Mayor Daley Dedicates Model Green Bungalow, Tours 2010 Bungalow Block in South Shore Community Demonstrating City’s Commitment to Preservation, Affordable Housing and Energy Efficiency
Chicago, IL – November 25, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Mayor Richard M. Daley today joined officials from the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association (HCBA), development partners and residents of the South Shore community in dedicating a fully rehabbed green bungalow that showcases innovative ways to make these iconic Chicago homes more energy efficient and adaptable for today’s families.
Daley also toured the several blocks along South Cregier Avenue to see some of the 23 other homes that have received grants from the HCBA to make energy efficient upgrades possible.
The owners of those 23 bungalows received grants of up to $5,000 for energy efficiency retrofits, including air-sealing, insulation, and high efficiency heating system installations.
“This is our fifth green bungalow model home and model block effort and with each one, we have shown the residents and community how they can make energy efficient upgrades to their homes so they can live more affordably,” Daley said at a press conference at the home at 7622 S. Cregier Ave.
“This model home looks far different today than it did the day we entered it, and it serves as example of our efforts to not only make energy efficient upgrades to our housing stock but of how we transform and stabilize neighborhoods hard hit by foreclosures.”
The home, in partnership with the Department of Community Development and Mercy Portfolio Services, was acquired through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) that allows for the purchase and rehab of vacant and foreclosed, bank-owned properties.
In addition to the model green home, another bungalow directly across the street has been purchased through NSP and will be renovated and sold to an affordable buyer.
The Green Bungalow Block project is unique in that it not only helps to stabilize and revitalize the South Shore community using a successful block strategy, but the rehabbed model bungalow serves as an educational tool to homeowners in the neighborhood.
Tours of this model bungalow during and after construction provided local residents with hands-on, visual examples of the energy efficient technologies and green/sustainable home improvement products available to them.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative whose goal is to provide assistance and support to bungalow owners as part of an effort to keep Chicago neighborhoods affordable for people of every age, income and background.
Since its inception, the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association has certified more than 10,000 bungalows and provided more than 4,600 homeowners with grants totaling over $7.5 million. The support is designed to make these classic homes more energy efficient and update them to meet the needs of today’s modern living.
It has also provided low-cost financing for home purchase and repairs, as well as federal income tax breaks, technical assistance and discounts for various home products and services.
A key aspect of the Bungalow Initiative is the energy efficient upgrades homeowners can receive.
When bungalows are renovated with the latest energy-conservation materials and devices, you save money and protect the environment. My administration has worked hard to make Chicago one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the nation,” Daley said.
Over the years, the HCBA has received support from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) which has provided the funding for the green model bungalow and block program. Additional funding from ICECF has also allowed bungalow owners to use matching grants to help insulate their homes; purchase water-saving fixtures and appliances; upgrade their heating and cooling systems; install solar panels; or make other improvements to make their homes more energy-efficient.
The model block effort is an example of how the city is meeting the goals of its green agenda. It is estimated that the energy efficiency measures that were installed in these bungalows — including air-sealing, insulation, and high efficiency heating systems — will reduce each household’s energy use by 30%. These energy savings not only help reduce carbon emissions into the environment but also help lower homeowners’ utility bills, saving them money and helping to stabilize the neighborhood and local economy.
The home at 7622 S. Cregier was developed through a partnership of Mercy Portfolio Services and Genesis Housing Development Corporation with considerable support from a number of sponsors who made possible the landscaping, energy efficient appliances, and other features of the home.
The HCBA also receives support from Abt, Christy Webber Landscapes, Comcast, Peoples Gas, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Peoples Gas and Bank of America.
Contact:
Molly Sullivan (312) 744-2976
mollysullivan (at) cityofchicago (dot) org
