Viridium, Luxury Apartments Developed by Schafer Richardson, Awarded Prestigious LEED® Green Building Certification

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Minneapolis-based Schafer Richardson announced that Viridium, the developer’s 139-unit luxury apartment building located at 721 North Third Street in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, has been awarded LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The LEED rating system is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. A building can achieve certification under the LEED program after undergoing a technically rigorous process, including the incorporation of green strategies to achieve efficiency and healthy indoor environments. The sound design and operation of the building is tested and measured using tools like a home energy (HERS) rating and onsite inspection.

Viridium is truly an urban oasis, focusing on strategies that create not only a healthier planet, but healthier, well-balanced people and communities. To accomplish this prestigious LEED designation, the Viridium team planned, designed, and built the mixed-use project with specific prerequisites and supplemental strategies in mind.

“Our homes are very personal spaces. Because we have been spending more time at home recently, it is even more important that we build homes and communities that are healthy and efficient spaces,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO at USGBC. “A LEED certified home like the Viridium project represents high green building standards that lowers its impact on the environment, is more energy efficient and provides improved indoor air quality and comfort.”

During construction, pollution created from construction activities were reduced through controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and airborne dust. Additionally, over 75% of the waste created from the project was recycled and diverted from landfills.

All apartment units in Viridium are compartmentalized – meaning that the air flow within each apartment unit is fresh and remains solely in the unit, helping to prevent air and odor transfers. Ventilation, specifically fresh outside air, is controlled by each unit.  The building was also designed to reduce water usage by at least 30% with low-flow fixtures and fittings, sink aerators, and water-efficient appliances inside the units and native and adaptive plantings on the exterior of the building. Additionally, the project incorporates healthy building materials that reduce occupant exposure to airborne chemical contaminants.

Residences at Viridium include studio, alcove, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment units. Interiors feature large low-e windows that bring in ample natural light, Energy Star appliances, quartz counter tops, smart cabinets, floor to ceiling windows, smart technology controls, and private balconies and outdoor patios to aid in connecting residents to the outdoors.

Building amenities at Viridium include a state-of-the-art fitness center, game lounge, wellness center with sauna and spa, an indoor winter-garden with a living wall, club room with chef’s kitchen, and a courtyard with grilling stations, firepits, and outdoor recreation areas to build community. Due to its convenient and favorable location, most residents at Viridium can accomplish errands and social activities by foot, bike, or public transportation.

Viridium opened in March of 2021 and is currently 90% leased. To learn more about the property please visit https://www.liveviridium.com/

Viridium was designed by Minneapolis-based UrbanWorks Architecture and built by Frana Companies.  Steven Scott Management is serving as the property manager.