Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.2

Inquiry

The intent of this credit is to channel development to urban areas with existing infrastructure, protect greenfields, and preserve habitat and natural resources. The proposed Hillsboro, Oregon City Hall will achieve these goals by locating the building within the Portland Metropolitan Urban Growth Boundary at the intersection of First and Main streets in the heart of the urban community. The five-story building will greatly increase the density of the immediate surrounding area and set the tone for all future development in the downtown area. Included with the city hall development will be a 25,500 sf community events plaza, 7,500 sf of retail space, and 135,275 sf of affordable and market rate apartments; all of which utilize existing infrastructure. \nHowever, the surrounding area does not meet he USGBC\'s density criteria for an urban area as defined by a measure of 60,000 sf of built environment per acre of land. In the City\'s Zoning terms the USGBC criteria is equal to a Floor Area Ratio, "FAR," of 1.37. Because the CBD was the center of the original 1842 city (older than nearby Portland) commercial buildings are primarily single story with adjacent parking; resulting in a FAR within a half mile of the project site of only 0.63. However, the Hillsboro CBD has now been designated as one of six "Regional Centers" within the Portland SMSA where future density is expected (in fact, required) to be second only to that of downtown Portland. The City Hall building will have a FAR of 2.3, well in excess of USGBC\'s expectations. Because the City is taking a leadership position by building the first truly "urban" scale development in this old town, we are convinced this project captures the spirit of sustainable development and the intent of the credit. Consequently, we respectfully request award of this point.\n