Wartburg Wins LEED Gold Certification

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. - Feb. 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Celebrating a landmark accomplishment in green multi-family affordable housing, the City of Mount Vernon’s mayor and Wartburg staff earlier this month celebrated the city’s first new construction project to be LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Attaining LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification is the nationally recognized stamp of approval to signify that a building is exemplary in conserving energy, lowering operating costs and being healthy for occupants.

Mayor Ernest D. Davis and his staff congratulated Wartburg’s leadership for obtaining a LEED for Homes Gold Certification for the Friedrichs Residence, an $11 million 4-story building of 61 affordable senior apartments on Wartburg’s campus in Mt. Vernon, NY.  Mayor Davis, while acknowledging this achievement said, “We are extremely proud that the Wartburg has received LEED Certification status. It is a clear sign of their commitment to the environment.  Also, this one act has the potential of a ripple effect, which can stabilize cost to the residents and their families.”

The building is named to honor long-time Wartburg benefactors, the late Juanita E. and Arthur M. Friedrichs of New Canaan, CT, whose $1,000,000 bequest provided the project’s initial funding.

“Wartburg is proud of its commitment to sustainable development,” said David J. Gentner, Wartburg’s President and CEO.  “As an organization, we have learned a lot from this effort, and we look forward to bringing the benefits of this experience to other building projects in the future.”

The Friedrichs Residence also participated in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Multifamily Performance Program, which secured an Energy Star rating and financial incentives for the project. “These common sense measures are expected to reduce utility expenses by 22 percent compared to a typical mid-rise apartment building,” said Ryan Herchenroether, Wartburg’s Director of Planning. “This really helps ensure the building’s long-term affordability for both Wartburg and the residents it serves.”

Wartburg is an award-winning provider of comprehensive senior services, including independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s/dementia care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and hospice care. Its 34-acre campus in Mount Vernon serves seniors and their families in southern Westchester and the northern Bronx.  Wartburg’s nursing home has been recognized by “U.S. News & World Report” as among the best nursing homes in New York State.

Photo (l to r): David Gentner, President & CEO of Wartburg; Judy Williams, Wartburg Board Member and Mt. Vernon’s Commissioner of Human Resources; Mt. Vernon Mayor Ernest D. Davis; Ryan Herchenroether, Wartburg Director of Planning.