Northyards stands as a remarkable example of adaptive reuse in Atlanta, where strategic redevelopment of historic properties has created modern, sustainable office and commercial spaces that serve today’s tenants and communities. Originally constructed in the 1920s by Southern Railway, Northyards transitioned from servicing passenger trains and warehousing to an office and commercial campus, overcoming the physical and operational limitations of an older structure while preserving its unique history.

A central challenge for Northyards has been benchmarking energy consumption and validating savings. Under the campus’ NNN lease structure, tenants retain control over their individual utility bills and are not required to share data, making comprehensive benchmarking difficult. Recognizing this limitation, ownership has proactively included sustainability language in all new leases, aiming to facilitate improved utility data collection and reporting moving forward. This requirement will strengthen future energy benchmarking efforts and help guide ongoing sustainability initiatives throughout the property.

Rather than relying solely on utility data, the property team has focused on visible, measurable sustainability enhancements within their operational control. One example is the installation of white roofs designed to reduce heat absorption and improve energy efficiency. To maintain their effectiveness and ensure optimal Reflective Thermal Index (RTI) performance, these roofs are professionally cleaned once a year as part of a scheduled maintenance program. The team has also upgraded energy-rated rooftop units in vacant spaces and continues efforts to replace outdated tenant-controlled units as opportunities arise.

Northyards has made substantial progress in advancing water conservation: a 100,000-gallon cistern collects rainwater from roofs for irrigation and pressure washing, reducing potable water demand. Low-flow plumbing fixtures and energy-efficient lighting have been installed throughout common areas, and electric vehicle charging stations have been added for tenant and visitor convenience.

Community and tenant engagement is a hallmark of Northyards’ approach. The site’s active bee program yielded 168 pounds of honey this year, which was packaged and shared with tenants, fostering a sense of connection and sustainability. Bicycle racks and showers were installed to support alternative commuting options. Efforts to divert waste from landfills include recycling cardboard and an ongoing program to repurpose decommissioned furniture for use at other locations.

Although comprehensive utility data is unavailable, Northyards leverages technology and collaboration wherever possible. Smart building systems and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager integration support real-time monitoring and performance optimization for areas where the property team has access.

The historic “Roundhouse” was thoughtfully preserved, earning awards from the Atlanta Urban Design Commission and the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, demonstrating that preservation and sustainability can coexist.

The Northyards redevelopment underscores key lessons for commercial real estate professionals: ownership structures and lease agreements shape the sustainability data that is available. Nevertheless, committed teams can advance sustainability through targeted upgrades, innovative water management, and community-facing programs, creating high-performing spaces with lasting value. Northyards shows that adaptive reuse—supported by historic preservation, sustainability, and thoughtful operations—remains essential for resilient, vibrant properties, especially as new lease language strengthens future data collection and sustainability efforts.

Thank you to our ENERGY STAR Month sponsor Baker Engineering.

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