EPA to Award Domus Development 2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized Domus Development, led by founding partner Meea Kang, as winner of the 2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement in the "Built Projects" category. Their outstanding accomplishments have been acknowledged by building the innovative La Valentina urban infill project, the region's first true transit-oriented development which achieves a near Net Zero energy use and cost for residents.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140204/SF58385)

The project was selected from among 77 applicants from 31 states based on Domus' effectiveness in creating a sustainable community that served as a national model for environmental, social and economically sustainable development. Kang will accept the award on behalf of Domus Development at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on February 5.

"Domus Development and the La Valentina project are realizing Sacramento's vision of downtown infill revitalization through smart growth, energy efficiency, economic sustainability and housing that complements transit," said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. "This project sets a standard for cities and industry to work together to develop integrated and vibrant spaces that serve their communities. The City of Sacramento commends Domus on this distinctive award and the uniquely visible and catalytic impact that La Valentina has created at the gateway toward a thriving downtown community."

Lying vacant for over 20 years, the area surrounding the Alkali Flat/La Valentina light-rail station in downtown Sacramento was plagued with crime, blight, and contamination. In 2007, a public-private partnership between the City of Sacramento and Domus Development brought together community groups to address neighborhood concerns and create a new vision for the area. From that vision grew the affordable mixed-use building complexes known as La Valentina Station and La Valentina North. Known for their success in constructing highly challenging mixed-use/mixed-income communities, Domus Development's properties have had a positive impact at the local level, increasing environmental and economic health, and improving quality of life for the entire community.

"The La Valentina project is the beautiful result of a tremendous partnership between the City of Sacramento, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency and Domus," said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. "The project is proof that energy efficient, transit-oriented, low-income housing projects can emerge when federal tax credits, grants and local sources of funds are combined and put to good use."

"This award is particularly meaningful because it encompasses every aspect of our mission to engage in socially and environmentally-conscious ventures by revitalizing underutilized urban infill properties," said Kang. "Providing affordable infill housing is absolutely a national health issue and an integral component of thriving, sustainable neighborhoods. We've witnessed the transformative power that smart growth can have on the long-term health and social balance of entire communities, and we're passionate about our key role in developing a shared vision of sustainable living."

About the EPA's National Award for Smart Growth Achievement
EPA created the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement in 2002 to highlight exceptional approaches to development that protect the environment, encourage economic vitality, and enhance quality of life. In the past 12 years, 61 winners from 26 states have shown a variety of approaches that states, regions, cities, suburbs, and rural communities can use to create economically strong, environmentally responsible development. EPA's Office of Sustainable Communities manages the awards program. For more information on the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, visit: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards.htm

About Domus Development
Since 2003, Domus Development has constructed innovative, award-winning, infill mixed-use projects and secures complex, layered financing. Domus is committed to using their development expertise and creativity to finance and build attractive, well-designed properties that promote economic and community prosperity.

Meea Kang has contributed and authored numerous articles for publications including: Environmental Law News, San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle, Berkeley Law, UCLA Law. She has presented at dozens of conferences and panel discussions on topics such as redevelopment, infill, reshaping communities and sustainable living and is called upon as an industry expert. Kang is the recipient of numerous awards including: Housing Innovator Award, 2013; Women Who Mean Business Award, 2013; Leader of the Year, 2012; Northern California Real Estate Women of Influence 2011; and Visionary 2020 Award, 2010.

MEEA KANG IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS UPON REQUEST

SOURCE Domus Development