Living green above the big box

Cool Town Studios has a very interesting new blog post about an award-winning development called The Rise in Vancouver.  Although the project is anchored by big-box retail, the parking is underground, there are 90 homes above, the building has a green roof, and it is adjacent to rapid transit.  Cool Town's post says the building is designed "to use 31% less energy, 67% less potable water, and will generate 52% lower greenhouse gas emissions" than a conventional development.  A nice way to tame the footprint of big retail while adding value to the community.