Fort Worth Developer Goes Green

Fort Worth Real Estate is getting more environmentally friendly thanks to Dallas-based developer Cawley Wilcox. They have broken ground on an office building in west Fort Worth that incorporates a number of earth-friendly features. The Wilcox Plaza at Green Oaks is set to open in 2009, and has earned ratings as the area’s most energy efficient building.

This three story office complex has been awarded the gold level of LEED certification, and is the first such building in Tarrant County to achieve this mark. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a nationally recognized building standard for environmentally friendly construction.

Wilcox Plaza to Incorporate Energy Friendly Features

Bricks from the historic Green Oaks, which once hosted such famous names as Elvis Presley, will be recycled and used in the new building. Approximately 70 percent of the site’s oak trees will remain, adding shaded open spaces that will help cool the area, as will reflective roof panels and paving materials. Vegetation will be planted that will help clean rainwater runoff, and a ponds will store the runoff for use in irrigation. Solar powered faucets and energy efficient glass top off the energy friendly features.

Overall the measures will cut energy use by 15 percent and reduce water consumption by four million gallons each year, which in turn will lead to substantial savings in the cost for utilities.

The builder plans to continue its energy efficient improvements to Fort Worth Commercial real estate by making a commitment to integrate “green” measures into all of its new construction projects. As energy costs continue to rise, such measures are likely to become standard. Cawley Wilcox has done a great job of setting the standard for others to follow.