Giving Gold the Old College Try

Green highlights of the project, located in a former Lowe's, will include geothermal heating, solar panels, and rain-water reuse.

by Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 2/20/2008

Nittany Lions fans will soon cool their cleats in guilt-free luxury at the P Hotel & Spa, a new mixed-use project planned for State College, Pennsylvania.

Real estate developer Tricore Group predicts the complex will mark two green milestones: The second hotel in the country to earn LEED Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council, and the country’s first LEED Gold condominium hotel. Given the property’s proximity to Penn State University, the hotel is likely to attract fans of the school's legendary football team.

A former Lowe’s warehouse will be redeveloped as part of the 16-acre project, which also incorporates restaurant and retail spaces. Green highlights will include geothermal heating, solar panels and rainwater reuse. Construction waste will be recycled, as will the existing building’s masonry, concrete, steel, and glass.

"By making use of pre-developed property, recycling the vacated warehouse and creating the highest quality indoor environment, we are minimizing the environmental impact while ensuring healthy and luxurious accommodations," says Tricore CEO Ben Heim.

Fernsler Architecture and interior design firm Spaces Design Center, two locally based companies, have collaborated on the design, which will be presented to the Patton Township Planning Commission for final approval later this month.

The master plan includes 100 hotel suites, with one to three bedroom units available for sale to private owners, as well as rooftop gardens and a 9000 square foot spa.