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Noble Development Group Saves 200-Year-Old Tree in Preparation for Condo Launch
Noble Development Group Saves 200-Year-Old Tree in Preparation for Condo Launch
Published 02-09-07
Submitted by Noble Development Group
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 9, 2007--Noble Development Group, an Austin-based commercial real estate developer, is saving a majestic 200-year-old Live Oak tree from demolition. With a crown measuring 65 feet by 80 feet (the trunk is 45 caliper inches across in diameter) and weighing over 300,000 pounds, this is no small feat.
The company has plans to build a new 10-story luxury condominium tower, "The Orsay," in the newly energized Austin Central Business District. "Noble is committed to doing things the right way and saving this tree is a great example of the company's core operational values," says Jadon Newman, CEO of Noble. "We strive to live up to our name and being a 'noble' company is always top of mind."
The cost to move the historic tree across the street, from 903 Neches Street in downtown Austin, to First Baptist Church located at 901 Trinity Street, exceeds $200,000. The tree will begin its 3-day journey on Saturday, February 10, 2007.
Noble hired Environmental Design, the world's premier large tree transplanting company, to move the tree, ensuring its continued survival. "The City of Austin has a tree protection ordinance in place to preserve trees based on size," explains John Hollis, Operations Manager, Environmental Design. "Tree transplanting has become an effective and acceptable method for tree preservation. We have a 98% success rate."
"Being an Austin-based development company, Noble is dedicated to preserving Austin and the environment," explains Newman. "We want to support the community in any way we can - that's why we chose to work with the First Baptist Church and spend the necessary dollars to make
sure the neighborhood can continue to enjoy this important piece of history."
"Our church has been here for 160 years so when Noble approached us about adopting the tree, we thought it was a wonderful idea," said Marshall Smith, First Baptist Church.
Not only is the tree being saved, but due to the fact that the tree had to be trimmed to accommodate the church's site for the tree relocation, Noble plans to incorporate the limb trimmings into the gallery of the finished building.
The new ten story building, The Orsay, is named after the Texas General Henry Orsay who lived on the property. Clayton Levy & Little, an Austin-based design firm, is the architect for this project. Pauly Presley Realty will begin taking reservations for units at The Orsay in March and groundbreaking is scheduled for late this summer.
On Saturday, February 10, 2007, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., there will be an invitation-only celebration at First Baptist Church. Media is welcome to attend.
About Noble Development Group
Founded in 2002, Noble is committed to establishing and exhibiting commercial real estate development expertise and is quickly gaining a reputation for excellence within the industry. Noble is committed to developing communities, encouraging economic growth within communities, and serving its clients with the utmost excellence. For more information visit www.nobledg.com.
Copyright Business Wire 2007
