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East 54, a new mixed-use property located at the intersection of Environ Way and Highway 54 in Chapel Hill, was built with sustainability in mind. The property, which includes 126 condominiums, includes beautiful views of nearby Finley Golf Course.
photo: East 54.com
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An ideal mix
East 54 community has something for everyone
by Danielle Jackson
By all accounts, Chapel Hill’s East 54 could be considered a town within a town. The mixed-use development offers housing, shopping, dining, health and fitness facilities, and entertainment, all within walking distance to more amenities, from Finley Golf Course and Meadowmont Village to the Glen-Lennox Shopping Center.
“It’s a neighborhood that has a little bit of everything — great restaurants, shops, a hotel and office space,” says Lee Perry, project manager. “Anything you could need is right here.”
A slice of heaven
East 54, owned by East 54 Associates LLC, already has closed on more than 80 percent of its condos, which amounts to 90 residences. Those living at East 54 have a variety of amenities, ranging from a rooftop pool and terrace to a state-of-the-art fitness center to a dozen dining and retail options right outside their doors.
Other perks include floor-to-ceiling windows, 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, high-end finishes, balconies with great views of town and a central plaza for outdoor events.
The community was created through the hard work of several local companies, including East West Partners, Dishner Moore Architects, Hunter & Associates, the John R. McAdams Co., Resolute Construction Co. and TriProperties.
Going green
The property, which opened last fall, also was created with the environment in mind. East 54 is part of LEED for Neighborhood Development, a U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) pilot program in which the community as a whole is certified. The community, which recently achieved gold status through the program, also has its individual buildings certified through USGBC and is involved in a third program, which is focused on certifying its core and shell, as well as any new construction.
“It’s about how you handle the site as far as maintaining strict sediment control guidelines during construction, what you do with waste materials and whether you incorporate advanced stormwater retention facilities,” Perry notes.
All buildings at East 54 use recycled materials, feature upgraded mechanical and electrical systems, and utilize low-flow water features and enhanced natural daylighting, among other environmentally friendly practices.
“Prospective and current condo owners can expect solid, locally sourced recycled materials, enhanced mechanical and electrical systems that keep utilities low, and structured underground parking, which eliminates the need for asphalt and service parking,” Perry adds. “We also offer convenient recycling facilities for all residents.”
The bustling activity surrounding this new development hasn’t gone unnoticed since it opened.
“It’s been a great spot for people to come and shop and dine, and it’s offering great new homes in a great new location,” Perry says.
“We’ve added a great mixed-use community on the eastern edge of town for working, living and playing,” he adds. “It’s been a successful community that we’re excited and optimistic about.”
Danielle Jackson is editor of Fifteen501, Wake Living and Triad Living magazines.
Mixed-use mecca
East 54 offers something for everyone, including the following shopping and dining options:
• Archira Thai and Sushi
• Chocolaterie Stam
• Citrine Salon
• Deluxe Cleaners
• fab’rik
• Finn Facial Plastics
• Hadley Emerson
• Kerr Drug
• Neo Nails
• Piola Italian Restaurant
• Regus
• Saffron Indian Cuisine
• Streets Deli
Approximately 80 percent of the community’s commercial space is leased, with potential plans for a frozen yogurt shop and Pilates and yoga studio. Also within East 54 is Aloft Hotel, a Starwood Hotels property that opened last spring.
For more information on the urban village, visit www.east54.com.