Noisette Sustainability Report - 2007 by CityCrafting

OUR JOURNEY TO

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

July 24, 2008 Letter from the Mayor I write to share my perspective with those who read the attached Sustainability Report. In the late 1990s, as we began to emerge from the effects of base closure, the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern neighborhoods lagged well behind the rest. Young singles and married couples did not choose to live in the neighborhoods where they grew up. Real Estate values were stagnant, attracting very little new investment. Tax revenue declines had to be reversed. Quality of life needed to make giant strides even with limited resources. The Noisette District includes not only the north end of the former Naval Base, but also many of the neighborhoods within the boundaries of the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original incorporation. The Noisette District is a city project that focuses on five specific problem areas along with possibilities for improving business corridors along many of our major roads. Today, all specified areas are being redeveloped as we continue to attract new businesses. Today, our city is one of the up and coming places to live in the Lowcountry. At the start, no one other than the Noisette Company shared and was willing to invest in our vision. Now, other developers, companies and the Charleston County School District have joined in to invest in sustainability in our city. By any measure, the changes have created a more healthy, livable and vital community. I am extremely proud that people are choosing North Charleston as a place to live. We were honored to be recognized in the July/August 2008 Cottage Living Magazine with the Noisette Area acclaimed as one of its national top ten neighborhoods for the year. It is with a great deal of satisfaction that I look back over the past ten years of progress, and look forward with confidence to many more tangible successes. Sincerely,

R. Keith Summey Mayor

The Noisette Company is committed to creating a future where decisions are made to achieve Triple Bottom Line outcomes. We believe that the most durable communities are those that have contributed to a common vision, and that a truly sustainable culture starts with the health of our ecological, life support, and social systems as a highest priority. Our Journey to Sustainability chronicles the first seven years of The Noisette Company’s journey in sustainable urban community redevelopment. The Noisette Project is the manifestation of a partnership with the City of North Charleston—the third largest city in South Carolina. Out of that partnership, we are bringing the North Charleston Noisette Community Master Plan to life. The North Charleston Noisette Community Master Plan process analyzed the condition and potential of the Noisette community. The Plan aimed to address a dysfunctional system characterized by low student performance, high crime, unhealthy buildings, and degraded natural systems, among other ills. Over a two-year period, hundreds of meetings involving thousands of residents created a Master Plan that takes responsibility for the social, environmental and economic health of the community. It lays out a series of strategies, goals, and specific criteria for measuring performance, and recommends a new series of institutions to focus on creating a long-term sustainable culture. While creating the Master Plan, it became evident that a wide range of individuals and organizations would need to come together to be successful in advancing the New American City. Thus, one role of The Noisette Company is as catalyst; to help grow the capacity of partners to build a sustainable culture, to communicate the vision, leading the planning efforts, and inspire others to invest their time and resources. The number and diversity of partners that have joined us are key measurable outcomes of the success of our efforts. Also important is The Noisette Company’s role as investor in long-standing sustainable communities. We take direct responsibility for implementing the Master Plan objectives within the Navy Yard, and share the responsibility with our partners of realizing the vision within the larger Noisette community. We are proud to tell this story and identify the many partners that have joined us on this journey to building a “Sustainability City”—one that is socially just, respects and protects our ecological systems, restores our intuitive understanding of our natural world and its benefits to our human health, and creates a sustainable economy that allows access and opportunity to all in our community. Sincerely,

John L. Knott, Jr.

Jim Augustin

Co-Founder

INTRODUCTION

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

REVITALIZATION: The 3,000 Acre Noisette Community

REDEVELOPMENT: The Navy Yard Development Asset and Property Management Events and Community

18 19 24 27

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

NEXT STEPS

Appendix

RECONNECTING: New Institutional Framework Introduction to the Framework Noisette Foundation HUB Academy Michaux Conservancy Sustainability Institute Community Association and Business District Association

28 29 30 30 32 33 35

Appendix A – Master Plan Summary

Appendix B – Timeline

Appendix C – Green Cleaning Program

Appendix D – Oak Terrace Preserve LID Stormwater Mgmt

Appendix E – Visit Our Office

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We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t taken the time to share with you how what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been doing lives up to what we committed to do in our journey to sustainability. This Report highlights examples of how The Noisette Company has been bringing the North Charleston Noisette Community Master Plan to life on a daily basis. The past few years have found us wearing many hats in order to incrementally meet milestones in the sustainable revitalization of the Noisette community. The work weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ve undertaken is listed below and on the following page:

8&Âľ7& #&&/ #64: Too busy in fact.

Revitalization of the 3,000-acre Noisette Community Rebreathe life into the historic city center and become a model for sustainable city development.

Creation of a new Institutional Framework to grow a sustainable culture Creating independent non-profit organizations working within the existing Noisette community and beyond to support a long-term sustainable culture and invest in its social, environmental and economic health.

Redevelopment of the Navy Yard.

In this first Sustainability Report, we point out important achievements in the three key areas.

The Noisette Company is the master developer for The Navy Yard at Noisette, a 340-acre portion of the former Charleston Naval Base.

We also highlight the projects that we think are truly sustainable because of their attentiveness to the overlap of People/Planet/Prosperity. Because that’s not something we can do by dividing this report into 3 sections, we’ve structured the report as follows:

For this effort, The Noisette Company has several distinct roles: MASTER DEVELOPER , designing and implementing the vision, vertical development and infrastructure zoning for the 340-acre Navy Yard at Noisette PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, leasing & maintaining existing buildings and properties to more than 65 businesses COMMUNITY BUILDER , sharing the Noisette vision and reconnecting the community with the former Naval Base through tours, programs, outings and events

In the Executive Summary, we concisely describe the impetus for the Noisette Project, the prevailing conditions in 2001 and the turnaround that has followed. In the three sections that follow, we highlight our accomplishments in: 1) revitalization of the Noisette community 2) redevelopment of The Navy Yard

Noisette believes as strongly now as since its 3) creation of a new Institutional Framework inception that sustainability means considering At the beginning of each of those sections is a closer look the current and long-term future impact of each decision on social needs, environmental health, and economic vitality, a Triple Bottom Line Philosophy. In all that we do, Noisette strives to make all decisions at the “sweet spot”, the overlap of these three key areas.

at the people, ideas and efforts that exemplify sustainability in our community. In this report, we illustrate how we have truly integrated sustainability into our practices – how we’ve landed in the “sweet spot” of the intersection of all three circles.

“We abuse the land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see the land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”

— Aldo Leopold

&9&$65*7& 46.."3: Over the past seven years, the Noisette community has experienced an exceptional revitalization. In March 2001, the median income within the 3,000-acre footprint was 50% of that of the entire state of South Carolina. The area’s home ownership rate was 32%, and property values were flat or declining for 20 years. Houses sold for $54 per square foot, and were on the market

Community Recovery Today, five areas totaling 550 acres identified as “top priority” are under redevelopment. Home ownership is above 45%, and housing has

for an average of 270 days. Commercial land was selling for $40-50,000 per acre, and the East Montague business district

appreciated to $160 per square foot. Commercial

was 70% vacant. School drop-out rates were high and the local school district was transferring assets out of the area due to

land sells for $230-500,000 acre, and the East

a declining school age population. 70% of the city’s reported crime took place within the Noisette community and several

Montague business district is 90% leased, including two spas, ten restaurants, a live community theater,

adjacent neighborhoods. The closed Naval Base was 100% under Federal ownership, producing no property taxes and struggling to replace 6,400 direct civilian jobs, 14,200 stationed military personnel, and untold indirect losses.

garden shop and art and antique galleries. The new North Charleston Elementary School is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)™ Certified school in South Carolina. LEED™ standards have been adopted by Charleston County School District for all schools. The North

Charleston

Noisette

Community

Master Plan, recipient of the ASLA Award of Excellence was completed and accepted by the North Charleston City Council.

An “off-

base” community improvement tax increment financing (TIF) district has been approved and used to fund projects such as major corridor streetscape improvements. Over $500 million in private and public investment is committed

North Charleston Riverfront Park

and scheduled to occur within the next three to five years in the Noisette community and The Navy Yard at Noisette re-development.

&9&$65*7& 46.."3:

Naval Base Transformed

million tax increment financing plan has been approved

entry initiatives have saved South Carolina taxpayers over

The Noisette Company has created a hub of businesses

to issue bonds to fund new infrastructure including

$50,000 per person in direct costs and untold indirect

and institutions employing over 1,200 people in 80,000

the recently completed 15-acre Riverfront Park. In

costs because of the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exceptional recidivism

s.f. of new and renovated office space, 40,000 s.f. in a

addition to The Navy Yard at Noisette, the former naval

rate. Restoration of the Noisette Creek Preserve is an

Building Arts and Design Center and over 850,000 s.f.

base is now home to the Clemson University Restoration

ongoing science project for the 14 area schools whose

of flex/warehouse space. Through a program of building

Institute which is located immediately adjacent to the

students receive hands-on experience in watershed

improvements and business aggregation strategies, over

Navy Yard on an 86-acre tract donated by the City of

research and repair. More than 1,000 community

65 businesses and non-profit organizations call the Navy

North Charleston. Other areas of the base have attracted

residents have saved over $400,000 on utility bills and

Yard home, most of which have a sustainable focus. The

2,500 new government sector jobs in addition to 1,800

have healthier, more valuable homes because of access

Noisette Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investments have attracted other

jobs in a revitalized ship repair yard and light industrial

to energy conservation workshops and energy kits.

investors and developers like WPC Engineers (Parcel

park including 35 mid and high-tech businesses.

28) and Lead Dog Properties (Parcel 2.3 - NH68). A $165

Sustainable Culture In realizing sustainability is about more than green buildings, and the Noisette community will remain far beyond build-out of the Navy Yard, we have cultivated a framework of organizations and initiatives designed to grow and support sustainable communities. Through Navy Yard land sale transfer fees (in perpetuity) and in-

Ultimately, we believe that success should be measured by the current and long-term social, environmental and economic health of all citizens of the community. Demonstrated progress has been achieved working towards these goals through 2007. Supporting details and background information are highlighted in more detail throughout this report.

kind donations, the company has established a sustainable funding stream to support the development of healthy, regenerative community pathways. A business academy for historically underutilized businesses has graduated 51 specialty contractors in two years. The Noisette

Art Exhibit

Foundation has catalyzed thousands of volunteer hours in the community, and its groundbreaking prisoner re-

Hull Turning Party

1996 Comprehensive Plan. As a result of this meeting, the Mayor invited The Noisette Company founders to continue investigating the potential of implementing a vision that integrated both objectives.

