A cornerstone-laying ceremony was held this week for Kingston’s first large-scale geothermal residential building, the Geo. The result of a partnership between Podium Development Corp., Secure Capital Partners Inc., Blue Vista Capital Management LLC, and OPTrust, the Geo will add 344 units of much-needed rental supply to the city, while also being Kingston’s first Fitwel-certified building.
“As a City, we’re committed to demonstrating leadership on climate action, but we need everyone in the community involved to make an impact,” said Kingston Mayor, Bryan Paterson. “The Geo is a big step forward towards a low-carbon future for Kingston and I’m excited to see this project be completed. Podium is leading the way with this development and has set the bar for new, environmentally conscious construction in Kingston.”
To improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the Geo will use geothermal energy to lower its greenhouse gas emissions by over 70 per cent—which will also in turn lower utility costs for future residents.
“Our team is focused on leading positive change for lower carbon buildings,” said Podium Developments’ Managing Director, Bernard Luttmer. “This is Kingston’s first large-scale geothermal residential building, but it will not be the last. Our portfolio of new multifamily projects planned in Kingston and throughout Ontario are all being designed with innovative technologies to help us reach a net-zero carbon future. We were able to celebrate this ongoing work at the Geo this week.”
At the Geo, twenty per cent of car parking will be provisioned with EV charging capabilities. Building amenities will include private outdoor terraces, a rooftop terrace, a two-storey gym with a squash court, and 344 dedicated bicycle parking spaces.
“From the earliest stages of planning, we wanted the Geo to be the first Fitwel certified building in Kingston,” said Luttmer. “Resident well-being has always been a high priority for us, but this pandemic has truly magnified the importance of health and wellness in our buildings,”
A redeveloped Brownfield infill site, the Geo is centrally located at 575 Princess Street, just a short walk to both Queen’s University and downtown Kingston. Once complete, it will rise 10-storeys and feature ground-floor retail as well as a corner parkette at Princess St. and Frontenac St.
The Cornerstone Ceremony at the Geo was followed by the Official Grand Opening of Unity Point, the Project Partnership’s first purpose-built rental community in Kingston, which is currently fully leased and occupied.
For additional information visit www.TheGeo.ca
