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Affordable Apartments in Chicago Obtain LEED Certification
Published: October 03, 2007
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By Kelly Sheehan, Online News Editor
Chicago—Wentworth Commons, a 51-unit affordable apartment community in Chicago, has been certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program. The project, which Multi-Housing News featured in its May 2006 print edition, was designed by the Chicago office of Harley Ellis Devereaux and developed by Chicago-based Mercy Housing Lakefront.
Susan King, Harley Ellis Devereaux principal and studio leader of partner company, GreenWorks Studio, tells MHN that the community broke ground in May 2004 and was completed in October 2005.
“Through this development, Mercy Housing Lakefront and Harley Ellis Devereaux have shown that high-quality, affordable housing can be built responsibly and with the environment in mind," says Cindy Holler, president and CEO of Mercy Housing Lakefront.
The project includes several green features, such as exposed roof trusses that support an integrated photovoltaic system; native plants; highly reflective paving and groundcovers to reduce the urban heat island effect (when an urban area becomes significantly warmer than its surroundings); integrated airtight drywall approach at the building envelope, high-efficiency boiler and other mechanical equipment; air-to-air heat recovery system; and the specification of regional and rapidly renewable materials and finishes.
“Wentworth Commons represents a long-term benefit and an inspiration for residents, for our neighborhoods and for our community as a whole,” says King. “The sustainable design approach creates a healthier environment for residents through the use of non-toxic, low-E building materials and a more affordable structure through energy efficiency measures.”
The facility is a low-impact addition to the city’s infrastructure. Through the roof-mounted photovoltaic system, the complex is a producer of energy rather than just a consumer, reducing demand on the city’s power grid. In addition, its white roof helps lower the urban heat island effect while at the same time cutting the building’s need for cooling. The community is also expected to mitigate the load on the city’s overtaxed combined storm water and sewer system.
Wentworth Commons isn't just looking out for its surroundings, though. The community also focuses on its residents. Comprehensive supportive services programs, sponsored by the building's owner, Lakefront Housing, are available to each resident of Wentworth Commons, King says.
"We provide each resident with case management services such as employment training and leadership development to equip residents with the tools, skills and encouragement necessary to reclaim their stake in society," King tells MHN. "This model is known as blended management."
