B-Austin, a green-friendly, mixed-use development with 14 residential units, seven commercial units and additional amenities such as gardening space and a gym, is now preleasing units and had an open house May 14. The project broke ground over two years ago, and Community Coordinator Gray Godwin said he expects the community will be issued its occupancy permit by June. The community’s goals include not using drinkable water for landscaping and gardening, conserving power through solar energy and promoting landfill diversion, he said. “We’re hoping that [the community] encourages residents to take more responsibility and get excited about conservation in terms of energy,” Godwin said. To save water the community uses “gray water recycling,” in which recycled water is stored in an underground system for drip irrigation of landscaping. Reclaimed water, such as rainwater, is used for gardening vegetables and other foods. B-Austin is one of the first multifamily developments in Austin to meter solar energy produced on the property, which he said means residents who live in a specific unit will get the Austin Energy credit for the solar production tied to that unit. The community also practices a “landfill diversion plan,” which encourages composting and recycling and limits waste collection to once a month. The commercial spaces on-site are reserved for “on-site integrated wellness” practitioners such as yoga or Pilates studios, he said. In order to be a tenant, businesses must offer some classes to residents for free. Luz Moreno-Lozano contributed to this story. B-Austin 6700 Manchaca Road, Austin