UnCommons, which has been redesigned for a post-COVID-19 world, will feature more than 830 units.
Construction has started on UnCommons, a $400 million, 40-acre mixed-use development in southwest Las Vegas from Matter Real Estate Group that will eventually have more 830 residential units. The first phase, slated for completion in early 2022, will feature 385 rental apartments.
Located at Interstate 215 and Durango Drive, UnCommons will also have more than 500,000 square feet of modern office space, a venue that combines music and movies, a beer garden, restaurants and cafes, health and fitness studios, a multi-purpose conference center, a pedestrian trail and public art.
Matter was scheduled to begin the development in April but held off because of the pandemic and took the additional time to redesign the project for a post-COVID-19 world. The development will be the first in Nevada to be built with criteria set by the International WELL Building Institute. Matter re-engaged Gensler to redesign health and safety features set by the WELL Building Standard. Additions to the development will include near hospital-quality HVAC systems, operable windows, patios, touch-free access, abundant natural daylight and interior finishes made of material to limit the spread of bacteria.
Platform One, a food hall that will also be built on the site, has been redesigned to introduce a touchless food pickup mechanism for carry-out delivery and infrastructure to integrate health and safety. The redesign added more sheltered outdoor seating to the food hall. Company officials said the residential part of the project would also integrate health and safety features, with more details to be announced at a later date.
Jim Stuart, Matter Real Estate Group partner, said in a prepared statement the firm realized that COVID-19 had led to a fundamental shift, particularly in office design, that would render many office buildings unsafe and obsolete. Stuart said the adjustments made to the design should keep employees safe and also serve as a model going forward.
Darrell Fulbright, Gensler’s principal in charge for UnCommons, agreed, saying in prepared remarks the modern workplace is in a new phase of shifted priorities where employee health, wellness and safety will be the standard.
In addition to seeking WELL Certification, the highest third-party endorsement of a building’s performance and the health of its occupants, Matter will also be pursuing certification by Green Globes, a nationally recognized green rating assessment, guidance and certification program.
Planning UnCommons
Governor Steve Sisolak, who designated UnCommons as a high-impact project when he served as a Clark County Commissioner before becoming governor, commended Matter and the development team for redesigning the development to WELL’s rigorous standards. A HIP is a recognition reserved for projects like the $2 billion Allegiant Stadium that will create economic diversification for the state.
Plans for UnCommons go back to at least September 2019, when Matter secured a $150 million construction loan from Mosaic Real Estate Investors for the project’s first phase. In addition to the 385 residential units, the first phase is expected to feature nearly 200,000 square feet of office space, the food hall, a variety of eateries, fitness studios, movie theater and two onsite parking structures.
Stuart noted at that time the firm was negotiations for tenants for the office as well as food and beverage spaces. He also stated last year that phase two would likely begin about 12 to 18 months after the first phase was completed. UnCommons is expected to house 3,000 employees and more than 2,000 residents. In addition to Gensler, the development team includes general contractor Burke Construction Group.
Copyright © 2020 Multi-Housing News Online | All Rights Reserved | Written By: Gail Kalinoski | September 4, 2020
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