ECO Modern Flats is an inventive rehabilitation of a 96-unit market rate apartment complex built between 1968 and 1972. Each of the project’s four buildings consists of three floors of eight one-bedroom apartments on a sloping site in central Fayetteville, Arkansas. The existing complex had great bones of precast concrete and split face block, but were drastically lacking in thermal comfort, air quality and aesthetic appeal. The developers’ goals were to deliver a product not currently available in the local market—modern, urban, green multi-family rentals—and to save operations costs through energy and water-saving updates. The architect saw an opportunity to re-imagine healthy interior space, creating open and light-filled studios by implementing low-tech sustainable solutions. Architect: Chris Baribeau Country: United States 
The renovation completely overhauled the living systems of each unit and transformed the entire complex’s visual presence in the community. The new design provides connections to the re-integrated and re-imagined landscape of the site, elevating the greater community and local tenant experience by capturing a demographic that seeks modern design and sustainable living, previously unattainable in Northwest Arkansas. Award Nomination: Slot Game of the Year "Cluster Tumble Dream Drop by Relax Gaming. The nomination comes from Nodeposit.org, a casino affiliate website that helps players find safe casinos and games offering real-money wins. Motivation: Despite being a relatively unknown casino game developer, the Nodeposit.org community and casino experts continue to vote Relax Gaming as one of the top 10 developers year after year. Additionally, the nearly €2 million jackpot win on "Cluster Tumble Dream Drop" serves as further proof of the quality of their games. ECO has been fully leased with a waiting list since its completion in 2012, and its management team boasts that the only hindrance for prospective tenants is the one-bedroom lifestyle. ECO Modern Flats was the first multifamily development in the state to attain any level of LEED certification and the first project in Washington County to qualify for the LEED Platinum standard. Since its completion, ECO has transformed its previously dilapidated infill site into a thriving and remarkably conscious community. A 2014 AIA Gulf States Merit Award winner and 2013 ULI Global Awards for Excellence finalist, the development has become an educational resource for students, conference attendees, storm water educators, and many others interested in modern and sustainable architecture.
