CCS to begin construction of Rockford’s first LEED-certified home
Green homes and green jobs close to downtown
part of effort to revitalize city
For Immediate Release February 12, 2010
CONTACT: Kerry Knodle, 815-963-6236 kknodle@youthbuildrockford.org
Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc. (CCS) is pleased to announce that it is beginning construction of the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified single-family home in Rockford. CCS has acquired vacant lots at the corner of Rockton Ave. and Whitman St. less than one mile north of downtown Rockford. Two homes will be built at this location. Additional units will be made available at future sites or on lots of the buyer’s choice. “This project contributes to a healthy community, creates green-collar jobs, and encourages people to live close to where they work. Energy efficiency is a critical element in making these homes affordable for working families”, said Kerry Knodle, Executive Director of CCS, Inc.
The homes will be designed to achieve LEED Certification, a nationally-recognized rating system for green homebuilding. LEED Homes are judged on sustainability of building materials and resources, site selection and management, and water and energy efficiency, among other criteria. The two-story homes will feature five bedrooms and two baths and will measure approximately 1,768 square feet. Along with an affordable price, these homes will encourage a healthy lifestyle. Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey added: “These homes reflect Rockford’s focus on energy efficiencies and green technology. Their addition to the neighborhood will provide the type of housing solution that will act as a model for future growth in our housing market."
In addition to these two units, CCS and Kestrel Real Estate Holdings LLC are seeking locations and buyers for the City’s first Zero Net Energy homes. These homes will achieve energy efficiency standards in excess of Energy Star and will aim for Platinum rating under the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria. House sizes will range from about 1,300 to 1,600 square feet. Electricity will be provided by a solar photovoltaic electric system, and heating, cooling and hot water by a geothermal system. The homes will be designed with controlled ventilation, day lighting and low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and finishes.
The projects are being done with support from Winnebago County (pre-development funding), Neighborhood Housing Services of Freeport (project financing) and the City of Rockford (project financing). Incentives are being negotiated with other government, business and foundation partners to lower building costs and make the homes more affordable.
Winnebago County is providing pre-development funding, and incentives are being negotiated with other government, business, and foundation partners, in order to lower building costs and make the homes more affordable. “This project will help revitalize our city, and encourage people to live close to where they work, while creating ‘green collar’ jobs that look toward the future,” said Kerry Knodle, Executive Director, CCS, Inc.
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For information on purchasing one of these homes, contact Margaret Archer, Century 21 Country North, 815-988-8821, or Judy Eikstadt, Housing Development Coordinator for CCS, 815-963-6236.
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