Image: Courtesy, Southyard
A Fayetteville development has received the state’s first three-star Fitwel rating for its design.
According to a press release issued last week, Specialized Real Estate’s South Yard Development received the certification for its South Yard Development, now under construction at 404 W Streamside Bnd.
Fitwel was created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and U.S. General Services Administration, and is now operated by The Center for Active Design.
Fitwel certification, according to their website “is a rigorous, third-party healthy building certi cation system that sets the industry standard for evidence-based strategies to promote human health and well-being through the built environment.”
South Yard was evaluated on 55 design and operational strategies “that enhance buildings by addressing a broad range of health behaviors and risks,” they said. An indoor air quality pledge, using no VOC materials, Transit stops that encourage active transportation, a designated display to post community events, and training employees in emergency preparedness are a few steps the company took to earn the certification.
“We are thrilled to have another first in Arkansas,” said Specialized CEO Jeremy Hudson in a press release. “South Yard Lofts will be a cornerstone of Fayetteville, and what better way to join the neighborhood than a certification that exemplifies our dedication to our residents and community’s well-being.”
South Yard is a mixed used development located on the site formerly home to the Farmers’ Cooperative at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and S. School Avenue. The development, once complete will include the South Yard Lofts apartments, along with space for restaurants, retail, offices, and other amenities.
For a bit more information about the Fitwel certification, visit fitwel.org.
