I thought I would ride my bike to the new Oakland Park condos on Memorial Drive since I was going to go learn about the newest and true green condos in Atlanta, but then I got lazy and drove. I did walk a couple of blocks after parking though. I digress. Oakland Park condos are sexy, sleek, and way green, and being green is what makes them so fabulous. As the only condo in Atlanta that is seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification - believe me, LEED is a difficult process for builders and developers, - this building has placed the standard very high for other condos going up in Atlanta. I will be very surprised if anyone else comes close to creating such a green building in the near future. Call me if you do.

Close to Cabbagetown, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, and even the Capitol, the condos offer bike racks, low volatile organic compound paints, large windows, bamboo floors, Energy Star appliances, rain barrels on the patios, and my favorite, the double flush toilet to conserve water usage. The solid steel and concrete construction makes for low noise and helps conserve energy, while the floor plans are open and bright. The hallways are the only thing that remind me of an upscale hotel, but I guess there is nothing wrong with an upscale hotel-just small and hallwayish.

The patio I went on was amazing- about the size of the condo itself, and full of flowers, plants and outside furniture all provided by the Urban Gardener. Inside the two floor plans I went in, Area has donated their expertise and furnished/decorated to the hilt. And then there is the view on the 5th and 6th floors - facing Oakland Cemetery and looking out toward the city. Ah, it made me want to sip a Cosmo and reap the benefits of in-town living.

Oakland Park: from the high 190’s to the mid 300’s. If I had money to spend and needed two places to live, I’d buy one in a heart beat.

Go visit Joseph Hawkins, the very informed Realtor there, for more information.