Over the next three years, The Noisette Company founders, along with a nationally recognized design team, evolved this project at the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request from a

3&7*5"-*;"5*0/

The 3,000-acre Noisette Community

5 square block area to the present Noisette community footprint of almost 3,000 acres. The City, recognizing the uniqueness of the Noisette team, announced in March 2001 the formation of an innovative partnership with the The Noisette Company. Accompanying this announcement was a City Pledge by the Mayor and City Council describing what the City was committing to accomplish. The City also outlined its desire and

Background on the Noisette Project:

in the Cityâ&#x20AC;? could be brought to North Charleston.

The Noisette Project and the creation of the North

Dewees Island has received numerous awards and

Charleston Noisette Community Master Plan is

is recognized internationally as one of the leading

part of a journey that started in December of 1997,

sustainable communities in the U.S.

commitment to become a model for sustainable city redevelopment.

when No r t h Cha rl e s to n City C o u n ci l m e m b e r Kurt Taylor asked if the vision we had for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dewees

In March of 1998, Kurt Taylor invited Jim Augustin and John Knott, Noisette co-founders, to meet with Mayor

Our vision: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Redevelop an existing portion of a City to create a tangible example,

Summey to discuss ideas for a sustainable urban

a place that incorporates the Principles of Sustainability in

redevelopment. The Mayor and Kurt Taylor shared

residences, commercial buildings, and public areas to improve

the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision for a re-energized and revitalized

the economy, quality of community, and the environment.â&#x20AC;?

North Charleston and the goals described in the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

3&7*5"-*;"5*0/ 5)& "$3& /0*4&55& $0..6/*5:

The desired outcome expressed by the City was:

Partners on the Journey While The Noisette Company does not have any real

It has never been the intention of The Noisette

estate ownership interest outside the Navy Yard, the

Company to redevelop the 3,000-acre area. Rather,

SYNERGIZE all Quality of Life efforts within the

Company led the creation of the North Charleston

the Company desires to be a catalyst for change by

Southern portion of the City

Noisette Community Master Plan for the 3,000 acre

raising the standard for development projects within

Noisette community. In addition, the Company solely

the Noisette area. Obviously, The Noisette Company

funded the research and production of the Master

has a direct interest in the redevelopment of the Navy

Plan. The combined needs of revitalization of the

Yard, but the Company goes back to the old saying that

Noisette area and the redevelopment of the Navy

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A rising tide floats all boats.â&#x20AC;? At the end of the day, we

Position North Charleston nationally as a

Yard required an overarching master plan that would

welcome developers, businesses and residents who

SUSTAINABLE urban center

integrate the two pieces.

invest in the vision of the North Charleston Noisette

REBREATH LIFE into the historic city center

CATALYZE economic growth Build financial VITALITY for the southern end of the City

Community Master Plan.

To guide the revitalization of the Noisette community, and the redevelopment of the Navy Yard, the Noisette Company produced a Master Plan for the 3,000 acre area (See Appendix A). The Master Plan described five strategies of the project:

Having an accepted master plan is crucial to guide future growth in a sustainable manner. While the Noisette community had seen better economic times than it was experiencing in 2001, optimism abounded due to the strong sense of community and potential opportunities

FUNDAMENTALS of Socially Durable Communities

regarding redevelopment. In other cities, experience

The information on pages 11 & 12 identifies some of the developers and businesses who have joined us in our journey to create a sustainable future. Some of the projects, like Oak Terrace Preserve and The Navy Yard, have direct

has shown that when depressed urban and suburban

involvement by The Noisette Company. The remaining

areas turnaround, it happens very quickly. Often times,

projects have varying degrees of indirect involvement. One

the turnaround occurs so quickly, it takes the city or

thing is clear: No matter who is developing projects within

Measurement and RESEARCH of Outcomes

neighborhood by surprise.

The result is a flood of

the Noisette community, most of these projects are achieving

INTEGRATED RESTORATION

development projects that have not been well thought

success when judged against the principles set forth in the

SUSTAINABLE Funding of Cities 21st CENTURY Architecture

out or integrated.

Master Plan and the Triple Bottom Line philosophy.

3&7*5"-*;"5*0/ 5)& "$3& /0*4&55& $0..6/*5: 12

Oak Terrace Preserve Half Moon Outfitters Bldg LEED Platinum

Sustainability Institute

East Montague Streetscape Improvements

North Charleston Elementary LEED Silver

North Charleston Riverfront Park

Mixson Project - The Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;on Group

Horizon Village - NCHA

Partners who have joined us in our journey to create a sustainable future. PARTNER

PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

CITY OF NORTH CHARLESTON

Oak Terrace Preserve; 55 Acres; Projected $85,000,000 total investment (estimated assuming approx. 300 homes at $250,000 avg value; 70 townhomes at $150,000 avg )

Phase 1 infrastructure complete with over 50 houses built or under construction

East Montague Streetscape; Approx. half mile corridor; $3,000,000

Infrastructure and streetscape improvements

The Navy Yard at Noisette; 340 Acres; $165,000,000 infrastructure commitment; Projected 20 year investment > $1 billion.

Urban Heart of the New American City

AND THE NOISETTE COMPANY

CITY OF NORTH CHARLESTON

THE NOISETTE COMPANY

Cutting edge sustainable development utilizing low-impact stormwater management and mandatory Earthcraft Home Standard

Installation of native plant species

LEED Neighborhood Development Pilot Project Detailed description in Navy Yard section of this report

NORTH CHARLESTON HOUSING AUTHORITY

Horizon Village; 68 Acres; $60,000,000 investment

Leveraged $30,000,000 HOPE VI grant to redevelop North Park Village into a new 482-home neighborhood. Affordable, market-rate, rental and for-sale housing Worked within North Charleston Noisette Community Master Plan to integrate natural areas as part of Noisette Creek Preserve

CHARLESTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

14 schools serving the Noisette community; $120,000,000 in bonds approved and committed to schools within Noisette area

Built first LEED Certified school (Silver), in South Carolina: $12.9 million North Charleston Elementary School Adopted LEED as base standard for new school construction in the Noisette Area

3&7*5"-*;"5*0/ 5)& "$3& /0*4&55& $0..6/*5: 14 PARTNER

PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

THE Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ON GROUP

Mixson Approx. 45 Acres

Purchased 45-acre John C. Calhoun Homes site to be redeveloped as a dense, mixed use neighborhood with approximately 900 homes Adopted Energy Star and set goal for LEED Homes Silver certification

THE BEACH COMPANY

GARCO site Approx. 40 Acres

Brownfield redevelopment, former asbestos plant Plans call for mixed-use development creating connection to East Montague and Durant Avenues

HUNLEY WATERS DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Hunley Waters 17 Acres Approx. $10,000,000

Building 36 homes to Earthcraft

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Clemson University Restoration Institute 86 Acres ($38,000,000 land value)

Developing R&D and technology transfer campus focused on six areas

$10,000,000 initial start-up commitment. $9,000,000 additional private and public commitments for biofuel research center.

and Energy Star standard

of the Restoration Economy 1) Advanced Materials

4) Renewable Energy

2) Community Revitalization

5) Resilient Infrastructure

3) Historic Preservation and Materials Conservation

6) Restoration Ecology

MICHAUX CONSERVANCY AND THE CITY OF NORTH CHARLESTON

Noisette Creek Preserve 135 Acres $30,000,000

Restoration of Noisette Creek

inpotential funding sources identified for restoration.

Further described in the Noisette Creek Master Plan, December 2005

HALF MOON OUTFITTERS

Rehabilitated Storefront on East Montague Avenue

First LEED Platinum building in South Carolina New office headquarters for regional Half Moon Outfitters retail operation

15 3&7*5"-*;"5*0/ 5)& "$3& /0*4&55& $0..6/*5:

Oak Terrace Preserve

Oak Terrace Preserve Highlights: Development activity commenced in mid 2006 and Phase I infrastructure was complete in mid 2007. In 2007, over 3,400 cubic yards of construction waste (95% of the total by weight) was recycled and therefore diverted from landfills. Oak Terrace Preserve homeowners spend at least 20 - 30% less on their utility bills than those who live in standard built homes. Earthcraft Certification, 3rd party verification, required for every house. Fully integrated, low-impact stormwater managament plan throughout (See Appendix D) Bioswales

Oak Terrace Preserve is a 55- acre sustainable

In addition to being at the forefront of sustainable

rede velopment project located in the Noisette

development, Oak Terrace Preserve is also in a designated

community. The project is being implemented through

Tax Incremental Financing District (TIF). By being in

a unique public-private partnership with the City of

a TIF district, Oak Terrace Preserve gives The City of

North Charleston as owner and The Noisette Company,

North Charleston the ability to generate funds to be used

LLC providing turnkey development management.

for various types of public and civic projects outside

At completion, the project will consist of approximately 300 single-family homes and 74 town homes. For many reasons, Oak Terrace Preserve is the “darkest green” new

the boundaries of Oak Terrace Preserve. Oak Terrace Preserve is positioned to benefit not only those who choose it as home, but the entire Noisette community.

Rain gardens Pervious pavements

When complete, approximately 125,000 s.f. of pervious pavement installation and close to 80,000 s.f. of bioswales Over 500 significant trees protected and preserved. Dense neighborhood design with small lots averaging around 4,000 s.f. Phase I development stats through 1st Quarter 2008 Lots under contract: 93

residential neighborhood in the Lowcountry, and with

Oak Terrace Preserve’s Phase I consists of 120 single-

Lots sold: 45

homes starting in the low $200’s offers a value that is

family and 36 town home lots. The current absorption

Homes under contract: 5

hard to beat.

and sales information is listed below. xxx/pblufssbdfqsftfswftd/dpn

Homes sold: 18 Average sales price: $250,477 Average $/sqft: $147

Building Homes, Neighbors and Dreams

CHARLESTON classic homes

The Charleston Group

ASHLEY RIVER CONSTRUCTION RESIDENTIAL HOME BUILDERS

Average # of days on the market: 82

Boardwalks Special Features

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The Noisette Preserve Plan

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As part of its agreement with the City

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of North Charleston, The Noisette Company

funded

and

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produced

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the Noisette Preserve Master Plan,

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which was submitted in December 2005.

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The plan outlines a method

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for restoring Noisette Creek and its associated wetlands which comprise an area of close to 135 acres. The plan also identified $30 million in potential funding sources to carry out the plan. The Noisette Preserve restoration activities are being carried out by the Michaux Conservancy, acting as the Preserveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental steward on behalf of the City. This (See the New Institutional Framework Section).

