Green Coast Enterprises: The Pythian

Background

Built in New Orleans by the Colored Knights of Pythias in 1909 and owned by Andrew Jackson Higgins during World War II, the Pythian is a building with a rich and inspired past. The historic building has been vacant since 2000 and this energy efficient rehabilitation project, led by Green Coast Enterprises, ERG Enterprises, and the Crescent City Community Land Trust, will be the first of its kind for the property. Project implementation began in November 2015 and is estimated to be completed in early 2017. Plans include constructing 69 residential units, including 27 workforce housing units set aside for health care professionals and teachers. There will be four two-story market rate units overlooking Loyola Avenue and Duncan Plaza.

The building will have 40,000 square feet of office and retail space that will house a federally qualified health clinic, a women-owned physical therapy clinic, shared offices for non-profits, and a ground-floor festival public market/restaurant space.

Solutions

With a goal of obtaining LEED® Silver certification, Green Coast plans to implement an energy and water reduction strategy, in addition to a focus on indoor air quality. Green Coast’s strategy was formed through a collaboration between their in-house LEED expert and a local energy efficiency contractor.

The Pythian is situated within a district energy pipeline called Enwave. This pipeline will provide the building with chilled water to air condition and heat the building efficiently. As much as possible, Green Coast will use local building materials and low-emitting materials to reduce harmful chemical emissions within the building. Green Coast also will install energy efficient lighting, appliances, and low-flow water fixtures in every unit.

Energy and water conservation measures include:

Energy-efficient LED and CFL lighting
Design for residential units optimizes day lighting
Operable windows
Insulation: R-15 and R-30 foam board insulation along the roof
ENERGY STAR® appliances
Low-flow water fixtures for toilets, sinks, and showers

Additional highlights:

Low-emitting materials that improve air quality – adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, floors, etc.
Adaptive re-use of an historic structure and materials within the building: reclaimed wood floors in the loft units, re-use of the concrete flooring, existing stairwells and exposed brick wall
Green living wall
Very walkable location
Transit-oriented location, across the street from the Street Car line and near the major bus transfer hub
Bike storage and easy access to the bike path

ANNUAL ENERGY USE

ANNUAL ENERGY COST

ANNUAL WATER USE

ANNUAL WATER COST

ANNUAL PLANT ELECTRICITY USE

ANNUAL PLANT ELECTRICITY COST

IN BUILDING ENERGY USE

IN BUILDING ENERGY COST

ACROSS NETWORK USE

ACROSS NETWORK COST

ANNUAL EMISSIONS

USE

COST

The Pythian pre-construction

The Pythian post-construction (rendering)

Green Coast Enterprises: The Pythian

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The Pythian pre-construction

The Pythian post-construction (rendering)