Project of the Month: Motor Parkway Plaza, developed by Abel and Schacker of Quadrangle Properties, awarded LEED Silver Certification

Motor Parkway Plaza, located at 694 Motor Parkway, has been awarded LEED Silver Certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The mixed-use complex is one of Long Island's "greenest" combination retail, restaurant and commercial office facilities. In planning the design of the plaza, David Abel and Gary Schacker, principals of United Realty, Triangle Properties and Quadrangle Properties, wanted to incorporate energy efficient, cost-effective green technologies worthy of LEED Certification. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the internationally recognized green building certification system created by USGBC. A team of designers and consultants led by LEED consultant, Jimmy Carchietta, LEED AP, of the Cotocon Group, worked together to secure the points needed for LEED Silver Certification. "Receiving LEED Silver Certification proves that we have accomplished what we set out to do-build green. Moving forward, our current tenants and those who will fill the remaining space, visitors, the community and the environment, will all benefit from our carefully conceived and developed project. Motor Parkway Plaza is located in a highly visible and busy area of Long Island. We are certain that this attractive shopping, dining and business center will stand as an example of green building for others to follow in this region," said Abel. "Dave (Abel) was clear and positive about LEED Certification right from the start," said Jimmy Carchietta. "He's a real pleasure to work with, a leader who focuses on the benefits LEED brings to his tenants and the community as a whole." "The Motor Parkway Plaza qualified for LEED Silver Certification after a complete review of the project by USGBC of its green design, features and systems. This project demonstrates a long-term commitment to planning and building green. Developers David Abel and Gary Schacker had a clear vision beginning many years ago for what they wanted to see on this property. They brought together a team of construction, solar, design and construction experts who turned their vision into a reality. The USGBC will formally recognize their achievements with a ceremony this fall," said Vince Capogna, executive director of USGBC-LI. Michael Hervey, COO at LIPA said, "LIPA is proud to help in the construction and planning for this retail and commercial center, which will provide economic and environmental benefits to the property owners, retailers, consumers, and LIPA. We remain committed to working with all of our customers, including business and government leaders to reduce energy consumption, maximize energy conservation and increase the use of renewable energy on Long Island." Motor Parkway Plaza is located on land that once contained a section of the historic Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, dating back in Long Island history to the early 1900s when The Vanderbilt Cup races were popular. Among the LEED features of the complex are materials derived from the remains of the old Vanderbilt Motor Parkway. Three old building foundations at the site were also recycled into materials used to construct the new complex. Another feature of the complex is the installation of 406 Solyndra photovoltaic (PV) modules. This high-tech tubular-shaped solar array provides 25% of the required electrical needs for the interior and exterior common areas and office space. The solar array sits on top of a bright white, high albedo Carlisle SynTec roof, capable of reflecting 88% of the sunlight. The unique design reduces ambient heat that is retained by dark man-made surfaces, keeps the building cooler, enhances the sunlight reflected off the roof and converts more sunlight into electricity via the Solyndra Solar PV System. In addition, the materials used in the interior have low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are often found in paints, finishes, carpets, wall paneling and sealants. The project was developed by Quadrangle Properties, a sister company to Triangle Properties and United Realty. The construction manager was Jack Kulka of Kulka Construction Management. The project architect was D3 Architects represented by Dave Dubinsky and Edward Farrell. Sol Niego of Niego Associates also contributed to the project. The site engineers Barrett, Bonacci & Van Weele, were represented by Kevin Walsh. The LEED engineer was Paul Meyer of Horizon Engineering. The zoning and land use attorneys were Weber Law Group, represented by Morton Weber, Mitchell Pally and Garrett Gray. The leasing attorney was Stanley Amelkin of Silverman Acampora LLC. The following companies and firms were integral in the development of the Motor Parkway Plaza Project: Construction Manager: Kulka Construction LLC Architect: D3 Architecture P.C. LEED Consultant: The Cotocon Group Solar PV System Designer/Installer: Quad State Solar Owner/Agent: United Realty Low Voltage: MTI Communication Landscaping: Valente Landscaping Utility - Electric: Long Island Power Authority Fire Sprinkler/Design: STAT Fire Sprinklers, Inc.