Project honored for 'green' design

By Jesse Grainger

The planned Cherry Grove condominium development known as "Bella Costa" has been recognized by the city of North Myrtle Beach for being the first high-rise condo project in the state to be LEED registered (a program that promotes "green" design along with an assortment of other environmental and energy efficiencies). In addition to being the first high-rise condo project to be LEED registered; it is also the 100th total project in the state to get the LEED seal of approval.

North Myrtle Beach mayor Marilyn Hatley publicly congratulated Bella Costa's architect, Palmetto Architecture, and the developer, Al Alexander, during a city council meeting Monday evening for remaining committed to the LEED principles in their building designs. The city went on to present a resolution recognizing the environmentally friendly efforts of Palmetto Architecture. "The city council of the city of North Myrtle Beach strongly supports the principles that underpin the LEED program," the officiall city resolution reads. "The city council strongly encouraged the developers of future projects to embrace LEED principles and follow the example set by the Bella Costa project." "The [LEED] program promotes 'Green' design from using recycled materials, improved energy efficiency, smaller carbon footprints, improved indoor air quality and many more areas effecting design and construction," a statement by Palmetto Architecture's President Robin Roberts stated. "The bottom line for you, the owners of Bella Costa, is that you will have a cutting edge environmentally friendly and energy efficient building."