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3&%&7&-01.&/5 The Navy Yard â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Development

Navy Yard Highlights: Â The Navy Yard has been designed to promote mixed-use development which will put residents closer to jobs, shopping and recreational activities. Â Public art is planned for integration into the streetscape and Powerhouse basin and all buildings. Â Phase 1A will begin with the construction of a large lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a major community amenityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in front of the historic Powerhouse building. Â The Navy Yard is registered as part of the US Green Building Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pilot Program for LEEDâ&#x201E;˘ Neighborhood Development program Â Utilizing an existing infill development site Â Low Impact Stormwater Management. Engineered swales and underdrains will absorb stormwater and allow native plants to filter the runoff. Where practical, green roof design will be implemented and pervious pavements will be utilized to promote the natural system of rainwater percolation into the soil. Â Pedestrian-Friendly Streetscape. A well-designed streetscape, with appropriately-scaled sidewalks, ample shade, interesting

Navy Yard Design and Planning: During 2007, the Navy Yard design team completed schematic design drawings for the Navy Yardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infrastructure and urban design layout. The plans build off previously-approved conceptual plans that outline a blueprint for a dense, urban, walkable, mixed-use plan. The existing road pattern will be modified and the street sections will be enhanced to create the setting for a vibrant urban street life. Tree-lined boulevards with onstreet parking and wide sidewalks will replace existing roadways. New street rights of way will vary in width as outlined in the PDD zoning.

storefronts, public art, and outdoor furniture will encourage walking between destinations. The streetscape, when combined with a dense urban development, will allow walking to be a normal mode of transportation within the Navy Yard. Â Traffic projections estimate a 40% reduction in daily car trips due to an urban design plan that incorporates biking, walking, and bus transit. Â Recycled Materials. Recycled materials will be used whenever possible in the construction of new infrastructure elements. One example is crushed concrete, which is recycled from onsite

With sustainability as its core principle, the Navy Yard is combining the latest in sustainable infrastructure practices. Unlike a greenfield development, The Navy Yard has an existing, functioning infrastructure in place that will be upgraded and expanded.

building demolition and will be used for road subgrades. Street furniture and fixtures will be required to contain a certain amount of recycled metals

3&%&7&-01.&/5 %&7&-01.&/5 19

Lost Trades Boatbuilders

Southeast Biodiesel

Coast Brewing Company

Noisette Creek Preserve

7 Storehouse Row LEED CI Certified

Riverfront Park Performance Pavilion

WPC Headquarters LEED Gold Pending

10 Storehouse Row

Naval Base Memorial

20 3&%&7&-01.&/5 %&7&-01.&/5 North Charleston Riverfront Park As part of its responsibilities under an agreement with the City of North Charleston, The Noisette Company designed, built and forward-funded a 15-acre Riverfront Park on the

The Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial Board of buildings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 79% of total waste by weight. Â All plantings are native, except for turfgrass (see below) Â Seashore paspalum turfgrass used â&#x20AC;&#x201C; salt water

banks of the Cooper River. North Charleston Riverfront

tolerant and irrigated using brackish water from

Park opened in July 2005 and marked the first time in

Cooper River.

nearly one hundred years that North Charleston residents had public access to the Cooper River shoreline. Since its opening, the park has become home to the Lowcountryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest Fourth of July celebration. The park, located adjacent to the Charleston Navy Yard Officersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Housing Historic District and the mouth of Noisette Creek, offers ten acres of walking trails and river views, as well as

Â Failing concrete seawall replaced with naturalized shoreline to encourage wildlife habitat Â Local materials used for tabby concrete

Â Over 40,000 visitors since the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening as a part of year-round events. Â In 2007, over 12,000 people attended the festivities on July 4th. Â Recycling of demolished pavement and

reminisce Â Museum-quality educational displays explain

War.

Inc. Austin aluminum benches have a recycled content of 48% or greater of which 26% or greater

Â Pervious surfaces include gravel paths, and

Exhibition beginning 3rd year in 2008

Â Area for former Naval Base employees to

Â Benches & waste receptacles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Landscape Forms,

2007, a playground and picnic area, as well as a dog park,

Â Annual Outdoor Sculpture Competition and

Sailor and the Homecoming statues

and its role in WWI and WWII through the Cold

industrial. All styles are 100% recyclable.

over 100 years

Washington, DC that is home to both the Lone

the importance of the Charleston Naval Base

is post consumer and 22% or greater is post

Â First significant public access to the water in

Â Only location outside of the Navy Memorial in

Â Some lights powered by solar collectors

fountain and an 800-ft long boardwalk. In the summer of

Riverfront Park Highlights:

Naval Base Memorial Highlights:

Â Reduced light pollution with full cutoff fixtures

fishing piers, a performance amphitheatre, interactive

were added to the park.

Directors and the City of North Charleston.

Flexi-Paveâ&#x201E;˘ porous pavement

Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial The Naval Base Memorial was completed and dedicated on November 5, 2007. The memorial offers an area for commemorating all who worked and served on the Charleston Naval Base. The memorial is located on the banks of the Cooper River, on the southern end of Riverfront Park among mature oak trees. The Noisette Company was involved in conceptual planning and design for the memorial. Oversight and funding for the project came from

Naval Base Memorial

Affordable Housing

and in 2006, The Noisette Company received LEED - CI

affordable for everyone in the community. In turn,

In the North Charleston Noisette Community Master

Certification for the improvements making it the first

our community offers NUA members opportunities

Plan, The Noisette Company has committed to a

of its kind in South Carolina. In addition to housing

to evaluate sustainable innovations in the real world,

Housing for All policy. The development team spent

the Noisette Company’s offices, the 2nd floor is home

and learn directly from the people they’re in business

time learning about affordable housing issues facing

to RL Bryan Company, an office of The City of North

to serve. Not only does the Urban Alliance help support

the Charleston region in 2007. Noisette plans to provide

Charleston and the Noisette Urban Alliance.

the Noisette community, they address one of the most challenging roadblocks to sustainability – the gap

a diversity of new housing products to offer choice to prospective buyers. Additionally, new housing — including subsidized housing —will meet strict environmental standards to reduce operating costs and utility bills. Finally, Noisette will partner with

7 Storehouse Row Highlights: First LEED-CI Certified project in South Carolina. For detailed List of sustainable features, see Appendix E

between product development and the people who use those products. The Alliance leapfrogs this gap to bring exciting new ideas directly to consumers. With

Noisette Urban Alliance Studio provides learning center for sustainable products.

representatives working in the community, they’re

prospective developers who have a track record

helping people learn about sustainability and its

building affordable housing products.

benefits – and they’re helping to give people access to

Noisette Urban Alliance

the latest advances in sustainable products.

Affordable Housing Highlights:

The Noisette Urban Alliance (NUA) is a group of leading

Noisette Company development team met with

manufacturers who are gearing their products and

experts, state officials and prospective developers regarding the implementation of affordable housing in the Navy Yard. Parcel 17 placed under option for a 60-unit affordable housing project. 700 accessory units approved under PDD zoning in 2004.

operations toward sustainable principles. These innovative companies produce high quality building

Noisette Urban Alliance Highlights: Noisette Urban Alliance Studio opened in August 2004 within 7 Storehouse Row. The Studio was

materials, furnishings and appliances that lead their

created as a meeting place for local building

industry segments in efficiency, human-friendly

professionals, community organizations and

design and planet-pleasing performance. It’s the first time a group of private

7 Storehouse Row

companies has entered into a

In August of 2004, The Noisette Company completed

revitalization partnership with

renovations to the 2nd floor of 7 Storehouse Row, one of

an entire community. Noisette

the first storehouse buildings built for the burgeoning

Urban Alliance members help

Navy Yard in 1905. The renovation was registered with

make

sustainable

the LEED - CI (commercial interiors) Pilot Program

understandable

building and

non-profits. In 2007 alone, 1,682 people have visited the NUA Studio for meetings with building and development organizations such as IIDA, USGBC, AIA, Earthcraft House, Energy Star, Urban Land Institute and the SC Mayor’s Institute. Noisette and its development partners worked with the R&D departments of several NUA members including Carrier, Hubbell and Kohler to implement sustainable design solutions within Navy Yard projects.

10 Storehouse Row 10 Storehouse Row, a $3.5 million adaptive reuse of a 38,400 sq. ft. historic naval warehouse (c. 1939) into

10 Storehouse Row

a Building Arts & Design Center, was substantially completed in April of 2006, with final tenant upfits completed in April 2007. The building was rehabilitated using LEED standards as a guide. 10 Storehouse Row represents a successful historic tax credit project that

MyStudio, by Herman Miller, and Convia represents the R&D product access provided through the Noisette Urban Alliance MyStudio furniture system is the first system designed according to McDonough-Braungart Cradle-to-Cradle protocol. MyStudio is also Greenguard certified and is 74% recyclable and 28% recycled.

experienced a quick lease-up and is 100% occupied. The eastern half of 10 Storehouse Row is home to training studios and offices for The American College

11 Storehouse Row McMillan Smith & Partners Architects — Convia and Herman Miller

The Noisette Company completed tenant upfits to

McMillan Smith & Partners Architects, two graphic

In 2006, The Noisette Company signed a lease with

Since that time, the 47,000 sq. ft. building has been

design companies, and 8 artist studios. In addition, the

McMillan Smith & Partners (MS&P) for approximately

100% occupied.

arts and design center includes a breakfast and lunch

2,500 s.f. of office space within 10 Storehouse Row.

of the Building Arts. The western half is occupied by the Charleston Trident Home Builders Association,

café, and a 5,000 sq. ft. event and exhibition space.

10 Storehouse Row Highlights: Sustainable Building Features: Preservation and adaptive re-use of historic building. 99% of existing shell, floor, windows and doors preserved. Waterless urinals, low-flow sensor faucets and duel flush toilets. Natural daylighting and photocell control system prevents need for lights during daylight hours. High-efficiency lighting used when needed. Only 30% of building is air-conditioned. High-efficiency, variable flow chiller used for cooling. Includes an “office of the future” pilot project (see McMillan Smith in next column) Is now the Urban Clubhouse of the Navy Yard hosting diverse events (see Events and Community Section)

the 2nd floor of 11 Storehouse Row in April of 2005.

Noisette partnered with MS&P and Convia (a Herman

11 Storehouse Row Highlights:

Miller company) to create a pilot project using

J[dil m_h[hm ch]fn^_ SC DHEC Office of Coastal Resource Management SC DHEC Environmental Quality Control Berkely-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments Wilbur Smith Associates American College of the Building Arts. In 2007, floors 3 and 4 were painted using lowVOC paints. Low-VOC carpet was installed on 4th Floor. All tenant upfits and scheduled maintenance use green products including the following: Low-VOC paint Low-VOC carpet with high recycled content Ceiling tiles with high-recycled content. Recycled carpet and ceiling tiles when possible. High-efficiency lighting, ballasts and diffusers.

Convia, a state-of-the-art office upfit system. The Convia system is an architectural and electrical sub infrastructure that reduces the amount of material used to define office space. Walls and electrical/ lighitng systems are designed to be flexible on the fly. In addition to Convia, the MS&P space became one of the first installations in the U.S. for Herman Miller’s MyStudio systems furniture.

