Building greener means building better with Hankin Group, a premier developer defined by quality, sustainability and aesthetics.
Hankin Group teams focus on building sustainable developments and creating projects that not only last, but also have a lower impact on the environment. "Sustainable building practices are a responsibility, not an accolade, and mean greater health, economic, and environmental benefits for all," says Lance Hillegas, Hankin Group vice president of design and sustainable development.
Some of the building practices implemented by Hankin Group teams include using recycled and locally sourced building materials, creating efficient stormwater management systems that allow water to be stored and used for irrigation, and incorporating low-emitting materials for interior construction that keep air cleaner.
Sustainability of Hankin Group buildings is shown through LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and Energy Star Certificates, which are earned from third-party rating systems based on several qualifications. The LEED system consists of four levels of certifications: certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. LEED designations are based on factors, such as sustainable sites; water efficiency; materials; resources; energy; atmosphere; innovation in design; indoor environmental quality and regional priority.
The goal of LEED is to reduce environmental impacts and improve quality of life. Environmentally conscience building creates spaces that have lower energy costs, and are healthier to work and live in. LEED-certified buildings benefit the environment in numerous ways, including reducing construction waste, incorporating recycled materials into buildings, and using cleaning products that are less harmful to the environment.
For buildings to earn an Energy Star Certification, they must meet energy performance standards set by the EPA. This certificate is given annually, so buildings must maintain their high performance to keep their certification.
Examples of Hankin Group's buildings with LEED certifications include Keva Flats, Meridian at Eagleview in Exton, 530 Herman O West Dr., and 3901 Walnut St., in Philadelphia.
"We're also dedicated to providing high quality, award-winning, residential living spaces within our unique communities that immediately welcome you with a sense of place," says Lance.
Hankin Group is known for incorporating a diverse range of traditional neighborhood features into walk-able communities, including notable portions of land devoted to parks, recreation and open space.
New, Promising Example: Keva Flats
One of the prime, recent Hankin Apartments projects is a 21-acre, five-building community that contains 240 units in the Downingtown-Exton area, on Business Route 30 just west of Route 100. Called Keva Flats, the $60 million development provides a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units in four-story structures with covered parking.
What stands out about these new apartments is that the development blends natural materials with floor-to-ceiling windows, bold angles and open floorplans.
In addition, these apartments feature modern finishes, such as quartz counters, tile back splashes, plank flooring and Grohe faucets.
The development is extremely walk-able, with a sidewalk going along Lincoln Highway to connect Keva Flats to the Whiteland Town Center. Another sidewalk travels Waterloo Boulevard to meet up with Miller Park. Eventually, Hankin managers hope to link the sidewalks to the Chester County trail system.
Keva Flats includes a clubhouse with a coffee bar, business lounge and a multi-sport simulator. It also has a fitness center and yoga studio, a private dining room, a club room with demo kitchen and a rooftop terrace with fire pits, grill and seating. There's a sport court that offers basketball, tennis and volleyball. Adjacent to the sport court is an outdoor pool with grilling stations, as well as a dog park.
“This was and is an exciting project for us,” says Becky Reeves, vice president of operations at Hankin Apartments. “At Keva Flats, our goal is to develop a sense of place and simplify life.”
