Isakson Barnhart joins USGBC

Isakson Barnhart Properties, LLC has jointed the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC is a non-profit organization committed to expanding sustainable building practices.

The mission of the USGBC is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.

The USGBC is composed of more than 15,000 organizations from across the building industry that are working to advance structures that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. Members includes building owners and end-users, real estate developers, facility managers, architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, product and building system manufacturers, government agencies, and nonprofits.

Isakson Barnhart Properties developed the Site Smart program, a four-hour certification program to use in training construction superintendents and equipment operators on the role of trees in the environment and best practices for tree preservation, in partnership with the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) and the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Peachtree Hills Place, an upscale residential community in Buckhead for people ages 55 and older seeking a secure, independent lifestyle, was the pilot development for the program. The program included training superintendents and equipment operators on ecology issues, focusing on water quality, the role of trees in protecting the environment and best practices in tree preservation. Isakson Barnhart/Peachtree Hills Place hopes to extend the program to the state’s development community as well.

The membership is also a fit because of the conservation-centered decisions made throughout the development process at Peachtree Hills, including the preservation of 50 percent of the trees on its 23-acre site in the middle of Buckhead. Five acres of the property will be deeded over to the City of Atlanta, maintained as green space and include a nature trail. Additional park space and green areas will be established to maximize the open space on the site.

In order to maintain the aesthetics of the existing neighborhood, the developers have worked with the Peachtree Hills Civic Association, and all parking for the development will be located underground. Energy-efficient HVAC systems will be utilized and compact fluorescent lighting will be installed. Much of the existing structure on the site that has been demolished will remain on site as fill material, diverting it from local landfills. The community is also highly walkable, located on a MARTA bus line, employees will be encouraged to use public transportation and walk to nearby restaurants, shops and parks.

When completed, Peachtree Hills Place, located in Buckhead in the heart of metro Atlanta, will include 274 independent residences – consisting of 266 villas and eight single-family homes – and 36 skilled nursing and memory care suites. Assisted living care will also be offered on site. All Peachtree Hills Place members will enjoy a full slate of amenities, on-site retail establishments, dining, full service spa, and fitness center.

Isakson Barnhart is Georgia’s developer of nationally recognized, award-winning residential communities for those age 55 and over. The company’s vision to provide amenity-rich, independent living for discerning adults was born out of the personal experiences of the family of Ed and Julia Isakson after their difficult search for a community that would provide an active lifestyle combined with on-site health care. For more information, visit www.peachtreehillsplace.com or call (404) 467-4900.