Renovation DESCRIPTION
This six-month, $7 million eco-friendly renovation included the installation of a 417 kW photovoltaic system that has effectively eliminated residents’ monthly electric bills. The $2.3 million system was made possible by the receipt of federal tax credits for renewable energy, as well as incentives provided by Pacific Gas & Electric through its Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) program. This project has about 2.1 kW/unit and approaches net zero. Virtual net metering (VMEM) allows allocation of power to individual units and corresponding increases in rent for owner thru the California Utility Allowance Calculator (CUAC). Other campus improvements include solar thermal panels, drought-tolerant landscaping, lighted walkways, exterior paint and siding, new interior fixtures, carpet and energy saving appliances. Those changes were paid for in large part by the proceeds of tax-exempt bonds, low-income housing tax credits and debt restructuring.
Ancel Romero, ABHOW’s senior vice president for affordable housing, calls it “one of the most complex redevelopment projects in California history.”
DESIGN FEATURES
- New carpet & paint
- New common area furnishings
- New landscaping including fountain & dry creek feature
- Remodeled office & lobby
- Accessibility handrails
- Additional handicapped parking
GREEN FEATURES
- 417 kW 2,200 solar panel photovoltaic system funded partially through incentives
- Solar preheat for domestic hot water
- Low VOC materials
- Virtual net metering
- Native landscaping with drip irrigation
PROJECT INFORMATION
- Client: ABHOW (Operating as HumanGood)
- Density: 200 units
- Completion: December 2010
VMWP Renovation and Adaptive Reuse Experience
VMWP has extensive experience with renovation and adaptive re-use projects, including historic rehabilitations for senior housing, master plans for expansions for church and worship support spaces, office and motel conversions, and more practical renovations for affordable housing.
It is sometimes difficult for people to envision a new and unique solution that may be more cost effective or provide better quality living for the residents. We are a pragmatic design team, who thinks out of the box for innovative, cost effective solutions. We look beyond the existing conditions, to achieve a better solution – uncoupling the potential from the limitations.