Tower Companies Announces Opening of Ecopads @The Blairs

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tower Companies has introduced the first Ecopads at The Blairs, their 27-acre "Green" live-work-play residential complex in Silver Spring, MD. Sustainable and guilt-free living can now be had in unusually large studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments just steps from the Metro and a plethora of upscale dining and entertainment options. Models are available for viewing, with a selected group of apartments open for immediate occupancy.

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The Ecopads' sophisticated green kitchen interiors feature 35% recycled Silestone countertops, Energy Star GE Clean Steel appliances and gas ranges, formaldehyde-free European-style Eco Cabinets, and of course, built-in recycling centers. Paints and carpets have no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), all flooring is manufactured with ultra-high recycled content, and no solvent-based stains and coatings were used in carpets, cabinets or countertops. Ecopads also feature Kohler WaterSense Fixtures and "Budget and Monitor" Smart Meters are being added for tenant comfort and control.

The non-smoking building also boasts luxurious, state-of-the-art social laundry rooms, furnished with high-end LG washer/dryers in a lounge-like atmosphere, with leather club chairs, large flat screen TVs and walls adorned with art. Tenants also have access to the private Crescent outdoor/indoor entertainment area, complete with barbecue grills, flat screen TVs and plush patio furniture to enjoy their outdoor experience.

The Blairs' family-friendly, carbon neutral community is 100% wind-powered and features an Olympic-size pool and kiddies pool, two fully furnished hospitality suites, and two fenced dog parks. Community events are planned regularly. Three 24-hour fitness centers, concierge, 24-hour courtesy patrol, parking, a shopping center, and Zipcar round out the amenities.

The Ecopads are part of Tower's first-phase multi-million greening renovation of The Blairs where every building is registered for USGBC LEED® New Construction (NC) or Existing Building (EB) certification. The Tower Companies' goal is to reach certification through mechanical and electrical systems upgrades which they have already completed, installing all new kitchens and bathrooms and enhanced amenities, landscaping and facade upgrades in the public areas.

The Blairs consists of 1,400 apartments on 27 acres, 150,000 square feet of office and retail space. The complex includes three high-rises, four mid-rises and 78 LEED certified-townhouse-style units at Blair Towns, an infill development of townhouse-style units, which were internationally recognized as being the first LEED Certified apartments in the United States.

The Tower Companies is carbon neutral and a member of EPA's Green Power Partnership, Energy Star and Climate Leaders programs.

CONTACT:

Elizabeth Oliver-Farrow

(C) 202.494.1977

(O) 202.293.2541

[email protected]

SOURCE The Tower Companies