Nation's Most
Environmentally Responsible Affordable Community Breaks
Ground
32
three-bedroom homes to lease for $590/month
Net-zero energy solar panels, wind turbines to cut
household utility bill to $0
Zero-waste construction strategy and LEED Platinum
eligible design
JERSEYVILLE, IL – State and local officials helped
celebrate the groundbreaking of the nation's most
environmentally friendly affordable housing community
yesterday in a rural Illinois town where 32
single-family homes will rent to eligible families for
$590 per month. Solar panels, wind turbines and other
technology will reduce the utility bills to $0. The
homes are expected to be LEED Platinum certified at
completion.
“Rural communities have been hit hard by the
recession, so we are proud to be able to deliver
exceptional quality homes at an affordable price for
rural working families,” said Bill Luchini, President of
Capstone Development Group. “These homes are reserved
for families that earn less than $41,000 per year. They
won't have a gas bill. They won't have a heating bill.
When they get their electric bill, it is more likely to
be credit instead of a cost. Green technology will truly
make a more affordable and more sustainable life for
everyone in the community.”
The 32 single-family homes will each have three
bedrooms, two full bathrooms and an attached garage. A
separate building will house a clubhouse/resource
center, community room with kitchenette and bathroom,
conference room, computer lab, property manager's office
and a storage room. The site will be landscaped with
native plants to reduce water usage and will include a
state-of-the-art playground.
“It is all the buzz around town,” said Heather
Sauerwein, property manager at another nearby Capstone
development. “My phone has been ringing off the hook
with people wanting to get on the waiting list. It is
very exciting.”
The local interest is not unexpected. According to a
recent market study, one-third of all families in
Jerseyville earn less than $25,000 per year and the the
median family income is 36% lower than the rest of
Illinois.
“Quality housing is the foundation for all families.
When people can live in quality housing it gives them
the pride, the self confidence and the platform to
better their lives, themselves and their community,”
said State Sen. Deanna Demuzio. “We just wish Capstone
would do more!”
“When a quality developer like Capstone invests in
our communities the short-term benefits of construction
and jobs growth are only exceeded by the long-term
benefits of quality housing for the long term,” said
State Representative Jim Watson. “We are very happy to
have them build in our community.”
“Under Governor Pat Quinn, IHDA has taken a
leadership role in promoting the production of
energy-efficient housing that benefits the environment
and increases affordability for our state's working
families,” said IHDA Executive Director Gloria L.
Materre. “Lexington Farms Subdivision also builds on the
state's dedication to providing secure and affordable
housing that enables residents to live near the
workplace and spend less money on their commute.”
Construction begins immediately and the first homes
are expected to begin leasing before the end of the
year. Modern building techniques will reduce
construction waste to nearly zero. The building design
incorporates highly energy efficient materials,
long-term durability and maintenance, and an interior
clean air environment.
When complete, it will also be the first LEED
Platinum Certified affordable community of its kind in
the nation.
“These homes will have an independent third-party
evaluation to ensure each home actually performs as
designed, was constructed properly, and meets the
criteria for LEED certification,” explained Jason La
Fleur, project manager for the Alliance for
Environmental Sustainability who is serving as the LEED
for Homes provider for the Lexington Farms development.
“The fact that these homes will reach the prestigious
LEED Platinum certification level and yet will remain
affordable is a testament to the hard work the design
team has put into this project, and shows that green
building can work with any budget.”
The homes will be 1,426 sq. feet with a 474 sq. foot
attached garage. Central air conditioning, heat, hot
water and other appliances will all run on electric
energy, powered by roof-mounted solar panels on all
homes, as well as wind turbines throughout the
subdivision. Even the streetlights will be powered by
wind and solar.
- Sustainable
landscape practices include efficient irrigation
systems
- Water
efficient faucets, showerheads and WaterSense
toilets
- Bathroom and
kitchen exhaust vented to the outdoors removing
sources of pollutants
-
Energy-efficient design, ENERGY STAR appliances,
exceeding ENERGY STAR for New Homes requirements
- Wall
insulation at R-21 and R-49 insulation in the attic
- Well sealed
and air-tight construction reducing drafts
- Low VOC paints
- Energy
efficient florescent light fixtures
- Argon gas
U35-rated low-e windows
- Extensive use
of recycled materials
Financing for the development includes federal tax
credit equity from the National Equity Fund. Financing
from the Illinois Housing Development Authority ensures
that the development will remain affordable for working
families the long-term. Additional financing was
provided by Sterling Bank.
About Capstone
Development Group and Blackhawk Apartments
Capstone Development Group has developed more than
350 rental housing communities in 16 states, with more
than 14,000 units and over $1.5 billion of development.
Capstone is proud to be the developer of the nation’s
first 100% renewable, green, affordable community.
Blackhawk Apartments, Inc. is a not for profit
developer of quality, affordable housing in under-served
communities.
Note to Editors
Graphic renderings and other visuals are available
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