Web-Design Company Aims for Platinum LEED

By Veronica Grecu, Associate Editor

Two dilapidated properties in Fishtown are being renovated to qualify for a LEED platinum certification, the highest U.S. Green Building ranking. The buildings located at 204 and 206 E. Girard Ave. were purchased for only $349,000 by Yikes, a Philadelphia-based company providing custom Web solutions for businesses and non-profit organizations. The $1.1 million redevelopment project is slated for completion by August 1, when the properties will become Yikes’ new headquarters and, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer, a popular attraction among green-building enthusiasts.

The three-story redevelopment project will include two storefronts, one of which will be occupied by Yikes, a two-bedroom apartment and three one-bedroom apartments.  The Inquirer informs that about 60 percent of the project is being financed by a Hyperion Bank loan, another 30 percent of the money was obtained from the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp. and city grant programs and the rest is coming from personal funds of Yikes’ owners, Tracy and Mia Levesque. According to Technically Philly, Yikes plans to lease office space in the 206 Girard Ave. building.

Illustrating the company’s commitment to sustainability, the rehabbed buildings will benefit from thick insulation, energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, low-flow toilets and water-saving faucets. Also, most of the building materials used for the renovation are recycled or reclaimed. The space was designed by Onion Flats, a Philadelphia-based architecture firm; Greensaw Design & Build took care of installing recycled materials.