Both received their certifications through the USGBC LEED for Homes Mid-Rise pilot program for multi-family residential structures between four and six stories in height.

The eight-unit Mottainai, at , was developed by B2B Equities and NorthPointe Group/Kimbler Interests. The 16-unit Belmain, , was developed by Urban Sites.


Green elements of both buildings include the reuse of reclaimed brick and wood joists, low VOC paints, bamboo and cork flooring, Energy Star HVAC systems and appliances, water-saving plumbing fixtures, compact fluorescent lighting and drought-tolerant plantings.

Cincinnati-based HGC Construction, which has also worked on LEED and LEED-seeking projects at Emersion Design in Norwood and at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, served as the general contractor on Mottainai.

"Our renovation of these historic structures serves as a perfect model of how older buildings can be brought back to life using environmentally responsible materials to create beautiful and energy-efficient living spaces in an urban setting," said HGC president Mike Huseman.

The Lofts of Mottainai and Belmain are part of Phase III of 3CDC's Gateway Quarter, a $30.3 million project that includes 106 for-sale housing units and over 15,000 square feet of commercial space.

Prior to Mottainai's and Belmain's certifications, the Art Academy of Cincinnati building at is the only LEED-certified building of any type in Over-the-Rhine.


Previous reading on BC:
New 3CDC website features more photography, projects (7/27/09)
Go OTR 5K Run/Walk and Summer Celebration to show off neighborhood's best (6/17/09)
Lofts of Mottainai photo update, 2/7/09 (2/10/09)
Mottainai and Trinity Flats photo update, 1/22/09 (1/29/09)
Two OTR projects in LEED pilot program (9/30/08)