Homewood Suites by University City Hilton has officially achieved LEED® Silver certification from the United States Green Building Council.

Located at 4109 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, in the heart of the University City District, the 110,000-SF, 11-story, extended stay hotel is an example for progressive sustainable architecture within the hospitality industry. The facility achieved Silver under the LEED 2009 New Construction rating system and is expected to reduce energy costs by at least 25% compared to the energy code. The design incorporates a water source heat pump system with “smart” controls that allow for remote adjustment of room settings to reduce energy use, as well as energy recovery ventilation systems. Additionally, the hotel includes a vegetative “green” roof for stormwater reduction.

In collaboration with Alesker Dundon Architects, Urban provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering, including state-of-the-art energy saving room controls, and audio/video, information technology, and security systems for the new building.

The hotel is the flagship commercial project for the City of Philadelphia’s new EnergyWorks program, which provides low-interest loans to help finance sustainable building and redevelopment. It is anticipated to create 300 full-time and part-time jobs. A second phase of the development will include a 150,000-SF office building.

“This Homewood Suites is a shining example of how public and private partnerships come together to support sustainable design projects that positively impact community development,” stated Urban’s Daniel MacDonnell, EIT, LEED® AP. “ We are happy to support this initiative with energy efficient building system design, something that Urban strives for on every project.”