McMillan Smith & Partners Highlights: MS&P office becomes the 4th Convia pilot installation and the first for a developer-driven project. Convia installation elimated the need for over 56’-0” of traditional metal stud and drywall partitions.

3&%&7&-01.&/5 %&7&-01.&/5 23 Land Sales The Noisette Company is The Master Developer of

4645"*/"#*-*5: $"4& 456%:

WPC ENGINEERS WPC, Inc. was in need of a new headquarters, branch office and testing lab for its operations, and found a location at the Navy

The Navy Yard. Therefore, its main role is to secure

Yard that it couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist. The former Naval post office was

entitlements, design and install infrastructure and

constructed in 1942 entirely of formed concrete. The building

amenities and then sell individual parcels to vertical

material naturally attracted the CEO of one of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

developers. 2007 kicked off the first land sales at The

leading geotechnical engineering firms. WPC, Inc. purchased the parcel of land and building from The Noisette Company,

Navy Yard.

marking the first major land sale to a private developer in the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history.

Land Sales Highlights:

WPC and its design team worked with members of the Navy Yard

Â Parcel 28 sold to WPC Engineers in March 2007.

Design Resource Board on the adaptive reuse of the existing

(see sidebar)

building into modern offices and laboratories, to ensure that the project positively contributed to the Navy Yard in its design,

Â Parcel 2.3 and Building NH68 sold to LeadDog

function, performance and addition of a public art feature.

Properties in October 2007. (see below)

The architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; goals were to save and celebrate the existing

Â Parcel sold to SCE&G for new substation

building, demonstrate the material science thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the core of

location.

WPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business, and create an impactful building to anchor the

Â At the time of this publication, 3 parcels are

southern end of the Navy Yard.

under contract, including one parcel for affordable housing.

Building NH68 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Lowcountry Innovation Center Building NH68 was included in an early land sale to LeadDog Properties, a local development company. In addition to the environmental benefits of rehabilitation of an existing building using green principles, LeadDogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main focus will be on the financial prosperity of its future tenants. NH68 will be called the Lowcountry Innovation Center and will act as an incubator space for small technology-based and life science companies.

Building NH68 Highlights: Â 40,000 s.f. adaptive reuse to create an incubator building for high-tech/life science tenants. Â Spaces range from fully-serviced individual desks to an 11,000 s.f. anchor space. Â Innovation Center designed to â&#x20AC;&#x153;level the

Currently, WPC is applying for LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council, and with approval, will become the fourth LEED-certified building in North Charleston. The WPC site features native species landscaping, recycled concrete pervious pavement, and a public art feature of stacked concrete core samples, which also serves to screen a metal storage building. The office interior features an open, flexible workspace, abundant with daylight and showcases the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geothermal HVAC system through a glass enclosure.

playing fieldâ&#x20AC;? for smaller companies with less

WPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new headquarters and work space will afford the

than 5 employees by offering group insurance

company higher productivity because of fewer employee

policies and common area conference rooms and administrative services. Â Target set at LEED Silver Certification

sickdays, and will also offer the company an opportunity to show case its work throughout the site. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Noisette holds a special place for us, in that we had a vision for the building,â&#x20AC;? says WPC CEO Christopher. â&#x20AC;&#x153; We look forward to being a part of the Navy Yardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth in the redevelopment of North Charleston.â&#x20AC;?

24 3&%&7&-01.&/5 "44&5 "/% 1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5

Business Aggregation The businesses central to The Navy Yard at Noisette play a very important part in the creation of the future. This is more than just a block of buildings where you come to work everyday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rather, this is a

Noisette Core Strategies 1. Socially Durable Communities Every member of the community understands the unique history and heritage of their social community and everyone holds a common vision for the future which they contribute to.

very important place and the businesses that locate here are core to that significance. nding of Cities 2. Sustainable Fu unities around d manage comm Failure to build an financial crisis. means mounting social durability resources allows able partnering of Utilizing sustain king, increase ination of silo thin us to focus on elim , leverage and t in the community the vested interes resources, and ivate and Public combine NGO, Pr munity assets. tituencies for com build broader cons

American School of Building Arts

3. 21st Century Architecture Establish char acter with the unique opport and develop a unity to explor 21st century re e sponse that re responds to ou spects and r unique clim ate and place. 4. Measuremen t/Research of Outcomes Establish trip le bottom line metrics partne university cent ring with ers to create a national, sust development ainable research cent er. 5. Integrated Restoration Establish the Noisette comm unity as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;S for the restorat ilicon Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ion economy an d a model for restoration. integrated

Businesses Aggregations The businesses at the Navy Yard already embody these core strategies through six aggregative areas: 1. Academic Research

4. Local Independent Retail

2. Arts

5. Non-profits

3. Building/Planning/Design

6. Restoration Economy

Academic Research

Arts

In 2007, signed new long-term lease with American College of the Building Arts, a four-year college focusing on traditional

The Navy Yard Â

building trades Â

Clemson University Restoration Institute, a

Twelve artists and artisans have studios within A lower-than-market rate is offered to artists for renovated studio space

Exhibit space within 10 Storehouse Row was

technology transfer campus focused on the

available throughout the year at no cost to Navy

Above/right is a look at how The Navy Yard has grown to

restoration economy, acquired 86 acres on the

Yard artists

exemplify the core strategies and business aggregations:

southern border of The Navy Yard in 2007. Land was donated by the City of North Charleston.

2007 Navy Yard Holiday Party featured a showcase of Navy Yard artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work

3&%&7&-01.&/5 "44&5 "/% 1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5 25 Building/Planning/Design Â

Added six companies in 2007 to this group

Local, Independent Retail

appropriate spaces. Preceeding these improvements, The Noisette Company has worked to bring in a few groups focusing on this aggregation. Â

A first step was to bring Lowcountry Local Firstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters to The Navy Yard (see description below)

organizations.

a superior housing envelope (insulation, air

Over $250,000 in free or reduced rent provided in

barrier, structural integrity) compared with

allowing non-profits to focus solely on their missions. Â

The Navy Yard including Lowcountry Local First, Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Lowcounty Housing Trust

Yard their home. Eight of the 22 groups are designated as 501(c)(3) organizations. Three are

eco-sensitive measures

Outfitted with twin diesel engines, designed for bio-diesel

economy focusing on restoring our built and natural

Navy Yard is home to many businesses pursuing

Four businesses added as tenants in 2007.

22 non-profit groups currently call The Navy

Constructed a 55â&#x20AC;&#x2122; catamaran boat using

Used rapidly renewable materials

Experimented with lower VOC epoxy, paints and adhesives.

Activity increased with existing sustainable businesses Â

Southeast Biodiesel

Completed construction activity and began fuel production in Spring of 2007. Â

Fisher Recycling (see Sustainability Case Study next page) Â

Uses organic hops and grains, local products Local distribution within Charleston market

Boiler powered by bio-diesel, produced at Southeast Biodiesel, another Navy Yard tenant

Plant generates fuel from waste oils, no virgin soybean oil.

when possible Â

Estimated production around 10 million gallons per year.

Coast Brewing Company

all of the non-profits help support the underlying

restaurants.

mission of the Triple Bottom Line.

Lost Trades, LLC

The Restoration Economy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a growing sector of our

environmental sustainability as a core business.

within The Navy Yard. Regardless of their exact focus,

moderate price range.

Full wood construction, no fiberglass

â&#x20AC;&#x153;craftâ&#x20AC;? beers, only distributes to local bars and

on helping non-profit groups obtain affordable space

environmentally sensitive features within a

philosophy of the Noisette Company. Currently, The

The Noisette Company continues to keep an emphasis

All Verdi houses are designed with

Restoration Economy

Storehouse Row in May 2007, becoming the first

Non-profit

and SC STRONG.

environments â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reinforces the Triple Bottom Line

Coast Brewing Company, which brews organic

traditional framed construction.

Since 2005 several new non-profits moved to

Tracyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a locally owned restaurant opened in 10 restaurant at The Navy Yard.

(Structurally Insulated Panels), which offer

2007 to relieve part of the burden of overhead costs,

Retail will become a major component within The Navy Yard once more buildings are contructed that include

academic institutions, and seven are governmental

Supplies Coast Brewing Company

Added non-profit environmental group Â

Lowcountry Local First Â

Created to support and market local

(see below)

businesses and products emphasizing

Spent grains sent to local farms for feedstock

reduced carbon footprint from reduced

All brewing equipment and kegs were bought

transportation requirements.

used. Verdi Group Â

Local homebuilder that solely uses SIPs

Partnered with Coastal Conservation League to create â&#x20AC;&#x153;Field to Family,â&#x20AC;? a regional sustainable agriculture program.

26 3&%&7&-01.&/5 "44&5 "/% 1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5 Environmentally Sustainable Property Management

and maintaining all building systems and controls, oversight of green cleaning, pest control, mangement

In 2007, The Noisette Company made progress on property management regarding green cleaning services

Environmentally Sustainable Property Management Highlights: Â

contracts, and day-to-day contact and trouble-shooting

Chris Fisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Recycling Company was 13 years old when he

with existing tenant base.

moved its headquarters and processing plant to The Navy Yard

In-house Property Management Highlights:

and integrated pest management.

and quicker response times which translates to

services (see Appendix C for Full list of Green Cleaning Â

On-site, dedicated, facilities manager will reduce operating costs through better systems controls

New contract signed in 2007 for â&#x20AC;&#x153;green cleaningâ&#x20AC;? Â

Practices)

FISHER RECYCLING

in 2005. Since that time, his company has expanded to include not only restaurant and office recycling, but also residential recycling for non-Charleston County residents; as well as manufacturing of countertops, tiles, gravel and landscaping sand from millions of pounds of recycled glass; biodiesel production; e-waste recycling and vermicomposting. The move to The Navy Yard gave Fisher Recycling room to expand

higher tenant satisfaction.

operations, adding several trucks to its fleet, and allowing space

Day-to-day management of green property

for recyclables to be stored for market. Additionally, an initial four-fold increase in services was realized with the addition

Integrated Pest Control Management contract

management program insures highest quality

continues

janitorial, pest control services.

Fisher and Noisetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shared commitment to materials reuse

General oversight of Navy Yard property insures

and restoration, as well as the economic and social power of

effect

using

environmentally

sensitive chemicals. Pest control contractor uses

environmentally friendly products, delivered in a

highest operational efficiencies, managing outdoor

strategic application to deliver the highest impact

lighting, monitoring triple net leases for lease

to problem areas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for instance, for rodent control

compliance and proper maintenance and insuring

environmentally friendly bait is placed in areas exterior to buildings, drawing rodents away from

safety of buildings slated for renovation

incorporated into the pest control management program.

