A bold new vision for sustainable urban housing is taking shape in East Liberty.
On Jan. 29,
East Liberty Development, Inc. (ELDI), unveiled six new models along Euclid Ave. and Hays St., marking the start of its multi-year, 100-home
Historic Enclave. Along with partners
S&A Homes,
Pfaffmann+Associates,
IBACOS, and
mossArchitects, ELDI created a plan for the for-sale homes, which are 40% more efficient than housing built to code, and warranted in excess of 20 years.
Part of ELDI’s Green Plan for East Liberty, the home plans evolved from a design charette with local architects. “We received a PHFA grant to be one of the pilots across the state to think outside the box for sustainable development. We wanted to figure out how you design once, and train a homebuilder on the product type,” says Ernie Hogan, with ELDI, which acquired 20 acres. “Our goal is to keep the cost down and produce with a lower amount of subsidies. We hope to create a cohesive process.”
Designed to complement East Liberty’s historic housing stock, the contemporary homes sell for between 216,000 and 295,000, and can be constructed within six months, once a buyer selects a model and lot. Dubbed “100-year homes,” the three- and four-bedroom units range in size from 2100 - 2500 square feet.
“These are highly engineered dwellings with very strict guidelines. We tried to use local workers and keep the economy here, which speaks to bigger movements happening with green jobs,” adds Hogan, who says a similar yet more costly model is being considered in New Orleans. “Our hope is to fill in vacant lots, stabilize the neighborhood and reweave it back up to the edges of the commercial core.”
For model tours, call Catherine McConnell at 412-874-3074.
To receive Pop City free every week, click here.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Ernie Hogan, deputy director, East Liberty Development, Inc.
Image courtesy East Liberty Development, Inc.