A seven-building complex spanning two blocks, the Allston Green District was created in response to Boston’s adoption of Green Building Zoning in 2007, which called for reduced emissions, increased sustainability, and all buildings more than 50,000 square feet to meet specific LEED standards. Located along Brainerd Road, Commonwealth Avenue and Griggs Street, the District consists of three retrofitted apartment buildings, an updated retail space, and three new, high-profile residential projects. The first of these projects, The Element, was designed by The Architectural Team Inc., a Chelsea, Mass.-based architectural design and master planning firm specializing in sustainable design and urban revitalization. It stands at 65 Brainerd Road and opened its doors to residents on July 1, 2012.
“The Element was meant to be a contemporary, urban loft building,” said Jim Podesky, AIA, senior project manager of The Architectural Team. “Before its construction, the site contained a run-down auto repair facility — not the best use of the property. When The Mount Vernon Company acquired the site, it was its first big step into the green world, and it wanted to go whole-heartedly green. It’s all part of a sustainable-building movement that’s taking place in Boston.”