Go Green

How We’re Green


Midtown Commons is a redevelopment that transforms and reclaims a former industrial site — the Huntsman Chemical research facility — for a new use that helps make Austin a more livable city. The site has undergone a thorough and successful process of environmental remediation to prepare it for its new residential and commercial uses. Our energy-saving project components include recycled construction materials, a central building recycling center, reuse of water for landscaping, double-pane windows, efficient cooling systems and Energy Star appliances.

In keeping with the environmental principles of New Urbanism, Midtown Commons:

  • Takes a holistic approach to environmental responsibility through the efficiencies inherent in high-density development with an emphasis on human scale. Higher density is inherently more cost- and resource-efficient than suburban sprawl.
  • Represents a balanced, synergistic and sustainable mix of uses that will stand the test of time.
  • Provides generous shade, vegetation and green space to reduce ambient temperatures. Extensive landscaping and tree-planting also promotes clean air.
  • Reduces vehicular mileage as a dense, Transit-Oriented Development. Lower levels of automobile use create lower levels of pollution and a healthier environment.
  • Provides for site-wide energy reduction through passive solar design principles and state-of-the-art cooling and heating technology.
  • Respects locally and nationally recognized standards for green building. Sensible building approaches help achieve energy efficiency.