There is a new community under development in southern California that offers cutting edge design to minimize the impact on the environment, both at the neighborhood and regional level. MonteCedro, a new nonprofit continuing care retirement community, is expected to welcome its first residents in December 2015.
The senior living community is part of the Episcopal Communities & Services family of organizations, and soon to be home to more than 250 residents. Designed by international design and architecture firm Perkins Eastman, MonteCedro has enveloped sustainable design features in its construction, including a state-of-the-art irrigation control system that utilizes rain-sensors, energy efficient heating and cooling systems, and use of low-VOC paints, wall coverings and adhesives.
Additionally, the contractor for the community, DPR Construction, is utilizing dust minimization and equipment emission controls throughout the construction period to minimize impact on neighbors and the larger environment.
“MonteCedro is the first new continuing care retirement community to be built in the greater Pasadena area in 30 years,” says Martha Tamburrano, president and chief executive officer of Episcopal Communities & Services. “With that significant marker in our minds, sustainability was an integral part of our planning and our commitment to the community at large. We are thrilled MonteCedro is not only a premier senior retirement community, but also one where green space is maximized and our buildings are environmentally friendly.”
To help reduce light pollution, MonteCedro’s exterior lighting fixtures will be ‘dark sky’ compliant. Additional green lighting features include Title 24 compliant, energy-efficient fixtures used throughout the building, which is designed to operate at a level 12 percent better than California Energy Code requirements.
Native landscaping, not turf grass, will take prominence on the grounds of MonteCedro. This will help reduce irrigation and fertilization needs, and improve resistance to many pests and diseases, as well as provide habitat for butterflies and birds native to the region. And when the rains come, a storm water management system will capture and filter rain runoff from roofs, walkways and paving and reintroduce the majority of the water into the landscaping.
“ECS has a conscious commitment to caring for the environment as well as the people who live in our communities,” says Tamburrano. “We are proud to say that MonteCedro offers world-class amenities and opportunities in a setting that is environmentally sustainable.”
For more information about the senior living community, please visit www.montecedro.org, or call (877) 344-2210. MonteCedro is located at 2212 N. El Molino, Altadena.