In-house Property Management

educating and involving the community. In addition to Navy Yard businesses, Fisher Recyclingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s client base has expanded to more than 300 customers, and recycled material numbers well beyond 30,000 tons to date. Among other business and community accolades, Fisher was the recipient of the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award, given by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, and is a key

occupied buildings. Integrated pest management baiting systems and water soluble powders are also

of all Navy Yard offices. The partnership was strengthened by

4645"*/"#*-*5: $"4& 456%:

advisor to the South Carolina Governor on the future of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recycling industry. The Fisher Recycling Center at The Navy Yard is set up similar to a classroom as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;interactive education centerâ&#x20AC;? where residents can come and participate in recycling in ways that are an extension of the recycling loop: they are using and reusing

In addition to a full time Property Manager hired in

recycled material (all collected locally) for their own homes

2004, The Noisette Company hired a full-time, in-house

and businesses. For example, people can develop their own

Lead Operations Manager in the 1st Quarter of 2008 to

designs for a glass/concrete countertop and take it home to

oversee all Noisette-owned and managed buildings. The

install in their kitchen. The kitchen could also be refloored with

manager has experience in HVAC system maintenance. Responsibilities of the position include the monitoring

planed hardwood pallets while keeping track of the job on their refurbished computer!

3&%&7&-01.&/5 &7&/54 "/% $0..6/*5: 27 Events and Community

Support of non-profits

Between the new Riverfront Park, 10 Storehouse Row

through complimentary event space

and the Noisette Urban Alliance Studio at 7 Storehouse

The Noisette Company is committed to providing event

Row, the Navy Yard is abuzz with events and activity.

and meeting space for community support organizations

In addition to these designated event areas, The

dedicated to environmental causes, arts and culture,

Noisette Company has hosted and supported events

education and community-building.

Arts and Culture Â South Carolina Film Association Â Charleston Documentary Film Festival Â Redux Contemporary Art Studio Â American College of the Building Arts Â African American Quilt Artists Â Charleston County School of the Arts

in other areas of The Navy Yard such as Chicora

Â Charleston Trident Homebuilders Association

Gardens and Quarters H&I. Groups like Lost Trades

Â International Interior Design Association

and Fisher Recycling and Coast Brewing Company have hosted events at their respective buildings.

In 2007, The Noisette Company provided free and discounted permanent and temporary space for the following groups:

Â North Charleston Cultural Arts Department

Education and Community Support Â Urban Land Institute Â American Bar Association Â City of North Charleston Â Charleston Area Chamber of Commerceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Environmental Efforts Â US Green Building Council â&#x20AC;&#x201C; South Carolina Chapter

Â Academic Magnet High School Â Charleston Chess Tournament

Â Sustainability Institute

Â Lowcountry ABATE Toy Drive

Â Coastal Conservation League

Â Metanoia Community Dev. Corp.

Â Earthrace Biodiesel Boat

Â Charleston County Friends of the Library

Â International Institute for Sustainable

Â Be A Mentor

Laboratories

Riverfront Park

Leadership Charleston

Â Lowcountry Civic Justice Corps

Â Lowcountry Environmental Education Program

Â HUB Academy

Â Lowcountry Local First

Â Lowcountry Orphan Relief Â Charleston Area League of Women Voters Â Charleston YWCA

In creating a guide for giving life to the New American City â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Noisette Community â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we were struck with

TWO REALITIES. 1. The recent green building movement has emphasized the health and environmental impact of buildings, but has distracted many from looking far into the future to building a longterm sustainable culture. Real change occurs in modification of behavior in our personal and professional lives. 2. The United States today ranks near the bottom of every list for many health and social metrics (child respiratory disease, teen obesity, failing schools, imprisonment rates), yet we have the highest wealth per capita and as a society in the world.

As introduced in the North Charleston Noisette Community Master Plan, the New American City requires a set of institutions that are organized to

3&$0//&$5*/(

An introduction to the framework

support a sustainable culture, which respects and services long term the health of the economy, environment and social fabric of the community. In order to create pathways to a sustainable culture, six areas were targeted to be continually cultivated as part of the Noisette Institutional Framework:

3&$0//&$5*/( /&8 */45*565*0/"- '3".&803, 29

Noisette Institutional Framework Â Education and life-long learning

Â Social justice and civic responsibility

Â Economic opportunity

Â Enhancing public health

Â Environmental restoration

Â Celebrating arts and culture

The Michaux Conservancy and Land Trust, focusing on

The Noisette Omnitility, creating an integrated

rebuilding our intuitive understanding of the natural

sustainable utility operating all resource flows of

world and how it benefits human health by restoring the

a city and managing all resources as limited. The

Noisette Creek Preserve, a 135-acre ailing watershed;

Omnitility has yet to be formalized.

connecting the Preserve to the 14 Noisette-area public

must be completed in 2008 to determine how to

schools; and building a research and education center

setup this portion of the Institutional Framework.

More work

for the schools and community.

In order to create financial sustainability for The Noisette Institutional Framework organizes a series

The Sustainablity Institute, focusing on building the

these institutions, a series of funding sources

of non-profits dedicated to addressing the above issues

capacity of residents to create sustainable homes,

was designed to catalyze their creation and

within the existing Noisette community, and also in the new

communities, and ultimately a sustainable culture

provide a sustainable income stream long term.

community of The Navy Yard at Noisette.

by educating residents on building, renovating and operating homes and businesses to achieve higher

The Master Plan recommended the formation of five entities addressing the six areas listed above:

durability, increased energy efficiency, and lower environmental and human health impacts. As the Noisette communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go-to resource for information

The Noisette Company and its partners made the following commitments: Â

profits for core leadership to enable start up.

on sustainability, the Sustainability Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outreach, The Noisette Foundation, focusing on the long-term

training and services transform homes and businesses

economic, social and environmental health of the Noisette

into sustainable examples.

foundation for the City of North Charleston. The Foundation emphasizes three pathways: Healthy, Restorative and 21st Century Career Development focused on six programmatic areas: Human Health, Education, Economic Development, Arts and Culture, Social Justice, and Environment.

Provide in-kind office space, accounting and other services valued at $100-125,000 annually.

community, and eventually functioning as a community

Provide annual cash support of $100,000 to non-

5% of all partner profits to be contributed to the Noisette Foundation at time of distribution.

The Navy Yard Associations for Business and Community, providing governance for the Navy Yard

Establish a perpetual 2% transfer fee on all property sales at The Navy Yard to support the

community with a charge to build a socially durable

Framework: 1% is to be dedicated for community

community that exhibits and teaches how to practice

and arts programs and the other 1% goes to

sustainable living.

environmental initiatives.

30 3&$0//&$5*/( /&8 */45*565*0/"- '3".&803, Noisette Foundation

Because of the social, economic and environmental justice

The Noisette Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guiding principle is best summed up in its mission statement:

has been primarily focused on the Restorative Pathway for

The Noisette Foundation is a community-led non-profit whose mission is to help community members

build

stronger

neighborhoods

issues in place in 2001, the Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;since its inceptionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;

developing healthy pathways to economic and social opportunity for all.

The Noisette Foundation goes beyond the typical community outreach initiative and is organized as a Pathway Foundation for all citizens to reach their highest potential in all aspects of the human spirit.

THE THREE PATHWAYS ARE:

Three sessions (Spring 2006, Spring & Fall

the Noisette Community. Immediate areas of concern were

2007) with 51 specialty contractors successfully

low performing public schools with excessive drop out rates,

completing the program.

1100 ex-offenders returning to Charleston County annually with no jobs, training, housing, etc. and the historic trend

the Tri-County area. Minority Contracting is covered in the

Fourth session (Spring 2008) is currently underway with 18 participants.

of only 2% of contracts awarded to minority companies in Â

Metanoia Community Development Corporation

HUB Academy section later in this chapter.

secured a grant with the S.C. Community

HUB Academy

Economic Development Fund for the Academy

To enable minority contractors and employees

to train contractors in green building techniques.

to have equal access to the wealth creation of this

The $20,300 grant funded Instructors, course

multi-billion dollar rede velopment , there was

materials, and meals for one class in three

a need for a program to â&#x20AC;&#x153;level the playing field.â&#x20AC;?

consecutive HUB Business Academy sessions

The Historically Underutilized Business ( H UB )

(Spring and Fall 2007, and Spring 2008).

Academy â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pilot Program debuted on Tuesday, HEALTHY PATHWAY: How does a culture behave and

HUB Academy Highlights:

The Lowcountry HUB Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring 2006

March 14, 2006 for fourteen consecutive weeks

graduates created an alumni organization, the

at the L owcountry Graduate Center in North

SC HUB Alumni Guild. This groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose is

Charleston, under the guidance of the H UB

to encourage joint ventures with other Guild

C o n s o r t i u mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a d v i s o r y c o u n c i l . T h e N o i s e t t e

members in order to procure larger contracts,

C o m p a n y a n d No i s e t t e Fo u n d a t i o n h a v e b e e n

to actively recruit students for future HUB

i n s t r u m e n ta l i n o r ga n i z i n g t h e H U B A c a d e my

Academy classes, and to provide networking

careers for the future world economy over the next

and its consortium of advisors, and continue to

opportunities for contractors, specialty

50 years, and how should our children be prepared to

manage the operations of both entities.

contractors and potential clients.

organize itself if it is committed to the principle that all in their communityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from conception to deathâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; will reach there highest aspirations and potential RESTORATIVE PATHWAY: If you are not on the healthy pathway, how do you get there? 21ST CENTURY CAREER PATHWAY: What are the

thrive in that world?

3&$0//&$5*/( /&8 */45*565*0/"- '3".&803, 31 Public Schools

Prisoner Re-entry

The Foundation has become a National AmeriCorp

The Foundation has initiated and partnered to create

Center with 8 full time VISTAs working in the Noisette

and strengthen three prisonor re-entry programs that

community. Most of these VISTAs are dedicated to

serve about 70-80 individuals a year. Over the last three

assisting the improvement in student performance

years these programs have experienced less than a 20%

and building individual schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; financial capacity to

recidivism rate versus the norm of 75% in the state and

support additional programs. Â

recidivism (re-incarcerated) Â

Over $50,000 per graduate is saved annually for the tax payers of SC due to 0% recidivism

100% job placement for all released

2 obtained their GED, with several more ready to take the test

nationally.

There are now 500 mentors and volunteers working in the elementary schools weekly.

