OTO Development’s New Residence Inn Gainesville I-75 – The Next Generation of Affordable, Eco-Friendly Marriott Lodging

If ever there was an eco hotel with all the bases covered, this is it.  The 118-suite Residence Inn Gainesville I-75, slated to open in August 2009, has more environmentally-friendly elements than this EcoFeature has room to list, but we’ll do our absolute best to fit in as many as possible!  Here goes…

• Hotel is located on the site of an EPA “brownfield,” which means the land was once polluted but has been restored to pristine condition with the goal of promoting green development in select communities.

• Property is xeriscaped to save water.  It features all native plants, minimal turf areas, perforated pavement to aid irrigation, a water-saving irrigation system, and a nature walk.  The developer even bonded a 100+ year old live oak to ensure its survival!

Staff members encircle the magnificent century-old live oak in front of the hotel.  Thanks to OTO Development, this grand old dame will live to see another 100 years.

• Demolition and construction wastes were recycled.

• Framing structure was made from 90% post consumer recycled steel.

• Roofing materials certified by Cool Roofing Council.

• Energy efficient windows were installed.

• Used low VOC interior paints, wood finishes, adhesives and sealants; installed Carpet and Rug Institute-certified green carpeting.

• Stormwater treatment systems in use.

• Salinization system for pool.

• Low flow faucets, showerheads and dishwashers, and high efficiency toilets and urinals installed.   Automatic faucets and toilets in public restrooms.  Wastewater channeled into disposals or food troughs. 

• Energy Star appliances, transformers and LED exit signs installed.

• High efficiency CFL and LED lighting throughout the property.

• High efficiency HVAC filters installed.

• Towel and linen reused program implemented.

• Accessible recycling collection.

• Housekeeping uses green cleaning products. 

Not only is the Residence Inn Gainesville I-75 environmentally-friendly, it is also pet- and wheelchair-friendly, too.  The hotel is also doing its best to be a good neighbor by bringing jobs to the community and supporting charity.  Thirty outstanding local folks were chosen from hundreds of applicants to staff the new facility.  And during its upcoming Grand Opening ceremony, the property will donate to the Children’s Miracle Network, and the hotel will also be involved in the 2009 Shands for Kids Radiothon.

General Manager Chris Lewis can’t wait for the first guests to arrive.  “I am proud to be a part of such a great project,” Lewis said. “OTO has always incorporated environmental and sustainable efforts into the design of our hotels but this particular site gave us some unique opportunities. I am looking forward to offering Gainesville’s visitors an opportunity to participate in our green efforts during their stay.”

EcoGreenHotel salutes OTO Development, Chris Lewis and the staff at the new Residence Inn Gainesville I-75. From its great location near the University of Florida, to the beautiful firepit patio, to the scrumptious hot breakfast buffet, to the gorgeous guest suites and meeting spaces, to the gym, pool and putting green, this hotel has it all – AND it’s an ecologically sustainable lodge.  Who could ask for anything more than that?

Do you know about an eco hotel that deserves congratulations, too?  Send a message to info@EcoGreenHotel.com and we may highlight it in an upcoming EcoFeature!

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