developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The certification is for achievement in the green homebuilding and design of Lexington Place at the Center, luxury condominiums with street-level retail space located in Lexington center. This "Smart Growth," mixed-use project was certified LEED for Homes Silver-level, and is one of the country's first multifamily, mixed-use building to received this highly coveted certification. The certification was based upon a rigorous review of documented best practices that met and exceeded high-performance standards in resource conservation and durable construction. The green building design and sustainable construction practices that were incorporated into Lexington Place support a healthy environment, reduce energy costs and climate pollution, and provide heating and ventilation comfort for the occupants. The development team comprised of Oaktree Development, Line Company Architects, Lexvest Partners, LLC, and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage teamed up with Nauset Construction for this LEED certified green building project that broke ground in the fall of 2007 and was completed last June.
"This is a significant achievement for Nauset Construction. We take great pride in our environmental stewardship and our commitment to creating projects that have a positive impact on the surrounding community," said Anthony Papantonis, president of Nauset Construction.
The USGBC is widely recognized as the nation's leading non-profit authority for green buildings. LEED certified projects must complete a technically rigorous process that includes a home energy rating (HERS) and onsite inspections to verify the homes are built to be energy and water efficient, environmentally sound, and a healthier place for its occupants to live.
Lexington Place houses 2 one-bedroom, 3 three-bedroom, and 25 two-bedroom condominiums. This tally includes three affordable condos for qualified buyers. All units are single level and accessible by elevator from both the lobby and parking garage.
Lexington Place is marketed and sold exclusively by Phyllis Reservitz, a sales associate with the Urban Communities division of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

"Lexington is a highly desirable town to live in, particularly because of its vibrant and historic downtown area and superior school system. The unique opportunity to build luxury condominiums in the center of town meets a growing need for people who want to walk rather than drive everywhere, and who wish to enjoy the home maintenance-freedom of condominium living. Lexington Place offers residents a chance to live in close proximity to stores and restaurants and to partake in Lexington's unique cultural and intellectual climate" said Gwendolen Noyes, of Oaktree Development. "Even though this has been a trying economy to be marketing in, we are quite pleased with our sales and we expect continued interest and success."
"LEED certification is awarded to very select projects, which must demonstrate high standards of green building practices. Being recognized as a LEED certified home sets a new standard for healthier living for the entire community. The residents of Lexington Place can be assured they are investing in the forefront of quality, and their example can help us all to live better by reducing our carbon footprint and residing in a healthier place. We are very proud of this LEED certification and anticipate more environmental achievements with future projects," said Papantonis.
Lexington Place is located on the former site of the Battle Green Inn and is situated in close proximity to the town library, town offices, boutiques, schools and the historic Battle Green. Careful planning and extensive input from the Historic Districts Commission went into the exterior design by Line Company Architects, ensuring that the new structure complemented the historic setting of the downtown area and met their exacting requirements.
Two beautifully landscaped courtyards are located in the building, giving residents a fresh-air opportunity to enjoy with family, friends, or other residents.
Each unit provides distinctive design features and offers a variety of different floor plans and options, such as gas fireplaces, terraces or balconies, sunny, high-ceilinged spaces, tiled bathrooms, granite countertops, and high-end kitchen cabinets and Energy Star appliances. The units range in size from 1,400-2,175 square feet of living space with prices starting at $800,000.
Lexington Place was constructed with a soldier pile earth support system; conventional concrete footings and wall foundation and a mix of steel and wood frame construction. The exterior façade is comprised of granite, brick and clapboard siding.

LEED for Homes is a third-party certification system for high-performance green homes. Developed and administered by USGBC, LEED for Homes awards points to projects in seven categories of environmental performance: Location & Linkages, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, Energy & Atmosphere, Homeowner Awareness, and Innovation and Design.
More background information:
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is the largest residential real estate brokerage company in New England. With more than 5,000 sales associates and staff in more than 100 office locations, the organization serves consumers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is part of NRT LLC, the nation's largest residential real estate brokerage company. NRT, a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, operates Realogy's company-owned real estate brokerage offices. For more information please visit www.NewEnglandMoves.com

Oaktree Development of Cambridge (www.oaktreegreen.com) has developed more than 2,000 residential units in numerous multifamily complexes during the last 35 years. Oaktree's highly successful rental and condominium communities have adhered to sustainable design principles with an environmental focus that includes transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly, multifamily communities that are built with "green" materials and methods, frequently including mixed retail or commercial uses on the ground level.
Incorporated in 1985, Line Company Architects, Inc. of Waltham (www.linecompanyarchitects.com) is a full-service architectural and planning firm dedicated to providing clients with the highest levels of professional service, design excellence and individual attention. The team is staffed by professionals with backgrounds in architecture, planning, housing, health care, industrial design, landscape design and the behavioral sciences.
Lexvest Partners of Lexington is a private equity real estate investment and development company. The company raises and invests between $1M and $20M of private equity capital per project into real estate development and investment projects throughout the country. Lexvest considers investments in all areas of real estate, and has built a highly reputable and recognized team of advisors to assist the company with due diligence and management of each investment.
Nauset Construction Corporation, located in Needham, Massachusetts, is a full-service construction company providing preconstruction, construction management and design-build services throughout New England. Nauset's comprehensive services capture all phases of the building construction process from the concept stages of preconstruction that include planning, program management, budgeting, design analysis, scheduling and permitting - to creative value engineering services and cost / time saving strategies - through construction and project completion. Nauset Construction provides a client-focused approach to every project and has successfully completed projects in a variety of market sectors. More information regarding Nauset Construction can be found on its website at www.nausetconstruction.com.
The Diamond Group is a full service real estate company with headquarters in Harvard Square. The firm specializes in providing its New England clients - landlords, tenants and developers - with a "boutique approach" and unparalleled service. The Diamond Group delivers these integrated real estate services to a variety of commercial and institutional clients throughout New England.