PREIT’s 801 Market Street building earns LEED Gold

Philadelphia Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) said it was recently awarded the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Core and Shell (LEED-CS) Gold Certification for 801 Market Street, the historic Strawbridge & Clothier building in downtown Philadelphia.

801 Market Street is one of the first historic buildings in Philadelphia to obtain Gold Level LEED certification.

The rehabilitation of 801 Market Street, which was originally constructed as two adjoining buildings in 1902 and 1929, was driven by the goals of historic preservation and sustainability, according to PREIT. The project incorporated green design and construction techniques such as water efficiency, efficient energy usage, recycled materials, local resources, CO? emissions reduction, and indoor environmental quality.

PREIT led the redevelopment along with BLT Architects, Shoemaker/Synterra a joint venture, John Milner Associates, and C.B. Development Services.

“A major goal for the project was to include environmentally friendly concepts while preserving the building’s historic character,” said Chris Mrozinski, VP PREIT. “In addition to achieving the LEED Gold Level certification, we obtained federal historic tax credits for the rehabilitation project. Only a handful of buildings in Philadelphia hold these accomplishments.” 

The property’s LEED features include a new roof with white roofing material that reflects heat, restrooms with water-saving fixtures that reduce water usage by more than 40%, energy-saving HVAC systems that provide fresh air via a heat exchanger, and numerous measures to protect indoor air quality during construction.