A new project from Essex Property Trust in San Mateo is taking sustainability to the next level. Station Park Green is one of the first developments to be a part of LEED: Neighborhood Development, a program that recognizes communities enhancing the health, quality of life and natural environment.

LEED: ND’s rating system considers location and design and how it reduces vehicle miles traveled. It considers whether jobs and services are accessible by foot or public transportation and whether the buildings follow green infrastructure practices. The rating system also considers the parks and green space.

The LEED standards aligned with design principals, according to project designer MVE Architects' Darin Schoolmeester. For this project, designers were already considering the transit activity, walkability, open space around the community and how to connect the project to regional bike trails and public transit.

The project has four buildings with 599 housing units surrounded by two acres of parks. The project will include 10K SF of office and 25K SF of retail. Above-grade parking will be available and topped with a recreation area, including a pool and common club space. The site is near Caltrain and downtown San Mateo and is at the site of an underutilized retail center.

Schoolmeester said a growing trend for residents to live in communities near transit and employment has created more demand for communities that are less dependent on auto transportation.

Phase 1 of construction is expected to be completed in December, and Phase 2 is expected to deliver at the end of 2019.