(July 6, 2002) CambridgePark Place offers something extra: Besides 311 one- and two-bedroom luxury units and a convenient location, renters will have the satisfaction of living in an earth-friendly building - "currently the largest residential 'green' project in the country, " said Gerard Savard, principal of Abbott Real Estate Investments.

The idea began in 1997, when Abbott and Oaktree Green Development acquired 3.2 acres on which an obsolete industrial building stood. With funding from Cornerstone Advisors and Keybank National Association, the companies hired CorJen LLC (a division of Corcoran Jennison) to build the upscale apartment building.

So many new rental units in Cambridge would be news enough, but when the developers decided to meet guidelines set by the US Green Building Council, interest grew.

"We have quite a few people, many high-tech types, who take an interest in preserving the environment who are drawn to a building like this," said leasing agent Dora Jacobs. "There are also people...who like the idea of living in something that's brand new."

The concept of designing environmentally friendly buildings started gaining popularity five to 10 years ago. Such residential and commercial buildings come in all shapes and sizes, and all must meet the council's stringent guidelines.

The $62.8 million CambridgePark looks like any other new building. But a closer inspection reveals features that will save money for renters and building owners.

The parking lot is designed to allow water percolation that will replenish the water table. Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems use 45 percent less energy, and high-performance, "low emassivity" windows reflect heat. The interior offers EnergyStar appliances and fluorescent lighting, rather than heat-generating, incandescent fixtures. Adhesives, cabinet materials, paints and carpets were chosen to be noncontaminating.

The building will also have recycling rooms with bins for paper, bottles, aluminum, cardboard, and trash.

In addition, the management office offers MBTA passes and bicycle maps for residents. Jacobs said ZipCar's short-term rental cars will be available on site. ZipCar "will appeal to renters who don't own, and don't want to own, a car" she said.

And green perks aside, the apartments are roomy and bright, from 706 to 1,495 square feet in size. Monthly rents will range from $1,750 to $3,700.

The first floor will house retail businesses, and the lobby will include a state-of-the-art health club with sauna and hot tub, and a social room with a kitchenette, where classes will be held by Bread & Circus and other businesses.

The most creative feature will be the courtyard one story above ground level. The complex is U-shaped, and the center courtyard will offer nearly an acre of green space and an inground swimming pool.

Some on-site parking will be available, as well as garage space for an additional fee.

The rental office opened last week; 120 apartments are available. The rest of the project is to be completed by November.

Thirty-six units have been reserved as "affordable", and the Cambridge Housing Authority is reviewing tenant applications. Gwendolen Noyes, Oaktree's principal, said applications from current and former Cambridge residents (many of whom have been priced out of the city) will be given preference.

The building is near Route 2 and the Alewife MBTA station at the end of the Red Line. "We focus on building residential multifamilies near public transportation, and this spot was just perfect," said Savard. "It cost more to go green, but we expect to get a full return on our investment within two years."

The building will be managed by Corcoran-Jennison Management Cos.