8 have been released from prison with 0%

7 service projects completed in the community for a total of 588 service hours and $4700 in

1,754 community volunteers

4,222 community services hours were contributed by these volunteers

$27,735 was raised in cash donations

His Way Ministry: The Foundation assisted with building

Work Keys, computer skills, parenting skills, and

$33,535 was raised in non-cash donations

a more structured curriculum, documentation and job

life skills

The programs for prison re-entry are:

donated labor Â

Trained in â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? construction, financial literacy,

placement. SC Strong (see Sustainability Case study sidebar below) Lowcountry Civic Justice Corp: Formed two years ago, the program consists of 12 pre-release prisoners working for 5 months in a for-profit green construction company

Job Coach for Ex-Offenders Â

38 clients, 16 released, 14 with full time jobs.

established to build and rehabilitate green affordable

SC Re-entry Initiative

housing. Each member is a full time VISTA for the 5 month

period. They receive $2600 towards college, $2500 in

Over 150 community members involved in addressing issues such as housing, employment,

cash, work towards there GED, and are employable in

education, and access to services for those ex-

green construction.

offenders who are re-entering society.

North Charleston Elementary

3 Classes have graduated from the program

21 out of 24 enrolled Corps members graduated

The Noisette Company and Noisette Foundation

from program (12 are currently enrolled in the

served as a sponsor and coordinator of these

Corps)

meetings.

4645"*/"#*-*5: $"4& 456%:

in, learn historic renovation and building skills, and

construction and maintenance support to the Noisette

grow their non-profit organization. As SC STRONG

Company and partnering developers. Projects included

renovates each house, more residents are accepted

the renovation and preparation of old Navy Yard

into the program, and begin their education and life

residential structures for non-profit uses such as

skills training among the oaks in the calming and

Lowcountry Local First and The Michaux Conservancy.

rejuvenating setting of Chicora Gardens.

SC STRONG also provides reliable on-call maintenance

Since moving to The Navy Yard, SC STRONG, led by

services for all of The Navy Yard.

Facility Director John Glemser, an ex-offender himself,

The Noisette-SC STRONG relationship has grown into a

has become an integral part of the community.

mutually beneficial one with Noisette providing Project

Residents attend community activities, are fully

Management training and job placement services

integrated in the Non-profit aggregation group,

for the re-entry program and SC STRONG becoming

volunteer with community support organizations, and

one of Noisetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most valuable construction and

work on as as-needed basis on property management

maintenance resources. In addition, SC STRONG is

and various maintenance and construction projects.

currently pursuing South Carolina General Contractor

SC STRONG has provided and continues to provide

licensing.

SOUTH CAROLINA STRONG SOUTH CAROLINA STRONG (South Carolina Sustaining, Teaching, and Rebuilding Our New Generation) is a replication of the Delancey Street treatment and training program,

the

nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

leading

residential

self-help

organization for substance abusers, ex-offenders, and others who have hit rock bottom.

Noisette Creek Preserve in care of the Michaux Conservancy

Residents of the voluntary program make a two-year commitment to get their lives on track, including intensive peer counseling, learning life skills, and job training. After

Michaux Conservancy

learning of Noisetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to restorative, healthy

The Michaux Conservancy teaches people

pathways, the South Carolina program was established at

how ecosystems work and how they benefit

Ecosystem Goals Â Reconnecting people with nature

the recidivism and substance abuse rates in the state.

human health. Michaux uses the 135-acre

Â Creating an outdoor classroom & research laboratory

The Noisette Company provided to SC STRONG three

Noisette Creek Preserve and the Michaux

Â Motivating students and families to be stewards of the environment

The Navy Yard in 2006, in order to attempt to positively effect

historic officers houses in The Navy Yardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s serene, verdant Chicora Gardens district for program members to reside

Center for Urban Coastal Ecosystems to achieve our goals of:

Â Inspiring students to pursue careers in the natural sciences Â Restoring marsh/upland habitats Â Creating a more â&#x20AC;&#x153;walkableâ&#x20AC;? North Charleston

3&$0//&$5*/( /&8 */45*565*0/"- '3".&803, 33 We focus our efforts on the surrounding community jump starts the restoration efforts in the Noisette

and 14- public schools in a 2-mile radius of Noisette

Creek Preserve by surveying plants and trees on 75

Creek. The Michaux Center, housed in a historic home

acres and creating public outreach material on native

in Chicora Gardens, uses a watershed-approach to

In addition to partnering with Academic Magnet

and economically distressed communities. Â

High School on a monthly water quality-monitoring

and ocean/continental shelf.

engage building professionals in learning

with Lowcountry Earth Force to host Noisette Creek

North Charleston, College of Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Project

Hands-on trainings are designed to transfer skills to residents in the community and to

program for the past four years, Michaux has partnered Michaux Conservancy partners include the City of

Outreach is designed to reach a diverse audience including low-income residents

versus nonnative species.

learning about the environment that focuses on three ecosystem areas: tidal creek/river, estuary/harbor,

There are three areas of focus:

sustainable methods.

Day annually since 2006, providing high school

Oceanica, and collaborating organizations such as

students with the chance to simultaneously learn

The Heinz Center, Trustees of Natural Resources, The

about and serve the Creek.

Services such as energy audits are designed to meet community needs and to help homeowners, professionals and businesses

Michaux Conservancy Highlights Â

In Fall 2007, 60 students from 4 area schools received hands-on beach and marsh ecosystem

increase the efficiency of their buildings.

Sustainability Institute Founded in 1999, The Sustainability Institute was

education during two Barrier Island Discovery

created as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization to be

community is the need to increase the quality of the

Programs aboard a pontoon vessel.

the teachers in the Noisette community that empower

housing stock to ensure that homes become energy

Michaux is the Local Implementation Lead on

residents to live sustainably, create change, and grow a

efficient, healthy and durable. Residents living in

an 18-month project entitled Creating Resilient

sustainable culture for generations to come.

existing homes in the Noisette communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3000 acres

Communities which enhances the Regional Transportation and Land Use Plan and local municipal comprehensive plans by creating a

The Sustainability Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to build the capacity in others to design sustainable solutions and grow sustainable cultures.

Received a SC Forestry Commission grant that

often face significant issues with their homes that must be overcome, as many of the homes within the City are

regional land use database. Â

A major component of building any sustainable

inefficient and unhealthy because of age and condition. Most importantly, homeowners often find it difficult to bear the rising costs of home energy use.

34 3&$0//&$5*/( /&8 */45*565*0/"- '3".&803, Nature Conservancy, and the Native Plant Society.

The Sustainability Institute addresses these community

homebuilders, merchants, foundations, and the

It is worth noting that 53% of homes in North

issues by engaging residents through outreach and

Charleston were built prior to 1980. Since buildings

becoming their go-to resource; by teaching homeowners

naturally deteriorate and lose efficiency with age, the

and building professionals through hands-on workshops

sustainable

existing housing stock is relatively inefficient. Many

how to build, renovate and maintain buildings in a

materials and techniques; houses the offices of

older homes in the Noisette community also pose

sustainable manner; and by offering high-quality

significant human health impacts from outdated

services that enable people to change their buildings.

community. Â

a 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home that has been renovated in a sustainable

Over 2000 homeowners and building professionals trained since 2003 and workshops continue to benefit more than 750 people per year.

Sustainability Institute Highlights Â

The

Sustainability

Institute

developed

strong

A growing number of people cannot afford to live

community and became the main resource for

comfortably in their homes due to the impact of rising

residents needing help with improving their homes and for communities wanting to develop sustainable

energy costs on their budgets. South Carolinians have

projects.

neighborhood, a historic yet economically depressed

spending 35% or more of their household income

African-American community, participated in

on monthly energy costs. Workshop participants at Â

Energy conservation program trained more than 400 participants in 2007 (over 1000 participants to date) and documented saving area residents over $408,780 in home energy costs since the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception.

Created the South Carolina Green Building Directory â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a cutting-edge resource for both

Â More than 65 families of the Liberty Hill

and 39% of homeowners in Charleston County are

the Sustainability Institute currently pay an average

showcases

residents for tours and educational workshops.

partnerships with each neighborhood in the Noisette

the highest residential monthly rates in the nation

manner;

The Sustainability Institute; and is open to area

materials such as lead-based paint and asbestos, moisture issues and poor indoor air quality.

Opened the GreenHouse demonstration facility,

building professionals and homeowners that showcases green materials manufactured within 500 miles of the state and green services provided

Sustainability Institute workshops and actively took

with the state. The directory will be searchable by

steps to increase the efficiency of their homes

material and service type, LEED credits, and CSI

Strong organizational capacity has been created

divisions.

of $223 per month in energy costs while 76% of

with 5 full-time employees, an internship program

participants earn less than $29,000, and 58% earn

in partnership with the College of Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

services which represent a great new source of

Masters of Environmental Studies (MES) program

income and teaching â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more than 45 energy audits

and Undergraduate program, and a network of more

performed to date on area homes and businesses

than 25 continuous volunteers.

and sustainability plans written for area businesses

Continuously expanded support from sustainable

including small commercial enterprises, restaurants,

developers, building product manufacturers,

a hotel, and a sports arena.

less than $19,000 a year. For many low-to-moderate income residents, the cost of energy is simply unaffordable and prevents these families from making upgrades aimed at decreasing energy use.

Developed energy audit and sustainable consulting

3&$0//&$5*/( /&8 */45*565*0/"- '3".&803, 35 Community Association and Business District Association The Navy Yard at Noisette Community and Business District Associations provide governance, leadership and services to residential and commercial property owners and other community members in order to continually advance The Navy Yard at Noisette as the urban, mixed-use core of the Charleston region. The Associations support the appearance and ongoing operations of the Navy Yard by investing community enhancement fees to create a high level of physical and community health. Community Building programs nurture connected and involved citizens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; residents, tenants, and visitors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and help build respect for the past and future of the community.

Community Association and Business District Association Highlights Â

Monthly lunch lecture series â&#x20AC;&#x153;Knowledge at The Navy Yardâ&#x20AC;? began January 2007 and has featured topics such as Corporate Wellness, Greening Your Home, Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Transit, State of the Corrections Systems, and tours of newly renovated project at the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; Yard.

Business Development and Strategy programs with leaders of Navy Yard businesses, as well as community beautification days with community members

Organizes programs for local non-profits, schools and arts initiatives

Community Association meeting with Mayor Keith Summey

3&$0//&$5*/( /&8 */45*565*0/"- '3".&803,

3&$0(/*5*0/ "8"3%4 /&95 45&14

Our Journey to Sustainability is the first step to formally

Since the announcement of the North Charleston Noisette Community Master Plan, Noisette has received the following

REGIONAL , STATE AND NATIONAL AWARDS & RECOGNITION:

report on The Noisette Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sustainability metrics. The document highlights the progress realized through the year ending 2007 and is focused on the attributes that have helped move the Noisette community closer to a sustainable future. In future annual sustainability reports, we will implement

JULY 2004: Urban Land Magazine named Noisette

JULY 2007: The Noisette Company was chosen as one

one of the 10 Most Noted Green Development

of the Top 10 Innovators for 2007 by the Charleston

Projects in the U.S.

