Valencia Vista Earns LEED Platinum Certification

SAN BERNARDINO>> Valencia Vista at Arrowhead Grove, the first phase of a transformational public-private partnership in San Bernardino, has received LEED Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Platinum is the highest designation under the council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design program, underscoring the quality of design and construction that has gone into Valencia Vista by master developer National Community Renaissance. The announcement came as final preparations were being made for the grand opening of the 76-unit workforce housing community at Valencia Avenue and 9th Street. “We’re proud to bring this state-of-the-art development to San Bernardino, and to serve as a catalyst for a citywide transformation,” said Steve PonTell, President and Chief Executive Officer of National CORE, one of the nation’s largest and most respected nonprofit community builders. Since its founding more than two decades ago, National CORE has been nationally recognized for the quality and design of its communities. To qualify for LEED certification, developers must pass a rigorous set of design and building guidelines. Of those, only the best of the best achieve Platinum status. Valencia Vista represents the first phase of the Arrowhead Grove Neighborhood Revitalization effort, which calls for more than 400 housing units, community amenities, upgraded infrastructure and an integrated educational environment. The redevelopment, to be phased in over the next several years, represents a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership with the City of San Bernardino to fill a pressing demand for high-quality multifamily housing while spurring economic growth citywide. Other partners include the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, The Clancy Co. and the Hope through Housing Foundation.