By fall 2009, Athens will be home to one of the first gold-level LEED-certified hotels in the world.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification is a national green building rating system that promotes public health and environmental protection.

Atlanta-based Rialto Property Partners, LLC and Savannah-based Melaver, Inc. announced construction of Hotel Indigo has started in downtown Athens.

The facility will feature standard eco-friendly features such as a green roof, tanks to collect rainwater for landscape irrigation and an energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning system.

Additionally, there will be an on-site public transit stop, bicycle racks and priority parking for hybrid vehicles to encourage alternate transportation to and from the hotel.

“This hotel is going to make a significant contribution to the appeal of the downtown district,” Doc Eldridge, president of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, said.

“Hotel Indigo’s environmental and community initiatives will further the reputation of the business community as forward-thinking and committed to making Athens a better place to live, work and play. We are excited about having them become a valuable community partner.”

The hotel, which will have 130 eco-luxury guest rooms, will offer hardwood floors, spa-like showers, an outdoor garden lounge, terrace, art gallery, and music venue.

“We have decided to forego a typical ground-breaking event and have a ‘green-breaking’ instead,” Amy Hibler, corporate sustainability officer for Rialto Property Partners, said.

The funds that would have been used for a traditional ceremony will go to Nu�i’s Space and Athens Land Trust and support future environment-friendly projects in Athens.