Tampa, Florida: Mixed Use Space Green Infrastructure

Posted on November 7, 2018 by jehollow

City: Tampa
Country / US State / US Territory: Florida
Type of Solution: Buildings and Housing
Climate Impact: N/A
Social Value Created: Public safety; public health; benefits vulnerable communities (including low-income and elderly populations); education; arts and culture; redevelopment
Cost: $2 billion
Financing: $28 million stimulus grant

A unique mixed-use redevelopment in Tampa Florida. The development includes a combination of multifamily housing, senior housing, retail, and office space that meets the criteria for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. All of the housing is also classified as “affordable” housing. Previously, the space was a public housing development that was isolated from the broader community. The new development will increase community connectivity.

Green infrastructure is a major feature of the new development, helping to manage stormwater. A 33,000 cubic foot water-retention vault is being installed 12 feet underground. The vault is a very unique stormwater management system, collecting and treating water using nutrient separating baffle boxes and sediment chambers to remove pollutants from the water. Then, the water is stored and used for irrigation on-site. Any water exceeding the vault’s capacity is treated and released to Tampa Bay.

The site also includes permeable pavers and native plants, increasing groundwater infiltration of stormwater and reducing water demands landscaping. Additionally, there is a 16,000 square foot Technology Park above the stormwater vault that includes educational kiosks, solar public art, and the district chiller.

Sources:
Burgess, K. et al. (2017). Harvesting the value of water: stormwater, green infrastructure, and real estate. Washington, D.C.: Urban Land Institute, 2017. Retrieved from https://developingresilience.uli.org/case/the-avenue/.

Langlie, K. (August 19, 2016). Health, green affordable housing in downtown Tampa celebrates Earth Day. Retrieved from http://www.83degreesmedia.com/features/encoretampa04916.aspx.

Boston, Massachusetts: Architectural College Green Alley Initiative

Posted on November 6, 2018 by jehollow

City: Boston
Country / US State / US Territory: Massachusetts
Type of Solution: Green Infrastructure
Climate Impact: Social Value Created: Education; water security and quality

The Boston Architectural College (BAC) completed a green alley demonstration project on its campus. The green alley uses permeable paving that allows water to infiltrate into the ground, filtering pollutants out of the water and recharging the groundwater, contributing to water security and quality. BAC plans to connect the Green Alley to the geothermal well system on campus to support the campus’ use of renewable energy and achieve the net zero energy goal.

The green alley also serves education purposes, educating faculty, staff, and students, as well as for the general public, on the benefits and design of green infrastructure.