Baton Rouge Achieves LEED Silver with $28M The High Grove Luxury Apartments

By Eliza Theiss, Associate Editor

New Orleans- and New York-headquartered The Domain Companies has announced the LEED Silver certification of The High Grove, making the 192-unit development the first luxury apartment project in Baton Rouge to achieve such a status.

“From day one, we’ve been dedicated to bringing green, sustainable design and construction to The High Grove,” says Chris Papamichael, co-founder of The Domain Companies. “LEED Silver Certification means energy and cost savings for our residents, recognition for the larger Baton Rouge community, and a reduced impact to the environment.

Green features at The High Grove, include solar panels that cover 15 to 20 percent of the community’s energy needs, Energy Star appliances, water efficient fixtures, 90 percent efficiency hot water heaters, reflective roof materials to reduce the heat island effect, 14.5 SEER AC systems, water-conservative landscaping. Special attention was accorded to indoor air quality. Overall, the environmentally conscious features make The High Grove 22 percent more energy efficient than comparable buildings and account for three percent of the $28 million construction budget.

According to Papamichael the local population has proven very receptive to green community.

“The Baton Rouge market understands the benefits LEED Silver Certification provides, both to the bottom line and to the environment as a whole,” he tells MHN, adding that Domain’s hope is that The High Grove will serve as an example for future residential projects.

The success of the community, expected to be fully leased by late May, paired with the surging economy of Louisiana, has prompted Domain to plan further investments in the Baton Rouge market.

“Domain is very excited about the opportunities in Baton Rouge, and specifically within The Grove, a 119-acre master-planned Traditional Neighborhood Development. We’re currently planning our next phase at The Grove, which we believe will further the success we’ve achieved with The High Grove and within the Baton Rouge marketplace,” Papamichael says.

Located in The Grove, across from the Mall of Louisiana, The High Grove comprises one- and two-bedroom apartments, live/work spaces and 25,000 square feet of retail space dubbed The Boutiques at The High Grove. Developed by The Domain Companies, the community was built by general contractor ICI Construction of Dallas. Also from Dallas was project architect Humphreys and Partners as well as Oak Grove Capital, which provided a $23 million loan for the project through HUD’s 221D4 program, while the remaining $5 million was covered by private equity.

Amenities at luxury community include, among many, a resort-style pool, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, fitness center, yoga studio, cybercafé, chef’s kitchen, game room with Wii, a Building Link system that notifies residents of packages, dry cleaning, and valet services as well as a unique “MyDomain” social media-based platform for online rent payment, maintenance requests, home design services, residents’ event calendar and a discount card for a bevy of local businesses. The community is also adjacent to a new public bike path set to finish soon. Apartment amenities include everything from granite countertops and high-end appliances to walk-in closets and full-size washer and dryers. Rents start at $1,025 for a one-bedroom unit and $1,495 for a two-bedroom apartment.

The retail component of The High Grove is pedestrian friendly, featuring wide sidewalks and outdoor seating. Initial tenants include Woodhouse Spa and Open Barre fitness center, with additional food/beverage and services retailers expected to move in throughout 2014.

As previously reported by MHN, the community started welcoming its first residents in October 2013. The Domain Companies is also developing the $200 million South Market mixed-use residential retail project in downtown New Orleans (details here).

Images courtesy of The Domain Companies