Downtown Jacksonville restaurant, hot spot achieves certification for eco-friendly
construction and operations
The Cowford Chophouse, Jacksonville’s premier steakhouse and historical landmark, is pleased to announce that it has earned the LEEDÒ, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Silver Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Cowford is recognized for the environmentally friendly materials and methods used during construction and ongoing operations that reduce the steakhouse’s environmental impact.
“The preservation of Jacksonville is an important part of what Cowford stands for,” said Cowford Chophouse owner Jacques Klempf. “Preserving our community through sustainable business practices is just as important as saving a piece of history. This LEEDÒ certification is another representation of our passion for the vitality of Jacksonville, from hospitality to public health to environmental responsibility.”
Cowford achieved 51 points during the LEEDÒ certification process, earning it the Silver designation. Designed to inspire innovative solutions that support public health and the environment, the LEEDÒ certification process evaluates numerous aspects of construction and operations that promote sustainability and reduced environmental impact. Evaluation is conducted on a rating system that includes: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation in design and regional priority credits. Dating back to 1902, the Cowford building is one of Jacksonville’s earliest symbols of rebirth after a fire swept through the city in 1901. The building has served as multiple banks and professional offices, including the office of famed architect Henry John Klutho. Purchased by Jacques Klempf in 2014, Jacksonville construction company, Danis and Design Cooperative, led the construction and restoration of the historical landmark.
“Early in the design process, the owners of Cowford committed to preservation, providing a healthy and beautiful atmosphere for customers and employees, as well as having efficient and sustainable operations. Through this effort they have become an example to the community and other businesses, and we are proud to have assisted in integrating these project goals throughout design and construction,” said Mary Tappouni, founder of Breaking Ground Contracting and a LEEDÒ Accredited Professional who was instrumental in Cowford achieving LEEDÒ Silver Certification. Mary worked alongside Danis and Design Cooperative, the project’s architectural team, on Cowford’s restoration. Danis used sustainable strategies to achieve the LEEDÒ Silver Certification, including the use of recycled materials, diverting 75 percent of demolition debris from landfills and incineration facilities, and installing water- and energy-efficient building systems and equipment. These practices resulted in energy performance that exceeds the baseline building performance rating and achieved a 25-percent water use reduction, exceeding the 20 percent baseline requirement.
“We respect the history of this building and the future of our city and believe this achievement is a testament to both,” said Steve Betz, President of Danis Construction. “The use of sustainable methods and materials is not only good for the environment, but good for business. Danis strives to incorporate this practice into all of our projects, whether seeking LEEDÒ certification or not.”
Repurposed materials used in the construction of Cowford include the entire building structure, such as structural floor and roof decking, exterior brick, exterior limestone lintel blocks, and original windows and trim. Additionally, original heart pine and interior marble from the building was recycled and integrated throughout the restaurant.
Locally owned and operated in downtown Jacksonville, Cowford is committed to providing the community with an elevated dining experience in an environmentally responsible way. To learn more about Cowford and its extensive menu, catering, and private dining offerings, visit www.cowfordchophouse.com.
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Cowford Chophouse
The Cowford Chophouse, locally owned and operated by the Klempf family, is Jacksonville’s premier steakhouse and a historical landmark for the area. Its unique architecture, high ceilings, arched windows, and stylish dining rooms make Cowford Chophouse a striking departure from the ordinary steakhouse. With its exquisite menu that perfectly blends classic, coastal, and southern culinary styles, it is the ideal setting for a variety of gatherings – from casual happy hour cocktails on the rooftop, to a casual lunch or a fine dining experience in the dining rooms, to social and corporate private dinning events. The Cowford Chophouse is located on Bay Street in downtown Jacksonville. For more information, visit www.cowfordchophouse.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
