Vulcan
About Vulcan Real Estate
Representing one of the largest private urban revitalization projects in the country, Seattle-based Vulcan Real Estate is currently redeveloping nearly 60 acres in the city’s South Lake Union neighborhood. This offers a potential development capacity of nearly 10 million square feet. Vulcan is working with the community to foster a vibrant, sustainable neighborhood that blends new housing, retail shops, high-performance office and life sciences research space, parks, public transportation and recreation.Vulcan’s “Triple Bottom Line" approach to real estate sets us apart from other developers – we evaluate potential real estate projects and measure success according to three criteria: community, environmental and financial accountability. This philosophy fosters development that is environmentally sustainable and also promotes the social and economic health of the greater community.
A cornerstone of Vulcan’s approach to the redevelopment of South Lake Union is to embrace sustainability on all fronts – from buildings and streetscapes to parks and public transportation.
To direct its sustainable development program, Vulcan commissioned the Urban Environmental Institute to develop a comprehensive “Resource Guide for Sustainable Development in an Urban Environment.” The resulting report has been invaluable to Vulcan and other green developers across the country as a model for reducing the impacts of urban redevelopment while maintaining a neighborhood’s historic fabric and economic viability.
Vulcan has created a framework to enable its buildings to use energy and other resources efficiently, conserve water, promote the use of environmentally sensitive or recycled materials, and protect and enhance the quality of life for a building’s occupants. This is accomplished through features such as improved air quality systems and personal climate controls, enhanced natural daylight, the use of non-toxic materials, drought-tolerant landscaping and more -- providing a healthy environment that maximizes comfort and productivity for tenants. As a testament to Vulcan’s long-standing commitment to sustainable development, most of our projects are designed to achieve LEED certification at minimum.
With South Lake Union poised to become a major growth center for the Puget Sound region – both in terms of new jobs and residents – it presents a major opportunity for us to incorporate innovative sustainable strategies that will enhance our urban environment and quality of life. By taking such a high-profile, bustling neighborhood and turning it into a model for sustainability, Vulcan is setting the bar for future green development efforts across the country.