Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles has spun out hits from non-other than Frank Sinatra and Elton John, but now REthink Development is spinning the building that housed those recordings into 12 LEED Platinum-certified condo lofts.

This kind of development is the ultimate in repurposing old buildings that have ended their intended use.

With all the new house designs that roll out by admittedly talented and well-meaning designers, the number of existing unused structures in the US that could be reused in similar fashion as Cherokee Studios can easily be overlooked.

REthink Development recognizes this fact in cherokee Studios and includes the following green features for these new lofts which will range in size from 1000 to 2000 square feet:

A green, living roof.
Natural daylighting.
A dynamic double façade that naturally ventilates building while eliminating noise pollution.
The same super-efficient, healthy heating and cooling system that’s being used in the 2010 Olympic Village.
Various water-saving features like dual flush toilets and efficient fixtures.
Common areas and a percentage of heat and hot water will be solar powered (20kW total).
Extensive use of eco-friendly building materials such as cellulose insulation, FSC-certified woods, no/low-VOC paints and finishes.
ENERGY STAR Bosch appliances.
Electric car charging for every unit in addition to bike storage.

Read post in Mother Nature Network.