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---FEATURED PROJECT---
C0908 Lexington Farms Subdivision
Jerseyville, IL

 

 Zero Waste Construction >> Net-Zero Utilities
Renewable Solar + Wind Power Generation  >>  LEED Platinum Eligible
 
The first development of its kind in the nation and the start of a new era of affordable housing.

Located on Fairgrounds Avenue, east of Cemetery Road before June Street. (map)

With financing from:

  • Illinois Housing Development Authority
  • National Equity Fund
  • Sterling Bank

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2010

Contact:

Diana Weis or Lisa Kortkamp, Capstone Development.
Bryan Zises, Zises Communications, 773-225-3787

 

 

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 here for publication.

 

 

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