The Lofts of Washington University Receives LEED Platinum Certification

The Lofts of Washington University has been awarded LEED Platinum Certification from the United States Green Building Council. The project received 84 total points out of only 80 required to achieve platinum, the highest level of certification. This 167-unit student housing and retail complex located in the Delmar Loop area of University City, Missouri, features a United Provisions grocery store and the 24-hour Peacock Loop Diner. The $80 million project was built on 4.5 acres which were previously occupied by underutilized buildings and surface parking.

Together with the University, the project team was striving for platinum certification throughout the design and construction process. Cole’s contribution includes working closely with Paric, the General Contractor, on pollution prevention during construction. In addition, Cole utilized a creative approach to stormwater management with a 25,000 gallon cistern to harvest rain water, several rain gardens for bioretention, and assisted DTLS Landscape Studio on a green roof. Cole has been involved in many LEED Certified projects on the Washington University campus, but this is the first LEED Platinum Certification for both Cole and the University.

Designed to minimize impact on the environment while creating healthy spaces for people, it is anticipated that the project will be 46 percent more efficient than standard construction. Architects Tao + Lee and William Rawn Associates are responsible for the solar thermal panels which heat 25 percent of the buildings’ hot water, solar photovoltaic cells providing 10 percent of the electrical needs, and exterior aluminum sunshades serving as both a cooling element and a unique design feature.

The Lofts is the first model of its kind for Washington University. The mix of uses brings new amenities to the neighborhood and has created a positive dramatic change for the Delmar Loop built environment.

AMC Theatre Opens this Month at Streets of St. Charles

The Streets of St. Charles continues to flourish into a premier mixed-use community. Among the latest entertainment offerings for residents and visitors is the AMC Theatre opening this month. A 40,000 square-foot theatre complex with eight (8) screens makes up this new movie going experience and adds to the state-of-the-art amenity options on the property. The theatre is adjacent to a 1,250-space parking garage and is part of a 400,000 square-foot multi-use building that is currently under construction – the latest phase of development at Streets of St. Charles.

Cole is proud to have been a part of the overall project since its onset and is excited to see the latest attraction come to life. Our civil engineering and design services on the AMC Theatre included the planning and layout of the building, grading and storm sewer design, utility coordination, and construction administration. Cole’s landscape architecture team was responsible for extending the layout of the theatre entrance plaza and the incorporation of existing design elements for a display wall, in addition to continued streetscape design, site furnishings, and plantings. As both consultants and tenants, we look forward to future growth and development at Streets of St. Charles.

The Roxton Grand Opening

Cole is pleased to announce the opening of The Roxton in Denton, Texas. The Grand Opening Celebration will be held on Oct 16 from 5pm-7pm.  The property underwent rehabilitation in late 2012 with the assistance of a HTC (Housing Tax Credit) award from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Cole’s duties included analysis of existing infrastructure and design of replacement infrastructure, project phasing, coordination of platting and permitting, landscape architecture, and construction phase services for the 120 affordable housing unit property.

The Roxton (formerly Singing Oaks) represents just one of several HTC projects designed by Cole. Our experience with Housing Tax Credits includes numerous projects in North Texas and Louisiana.  We’ve helped complete over 2,500 multi-family units in 13 different communities.  Projects have included new construction, phased reconstruction, and over 600 senior assisted living units. Whether our clients are applying for competitive or non-competitive housing tax credits, we can help with pre-application site selection all the way through entitlements, design, and construction.

Cole is providing HTC engineering consultant services for additional projects on the boards in the state of Texas including Amberwood in Longview, a 78 unit property on 6.8 acres slated for completion this year; Saige Meadows in Tyler; Summit Parque in Dallas; and Abbington Meadows in Howe. We wish all of our clients luck in the upcoming TDHCA tax credit selection process for 2014.

Stribling Hall Receives LEED Silver Certification

Stribling Hall at the Missouri Military Academy (MMA) has recently been awarded LEED Silver Certification by the United States Green Building Council. Cole worked with M+H Architects on the demolition of existing Stribling Hall and construction of a new 6,000 SF building and improvements to the main entry of the campus and drop-off area. Cole’s contribution to LEED Certification included a stormwater pollution prevention plan, calculations for dedicated open space, drought tolerant native landscape design, and a tree shadow study complete with the selection of highly reflective paving materials. Our additional responsibilities included site grading, storm and sanitary sewer design, AutoTurn analysis, and consultant coordination for geothermal well layout and associated piping.

Ensuring that our projects endure through smart and skillful design and implementation is an intrinsic part of what we do here at Cole. Whether it’s water quality, material reuse, or energy efficient construction methods, we incorporate sustainable practices wherever possible. Our success lies in allowing sustainable elements to drive design decisions and subsequently integrate seamlessly with the built project. Stribling Hall, which was completed in early 2012, is the 10th LEED Certified project on which Cole has worked and the second on the MMA campus.

Cole’s Commitment to Licensure

For years, our partnerships have taken us to places beyond our regional borders. Regardless of location, Cole has always sought opportunity in new markets that are relationship driven and value unique, quality design, and progressive technology; which is synonymous with the Cole brand. Today we find ourselves working extensively throughout the United States on environmentally sensitive land developments and infrastructure projects.

With a staff licensed in nearly 40 states and a portfolio of projects representing a considerable national presence, Cole is committed to becoming an expert in virtually any part of the country. Along with the flexibility and knowledge required to work on substantial sites in many states comes the responsibility and commitment of continuing education. We are proud that our staff places a major emphasis on obtaining and maintaining licensure. In 2012 alone, eight of our staff members obtained licenses in 15 new states. As growth plans for 2013 and beyond come to fruition, we will continue to add to our portfolio of licenses. Currently our staff represents:

• Professional Engineers Registered in 36 States.

• Professional Landscape Architects Registered in 17 States.

• Professional Land Surveyors Registered in 7 States.

Tucson ATD Distribution Center Opening

The American Tire Distributors (ATD) regional distribution center opened this month in Tucson, Arizona. This is the latest of several openings across the country over the past year as ATD expands operations in response to rapid growth.  Cole worked with developer/builder BC Construction Group to bring this project to fruition along with others in Grand Junction and Colorado Springs, Colorado, as well as Casper, Wyoming.

Cole provided concept planning, civil engineering, and landscape architecture for the ATD site in Tucson. Stormwater management services included detention and the design of a public water main loop. Cole also designed a sanitary sewer main extension to serve the entire planned industrial park. Access points and connections to the public roadway system were planned for proposed future development. In addition, Cole managed the relocation and mitigation of protected cacti under the City of Tucson Native Plant Preservation Ordinance.

In total, Cole has been and will be involved in over 15 American Tire Distributors projects. Next up is the ATD distribution center in Londonderry, New Hampshire. It’s on track for an early 2013 opening.

Cole Launches New Website

Our 2012 was kicked off with the launch of the new Cole website. We are pleased that you have found your way to it! We have refined the look of colestl.com to support our mission of taking quality to the next level and showing the industry our design-centric side. Among the updates, you’ll find a sophisticated feel and fresh take on our services and design solutions. It was created to provide a unique user experience and demonstrate a continued focus on client communications and partnership building. The new website is meant to have a strong impact and distinguished web presence that sets us apart in the industry and compels our clients to take note.