Regional Business Journal. Recipients were chosen

SPRING/SUMMER 2004: Michael Sorkin named Noisette as one of the Most Important Current International Projects in the Harvard Design Review. JULY 2005: The North Charleston Noisette Community Master Plan received the Award of Excellence from the American Society of Landscape Architects. JANUARY 2007: The New York Times featured The

based on their originality; impact on the business, industry and community; challenges; and value

the resources and tools needed to achieve more detailed documentation and statistical measurement outcomes. Going forward, using the first edition of Our Journey to Sustainability as the baseline, the outcomes will be

created.

measured against stated goals and objectives.

AUGUST 2007: The Wall Street Journal featured an

We welcome any feedback, comments or suggestions

article focusing on the vast growth in the Charleston

that you may have. Please send any comments to:

area and mentioned The Navy Yard at Noisette which as being transformed from a blighted region into a sustainable urban revitalization project

The Noisette Company Attn: Sustainability Report 1360 Truxtun Avenue Suite 200

Navy Yard at Noisette in an article, after The Noisette

North Charleston, SC 29405

Company turned a former Naval warehouse into a

Phone: (843) 302-2100

new thriving Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Colony.

Fax: (843) 302-2101 receptionist@noisettesc.com

3&$0//&$5*/( /&8 */45*565*0/"- '3".&803, 37

"11&/%*9 "

Master Plan Summary This North Charleston Noisette Community Master

transform the northern end of the former Charleston

a recreation area and education center for the

Plan begins with a vision for the New American City:

Naval Base, and a large portion of the surrounding city,

citizens of the City and the greater region.

A vibrant, healthy city, embracing its heritage and

into a sustainable City Center for the 21st Century.

celebrating its role as community, ecosystem, and marketplace. The vision is based on the Triple Bottom Line â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a balance among people, planet, and prosperity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; embodying the belief that sustainable cities must be equally responsive to social needs, environmental

plan

for

Restoring

Connections

the

To achieve this vision and these goals, this Master Plan

community through sustainable infrastructure

sets forth specific recommendations and guidelines

improvements in transportation systems, open

to create the elements of this New American City:

space and recreation, and utility systems. The

responsibility, and economic vitality.

Transportation plan is designed for diversity,

A Regenerative Land Use plan to create a

intermodal connectivity, adaptability to change,

mixed-use pattern, promoting a Live/ Work/

and multiple uses of transportation elements. The

Play environment, revitalizing key portions of

The Master Plan responds to many of the goals set out

Open Space plan provides a range of recreation

the City, and selectively increasing density. The

in the 1996 City of North Charleston Comprehensive

options and reconnects the City to the Cooper

plan in-cludes elements to enhance the sense of

Plan, and to the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pledge to its Citizens, a set of

River. The Utility plan proposes integrated utility

neighborhood iden-tity, while linking the diverse

principles that un-derpins a future of prosperity,

sys-tems, designed for stewardship of natural

neighborhoods throughout the community. This

opportunity, social harmony, educational excellence,

resources.

Master Plan recommends specific tools to develop

and ecological restoration.

and implement these changes, in concert with exist-ing land use ordinances.

This Master Plan also acknowledges the Partnership Agreement between the City of North Charleston and

Implementation

this

plan

based

Neighborhoods as Catalysts for Change. Each

A plan for Restoring Natural Systems so that they

neighborhood should have a vital center, support a

the Noisette Company, in which the City recognizes

are integral to the functions and aesthetics of

mix of uses, be pedestrianâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; and bicycle-oriented,

the necessity to move to a 21st Century infrastructure

this place, and linking the roles of individuals,

and have its own character and beauty. This master

that is more economically and environmentally self-

neighborhoods, and the community as stewards

plan recommends specific changes on major

sustaining, to reclaim its natural resources, and to

of the natural environment. This Master Plan is

corridors serving the City and revitalizes Park

create not only growth, but a wise and sustainable

based on fundamental environmental principles

Circle as the historic symbol of the original garden

redevelopment of its community. In this agreement,

for ecological restoration, conservation, native

city. Schools should become the centers of their

the Noisette Company pledged to develop this Master

landscaping, and water management. A central

communities, offering services, resources, and

Plan, and to be the community developer that will

element will be the Noisette Preserve, serving as

amenities to all the residents of a neighborhood.

"11&/%*9 Â

Creation of a new community, the River Center at

The Noisette Quality Home Performance Standards

The City of North Charleston and the Noisette

Noisette, utilizing a major portion of the former

have been created specifically for the climate and

Company should expand their working partnership

Charleston Naval Base. This vibrant new urban

geographical conditions of the South Carolina Low

to include other government entities, non-profits,

center will have a mix of uses, a range of density,

Country. The LEED Green Building Rating System

business organizations, and citizens groups, to

a link to the history of the place, and a strong

is the definitive consensus performance standard

develop the mechanisms for implementing this

connection to the natural ecological systems. Art

for commercial and highrise residential buildings.

Master Plan. The core partners must recognize that

will be infused throughout the community in both

The Noisette Rose is a flexible tool developed to

profound change is not easy, and will be resisted by

traditional and impromptu forms. The sustainable

establish and measure specific sustainable goals

some, but that it has the power to transform this City

design, construction, and operation of the built

for projects within the community.

and the lives of its citizens.

elements will make this a manifestation of the Triple Bottom Line, unifying social, environmental,

This plan is the product of a five-year collaborative

and economic goals.

discovery process. The citizens, leadership, and professionals of North Charleston have contributed

their wisdom and vision. The team of national expert

fifteen years, and beyond. This plan addresses the

planners, architects, urban designers, landscape

important first steps that will be catalysts for further

architects, engineers, ecologists, educators, and artists

development. It also considers diversity of housing

assembled by the Noisette Company has been inspired

opportunity, business incuba-tion, transportation

by the culture and history of North Charleston and

elements,

and

im-pressed by the level of interest and contributions

environmental restoration as key elements of

from community leaders and residents during this

February 1993: The Base Realignment and Closure

creating a vital, robust urban center.

remarkable five-year journey of discovery.

(BRAC) Commission recommended closure of Naval

Initiatives

recreational

and

Strategies

enhancements,

that

are

essential

The team has built this plan on the vision, rich history,

for sustainable change. The plan creates an

and culture represented by the community, and

institutional framework for sustainable community

utilized the history of the natural systems and the

development, lifelong learning, and restoration

evaluation of their current conditions. All of this and

of natural resources. It also proposes strategies

their collective experience of restorative community

for arts integration and museum initiatives,

designs have informed these recommendations. It is

high performance schools, housing for all, and

unique. This plan holds enormous potential for the

historic preservation/restoration. Finally, it sets

future of this community and its citizens.

out initiatives for economic revitalization and tax increment financing. Â

"11&/%*9 #

A recommendation for Project Phasing over the next

Taken together, these elements form the integrated

Timeline PREFACE

Base Charleston, second largest East Coast homeport July 1993: Final decision to close the Base November 1993: Tri-county area BEST (Building Economic

Solutions

Together)

Committee

commissions Sasaki Associates, Inc. to lead a Base Reuse planning effort. June 1994: Base Reuse Plan completed as basis for Environmental Impact Statement

planning basis for establishing the Noisette Community

June 1994: Charleston Naval Complex Redevelopment

Benchmarks for Success, presenting standards for

of North Charleston as the leading sustainable

Authority (CNCRA) established by legislation with

measuring, reporting, and learning from results.

redevelopment of an urban environment in the US.

Board members appointed by the Governor.

"11&/%*9 39 April 1, 1996: Final Base Closure

and acreage for Noisette Preserve established.

Master Plan receives Award of Excellence from ASLA .

March 1998: Fluor Daniel Consulting produced a Market Rate Base Development Plan for the CNCRA in anticipation of selling the Naval Base

CHAPTER 2 (2004-2006) Major Planning & Acquisition, and initial redevlopment

CHAPTER 1 (2001-2004) Initiation of planning and revitalization of the 3,000 acre Noisette area. Preliminary Navy Yard agreements

October 2005: North Charleston Noisette Community

for 340 acre Navy Yard Development. Continued revitalization of 3,000 acre Noisette area. June 2004 On-base TIF approved

Dec. 2005: Noisette Creek Preserve Plan Released Dec. 2005: Phase IV land transfer (34 ac) March 2006: Horizon Village Breaks Ground April 2006: Navy Yard Design Guide Complete April 19th, 2006: Navy Yard community association

and transfers.

June 2004 The Noisette Foundation begins operations.

articles adopted.

March 22, 2001: Noisette Project Announced; MOU

Aug. 2004: 7 Storehouse Renovation and leasing

April 2006: 10 Storehouse Renovation and lease-up

with City and Redevelopment Authority.

complete

March 2001: Master Plan and community involvement

October 29th 2004: Navy Yard PDD zoning approved

May 2006: $3 million East Montague Streetscape

model launched June 2001: Off-base TIF approved by City Nov. 2001: HUD HOPE VI grant awarded to NCHA for Horizon Village

Dec. 2004: Phase III transfer of Navy Yard (31 ac) February 14, 2005: Development Agreement between Noisette and the City modified April 2005: Oak Terrace Preserve PDD approved by

June 2002: Sustainability Institute Rehabs demonstration

the City for 300 homes and 70 townhomes.

home on E. Montague

April 2005: 11 Storehouse Renovation and leasing

Nov 2002: Development Agreement between Noisette

complete

Complete June 2006: School Board approves $117 million for Noisette-area schools. July 2006: Oak Terrace Preserve Breaks Ground

CHAPTER 3 (2006-2007): Major redevelopment of Navy Yard begins including

and the City signed

April 2005: Reverter land purchase (40 ac)

infrastructure engineering and implementation.

April 2003: The City purchases Century Oaks, now

July 4, 2005: Riverfront Park Phase I complete

August 2006: Noisette pays off city note for Navy Yard

called Oak Terrace Preserve.

August 2005: SC’s first LEED -certified school—North

land.

July 2003: Phase I/II Navy Yard land transfer (176 ac)

Charleston Elementary—opens.

Dec. 2003: North Charleston Noisette Community

September 2005: Clemson announces plans to locate

Master Plan Released

the research campus of the new Restoration Institute

August 2006: Builder team breaks ground on first Oak

next to the Navy Yard at Noisette on 86 acres.

