BDR Holdings: Sonata at Columbia Station

Positioned on the corner of S Alaska St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Way S near the Columbia City light rail station, this new 91-unit transit-oriented development is certified both Built Green 4-Star and National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Bronze level. Committed to building green, BDR Holdings’ Sonata building obtained 535 points on the multifamily checklist—135 points over the required 400 points for 4-Star.

Some of the Built Green credits that aided them in achieving their high score were using low-toxicity, low-VOC products, no added urea formaldehyde (NAUF) millwork and cabinets, and CRI Green Label Plus carpets throughout the building. Part of their energy savings comes from the centralized high-efficiency gas water heater, the extra roof insulation above the sheathing, and the rooftop PV array. Outside of the building, all landscaping is drought-tolerant, surfaces are pervious to allow for water infiltration, and nontoxic outdoor materials were used to finish off landscaping.

Vital Stats	Section	Points
Location: Seattle Star Level: 4-Star Checklist: Multifamily Residential New Construction (v. 2009) Verifier: Evergreen Certified	Site and Water	194
	Energy Efficiency	117
	Health and Indoor Air Quality	135
	Material Efficiency	89
	Total Score	535

Sonata offers a mix of studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms, along with an abundance of amenities for the tenants. Amenities include a rooftop deck with a viewing area for outdoor movies, fire pits, a barbecue for grilling, and a pet relief station. Within the building, you’ll find a heated bike storage room with a separate entrance to avoid tracking contaminates throughout the building, onsite storage, and common spaces for residents to socialize.

BDR Holdings Sonata Apartments at Columbia Station Built Green 4-Star exterior with mountain view and nearby light rail. Photo credit: Heiser Media