by Nancy Rodney, AIA, LEED ® AP
Currently, sustainable development or “green” architecture holds a popular place in the developer imagination. Constructing better buildings that save on energy and operation costs, use fewer resources to build, and pollute less during construction and during use are often high priority goals. At the same time, the popular wisdom is that "building green" is expensive. Rosemann's goal is to educate developers and show how building green doesn't mean digging into one's pocket book.
While it's true many sustainable options are pricy, our research shows truly sustainable architecture is – at its heart – smart design. Careful selection of systems and materials go a long way toward providing energy savings, reduced maintenance, and less waste. For example, selective site development and reducing a building's impact on the land can result in a decrease of resource consumption as well as less time and money spent on building and site maintenance.
Careful selection of the appropriate sustainability methodology is also important. Aside from the USGBC's LEED program, there are numerous others that have been developed to assist developers in achieving sustainability goals. Rosemann has researched and reviewed many of these and in a recent affordable senior housing project had the opportunity to fine tune a selected sustainability methodology.
Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) was the first national green building program focused entirely on affordable housing. Its goal of making the transition to a greener future for affordable housing has offered assistance in the form of grants, loans, tax-credit equity, training and technical assistance. The program recognizes affordable housing developers have limited resources but desire a more healthful, economical and sustainable sense of place for their residents.
SUSTAINABILITY ON A SHOESTRING
Currently, sustainable development or “green” architecture holds a popular place in the developer imagination. Constructing better buildings that save on energy and operation costs, use fewer resources to build, and pollute less during construction and during use are often high priority goals. At the same time, the popular wisdom is that "building green" is expensive. Rosemann's goal is to educate developers and show how building green doesn't mean digging into one's pocket book.
While it's true many sustainable options are pricy, our research shows truly sustainable architecture is – at its heart – smart design. Careful selection of systems and materials go a long way toward providing energy savings, reduced maintenance, and less waste. For example, selective site development and reducing a building's impact on the land can result in a decrease of resource consumption as well as less time and money spent on building and site maintenance.
Careful selection of the appropriate sustainability methodology is also important. Aside from the USGBC's LEED program, there are numerous others that have been developed to assist developers in achieving sustainability goals. Rosemann has researched and reviewed many of these and in a recent affordable senior housing project had the opportunity to fine tune a selected sustainability methodology.
Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) was the first national green building program focused entirely on affordable housing. Its goal of making the transition to a greener future for affordable housing has offered assistance in the form of grants, loans, tax-credit equity, training and technical assistance. The program recognizes affordable housing developers have limited resources but desire a more healthful, economical and sustainable sense of place for their residents.
SUSTAINABILITY ON A SHOESTRING
Jennings Senior Apartments, located in the City of Jennings, is being developed by the Regional Housing and Community Development Alliance (RHCDA) in conjunction with the Alexian Brothers. The City of Jennings has seen developmental decline over the past 30 years and is filled with small homes occupied by older seniors of modest means. RHCDA is a not-for-profit organization specializing in neighborhood revitalization and was recognized by the City of St. Louis as "Developer of the Year" for the complementary development of North Market Place Apartments. Since then, RHCDA has continued development in the area specifically on the Crown Square project.
Nearing completion, the Rosemann designed project is a 27 building, mixed-use redevelopment of historic residential, apartment and commercial buildings anchored by the famous Crown Candy Company. Crown Square was financed in part by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. using New Market Tax Credits and providing predevelopment financing. This previous relationship provided a good foundation for review of EGC "green" funding options for Jennings Senior Apartments. RHCDA has developed many mixed income projects that embrace the qualities of EGC, but Jennings is the first where they have sought voluntary certification.
The development will create an "Aging in Place" campus by combining senior care services and affordable housing on one site. This master planned, phased campus uses the existing P.A.C.E. Senior Care Center as the site's focal point. Outside of the amenities offered by P.A.C.E., the apartments will be located in a mature neighborhood with a good walking relationship to various other community services.
The project was designed as a congregate-style independent senior living residence with 50 apartments and amenity space for group activities and family gatherings. Rosemann used mechanical and electrical solutions that minimized energy use and were supported by a carefully designed building envelope and chose materials that allow the best use of resources. The site's redevelopment plan meets the EGC's Smart Site goals and will create a "walk-able" neighborhood with multiple transportation choices, making it a perfect site for seniors who often no longer drive. When complete, Jennings Senior Apartments will be the first EGC community in Missouri.
Nearing completion, the Rosemann designed project is a 27 building, mixed-use redevelopment of historic residential, apartment and commercial buildings anchored by the famous Crown Candy Company. Crown Square was financed in part by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. using New Market Tax Credits and providing predevelopment financing. This previous relationship provided a good foundation for review of EGC "green" funding options for Jennings Senior Apartments. RHCDA has developed many mixed income projects that embrace the qualities of EGC, but Jennings is the first where they have sought voluntary certification.
The development will create an "Aging in Place" campus by combining senior care services and affordable housing on one site. This master planned, phased campus uses the existing P.A.C.E. Senior Care Center as the site's focal point. Outside of the amenities offered by P.A.C.E., the apartments will be located in a mature neighborhood with a good walking relationship to various other community services.
The project was designed as a congregate-style independent senior living residence with 50 apartments and amenity space for group activities and family gatherings. Rosemann used mechanical and electrical solutions that minimized energy use and were supported by a carefully designed building envelope and chose materials that allow the best use of resources. The site's redevelopment plan meets the EGC's Smart Site goals and will create a "walk-able" neighborhood with multiple transportation choices, making it a perfect site for seniors who often no longer drive. When complete, Jennings Senior Apartments will be the first EGC community in Missouri.
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