Life in Bloom

IU’s most recent sustainability report was less than glowing. But one apartment complex in Bloomington is hoping to make others green with envy.

The Bloom apartments, located on the southwest side of town, aren’t average living quarters. Millennium Property Management’s newest complexes are not only all inclusive; they’re green and student friendly.

“Our country is waking up to the need to be more sustainable and to be green,” said Tim Roberts, the resident services manager for Bloom. “If the sustainability situation is going to work, it’s going to come from campuses.”

Bloom’s amenities are different from anything in Bloomington or just about anywhere else.

“There’s nothing like it anywhere,” Roberts said. “You can go to Chicago, and there’s nothing quite like that

The center boasts energy-efficient lighting, countertops and floors made from recycled materials, renewable bamboo woodwork and native Indiana limestone and steel used to reduce transportation effects on the environment. Natural light is provided through an abundance of windows, which also presents a view of the wooded surroundings.

Another feature of the amenities center is the 3,726 square foot “live roof.” Thick foliage rests atop the center to catch rainwater and prevent erosion of the building or surrounding land. These succulent plants are able to live self-sufficiently and provide extra insulation for the building, said Lauren Hayes, the student marketing coordinator.

“The amenities center is really our pride and joy as far as being eco-friendly,”
Hayes said.

The center is chic in design and offers convenience to the student renters, Hayes said. It is equipped with music practice rooms, conference rooms, computer lab areas, a cardio room and its own art studio.

“They’re really trying to push it towards being contemporary and hip and interesting while still being very environmentally sustainable,” Hayes said.

Bloom resident and IU senior Jimmy Pressel said the eco-friendly features were not the main draw for his apartment selection, he is impressed with the progress Bloom is making.

“No complaints, really,” Pressel said.

The apartments mimic the amenities center in many respects. According to Bloom brochures, the walls are painted with a low-VOC paint, which reduces the pollutants leaked into the air. The appliances are Energy Star-rated products, which can help save in energy costs.

The 10-acre private park near Bloom is aimed to attract pet owners and nature lovers alike.

“We even have the little doggie stands with the little bags,” Roberts said.

For Pressel, the pet option was key in deciding where to live. He uses the park every day to walk his pup and escape the traditional college lifestyle.

That includes taking a break from the party scene.

“Bloom is a good mix of families and students,” Pressel said, “Definitely a quiet place.”

Just when it seems they’ve thought of everything, Bloom doesn’t stop there.

Angela Nevins, Bloom’s general manager, said the apartments are constantly in transition to stay updated with the latest sustainable inventions.

“We’ve looked into solar lights, but, unfortunately, it doesn’t offer bright enough lighting,” Nevins said. “As that technology changes, we hope to be able to offer those types of things.”

Right now, Bloom is experimenting with landscapers to make sure that as few chemical treatments as possible are used for lawn care. There are even designated “no-mow” zones and reusable keys.

Roberts said consistency and sustainability are core values of the company’s philosophy.

“When you leave an apartment, make it look like it did when you moved in,” Roberts said. “That’s exactly what we’re trying to do with sustainability and the Earth – make it look like it did when we came in.”