640 Santa Fe Ave, also known as Produce LA, pays homage to its history as a previous produce market warehouse. This 107,000-square-foot, ground-up mixed-use development is located in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles.  The project has earned LEED v4 BD+C: Core & Shell Gold certification. Verdical Group provided:

• LEED BD+C Core & Shell Project Management (LEED v4 Gold certified)
• CALGreen Commissioning
• LEED Fundamental Commissioning
• LEED Enhanced Commissioning
• Savings by Design / Utility Incentive Program Management
• WELL Feasibility Assessment

The four-story building, designed by EYRC Architects, features creative office space, ground-floor commercial space, a rooftop deck, and parking. Verdical Group worked with the project team to surpass their original goal of Silver and earn LEED v4 BD+C: Core & Shell Gold certification, with a total of 67 points. 

The site is in a prime location with access to various methods of mass transit and amenities within walking and bicycle distance. Electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle facilities are located onsite to further promote clean transportation. These amenities connect the building occupants to the city and prevent urban sprawl. 

The project is focused on conserving water, energy, and material resources. By selecting low-flow WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures, the project reduced water use by 45% and went a step further to submeter major water systems. The project analyzed various Energy Efficiency Measures (EEM) through multiple iterations and modeled an energy cost savings of 27%. The project participated in the LADWP Savings by Design program (now known as Zero By Design), a win for cost and energy savings. By outlining a Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan early, the project team was able to divert 93% of materials away from the landfill. The project also specified, sourced, and installed building products responsibly, achieving 1+ point in each of the LEED Building Product Disclosure and Optimization (BPDO) categories, as well as all 3 points in the Low-Emitting Materials credit. The sawtooth vertical fin façade provided shading on the building and created an innovative textured look.