Terrace Preserve houses

February 2004: Master Plan accepted by City Council

August 2006: Final land transfer from City to Noisette (14 ac) brings acreage owned to 318

"11&/%*9 September 2006: Initiation of Navy Yard at Noisette infrastructure planning and design January 2007: Bonding for Clemson University Restoration Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s North Charleston Research Campus approved by State Budget and Control Board. Feb. 2007: Mixson Development ground-breaking

"11&/%*9 $

best possible environmental safety, from the manufacturing plant to our door. Â

has been reduced, and the chemicals are

Green Cleaning Program

The Noisette Company chooses to engage in green

concentrated to reduce manufacturing energy, packaging and fuel costs for transport. Â

content. Bathroom tissue and towels are also Green

without harming the environment. In other words, to

Seal certified for recycled content of the packaging,

reduce exposure of hazardous or irritating chemicals

April 2007: Parcel 28 Closing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WPC Engineers

that the products, cores and packaging are processed

and processes that negatively impact air quality, human May 2007: Water and Wastewater master plan

health, building finishes, building systems and the

complete

environment.

August 2007: Stormwater Management master plan complete

chlorine free, that non-toxic inks are used, and that high capacity rolls are encouraged. Our paper towel dispensers employ controlled portioning to reduce waste, and we are phasing in bathroom tissue

Increasingly poor indoor and outdoor environmental

dispensers with reduced core material.

quality has a major impact on businesses, education and our daily lives. A true green cleaning program

August 2007: Traffic Impact Analysis complete

We purchase paper products and can liners that meet EPA procurement guidelines for recycled

cleaning practices, defined as cleaning to protect health

March 2007: Riverfront Park Phase II completed

The number of cleaning chemicals in the building

Cleaning equipment used in our buildings meet the

makes a significant improvement on indoor air quality

Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label standards for

and dramatically reduces product use, water use,

sound, dust control, emissions and performance.

energy consumption, fuel and transportation costs and

For example, we use ProTeam (partnered with the

emissions through these reductions, and the amounts Oct. 3 2007: Parcel 2.3 and NH 68 closed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sold to

American Lung Association) backpack vacuums to

and types of waste discharged into our water systems

capture soil and safely contain harmful particles, as

Lead Dog Properties

and landfills.

well as prevent them from being reintroduced back

September

2007:

Design

and

Engineering

infrastructure begins

Nov. 2007: Mixson goes vertical on first 19 units. Nov. 2007: Resolution approved outlining process for issuing TIF bonds to pay for $165 million in public infrastructure over three phases. Nov. 5, 2007: Dedication of $3.1 million Charleston Naval Base Memorial Dec. 19, 2007: SCE&G substation parcel closing.

into the environment. These vacuums also reduce A truly effective green cleaning program incorporates

or eliminate the need for brooms and dust mops,

many elements:

major contributors to poor indoor air quality.

Our cleaning chemicals and hand soaps meet or

Sustainable cleaning tools and equipment are also

exceed Green Seal GS-37 standards. These and

a very important consideration in regards to water

other comparable standards analyze the safety

use, chemical and water waste, and paper waste.

of the cleaning chemical on human health and

We use microfiber cleaning tools that are much

the environment. Manufacturing processes and

more efficient at soil removal than towels, allow us

packaging must also meet strict criteria for the

to reduce the amount of cleaning solution prepared

"11&/%*9 41

and almost completely eliminate dirty cleaning

With the cleaning industry using 8 billion pounds of

readings are provided by our janitorial contractor on a

solution down the drains. By eliminating paper

chemicals, 4.5 billion pounds of paper, 6 billion pounds

quarterly basis for monitoring.

towel use for cleaning, we have reduced paper waste

of can liners (petroleum!) and discarding 1 billion pounds

and stopped releasing paper dust into the air.

of cleaning equipment annually, The Noisette Company

Also

very

important

are

Training

and

Communication. Our staff is trained in best practices for cleaning, safety trained, our equipment is properly maintained and documented, and communication is encouraged and documented to ensure safety, compliance and understanding.

Oak Terrace Preserve Low Impact Development Stormwater Management

an option, we consider it a responsibility.

impact of our cleaning program without sacrificing building appearance or the comfort of our tenants. In fact, green cleaning makes an immediate impact on indoor quality, which is proven to be responsible for reduced absenteeism, fewer medical claims and increased employee productivity. Indoor air quality

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"11&/%*9 %

is proud to do what we can to lessen the environmental

The Noisette Company doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t consider green cleaning

"11&/%*9

"11&/%*9 & Visit Our Office

Seven Storehouse Row represents our vision of

Currently, we are working with the US Green-building

Artwork and interior plants

an office for the 21st Century â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one that is healthy,

Council to achieve LEED1 certification under a pilot

Jim Schultz, a North Charleston resident who lives

inspiring, productive, flexible and sustainable. The

program for commercial interiors.

within the Noisette footprint, created the three-

second floor is home to The Noisette Company (the building owner) and three other organizations: The City of North Charleston, The R.L . Bryan Company and The Noisette Urban Alliance.

Historic building Reusing existing buildings is one of the ultimate forms of recycling. As part of the original Charleston Naval Base, Building 7 was designed in 1904 and built

dimensional artwork seen in the second floor entryway. The untitled piece is constructed entirely from discarded car parts like a bottom pan, push rods and catalytic converter. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also see artwork on loan from the City of North Charleston that features

As you walk around our office, you will see markers

in 1908 as a storehouse. Reuse not only preserves our

identifying

building

visual ties to the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage, it eliminates the need

materials and furnishings, as well as the companies

for complete demolition which sends large quantities

who produce them. Many of the markers highlight

of material to landfill and consumes building

sustainable features that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t apparent â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which

materials for new construction. An open floor plan

Lighting

is the whole idea. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also see that pursuing

was designed to take advantage of large windows to

High-efficiency lighting fixtures were provided by

sustainable features does not require compromising

maximize natural light throughout the workspace.

Hubbell Lighting Systems and were fitted with low-

comfort or performance. In fact, the whole idea of

The floor plan is supplemented by the use of a flexible

energy UltraMAXâ&#x201E;˘ electronic ballasts. The fixtures

sustainability is to enhance comfort, health, efficiency

arrangement of systems furniture by Herman Miller, Inc.

direct 40 percent of the light towards the white ceiling

environmentally-sensitive

and durability.

Kitchen appliances and hardware

Sustainable 1. Building with products that are durable,

The dishwasher, refrigerator, and ice-maker were

healthy, efficient and comfortable. 2. Creating the

provide by Whirlpool Corporation and have an Energy

good life in ways that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t compromise the ability of

Star rating. The water-saving sink faucet was designed

future generations to do the same.

by Kohler Company.

the work of local residents. Interior plans are placed throughout the office to improve air quality and provide a calming.

to maximize indirect light. The entire system reduces energy costs and heat emission, and provides a highquality light without the flickering seen in standard systems.

1 The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System ÂŽ is a voluntary, concensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. The LEED for Commercial Interiors Rating System extends the LEED sustainable design and construction objectives to tenant improvement projects. In preparation for public release in 2004, the USGBC has initiated a pilot test of the draft LEED-CI Rating System. (Source: www.usgbc.org/LEED/leed_interiors.asp 2 The Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI) has established performance-based standards to define goods with low chemical and particle emissions for use indoors. (Source: www.greenguard.org)

"11&/%*9 43 Furniture

and imitating how nature works. The pattern allows

traditional landscape into one that celebrates plants

The systems furniture was designed and produced

for the individual tiles to achieve similarity without

that are native to the Southeast. The bed that is

by Herman Miller, Inc. using recycled and recyclable

sameness. As a result, there is flexibility to replace

closest to the building is composed of aster, inkberry,

materials. The chairs and furniture are GREENGUARD2

damaged tiles in the future without mismatch.

was myrtle, southern magnolias, sweetbay magnolias,

certified and contain various levels of recycled

Interface also provided a no-VOC carpet glue.

foster’s holly, black-eyed susans and verbena. Itea

content: Resolve System (27%), Ethospace Systems

Although recently installed, there is no ‘new office’

virginica was planted underneath the existing crape

(35%), Avive Tables (81%), Aeron Chairs (66%), Mirra

smell. This is due to the absence of unhealthy off-

myrtle canopy. These plants replaced ligustrum (an

Chairs (40%), Caper Chairs (near 100%).

gassing fumes and particulates associated with

invasive plant), Indian hawthorn and Algerian ivy. A

traditional installations.

strip of St. Augustine grass, which requires intense

Cabinetry

maintenance and irrigation, was replaced by the band

Cabinetry was constructed using WOODSTALK™

Marmoleum was used in the kitchen and provides a

fiberboard, a highly sustainable building materials

healthy alternative to vinyl flooring. Derived primarily

from Dow Bioproducts, Ltd. Also called “wheatboard,”

from natural raw materials, Marmoleum is made

it is made from wheat stalks (a waste product of

from linseed oil flax, wood flour, pine rosins and

harvesting) and a formaldehyd-free polyurethane

backed with a natural jute backing. Tiles made with

Other sustainable features

resin to reduce emissions associated with various

recycled, crushed marble were used in the Foyer area.

Walls were constructed using a gypsum board,

wood-based products containing urea formaldehyde.

Johnsonite, 100% synthetic rubber flooring, was used

manufactured by USG, that has a high recycled

on the stair treads and landing areas.

content.

Optical faucets from Kohler Company reduce water

Ceiling/acoustical tiles

The fireplace was provided by FireSide Hearth &

usage by being highly responsive and using water-

USG manufactured the Mars™ ClimaPlus™ acoustical

Home. This electric system, provided the heat,

saving diffusers. Two waterless urinals (Waterless

ceiling tiles and the visually stunning metal ceiling

light and ambience of a traditional fireplace while

Co.) were installed, and each saves on gallon of water

grid. The acoustical ceiling tiles have a very high noise

avoiding the negative indoor air-quality effects

per use compared to conventional urinals. These

reduction value and are made with 72% recycled

associated with non-vented gas-burning systems.

touchless products also improve cleanliness and

content.

Rest rooms

human health.

of switchgrass. Our goal is to continue introducing native plants to the property and reduce our irrigation needs to a minimum.

Owens Corning provided the Cultured Stone™

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)

around the fireplace. This composite material,

Surface coverings — paints

The HVAC system operates above ASHRAE standards

composed primarily of pumice and glass oxide,

The harmony Series low-VOC (Volatile Organic

on air freshness, humidity and indoor air quality. A

resembles stone but does not involve the excavation

Compounds) paints from Sherwin Williams were

Siemens monitoring device was installed that tracks

and transport of stone.

used on all painted surfaces.

carbon dioxide, humidity and temperature and controls fresh air intake. The system can be controlled

Floor covering The carpet, by Interface, Inc., is made with a high

locally through our computer network.

Ownes Corning is also responsible for the acoustic batt (sound insulation) embedded in several walls throughout the floor. The acoustic batt has

recycle content and is very recyclable. The forest

Exterior Landscape

a high-recycled content in addition to earning a

floor design is based

We are in the process of transitioning the existing

GREENGUARD certification.

on biomimicry — studying

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