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January 29, 2010 "The Arbors - Green Preservation of Affordable Homes in Richmond" Thirty-six blighted 1 and 2-bedroom apartment homes were renovated and the entire property was brought to a new greener standard. Major work included the replacement of all interior flooring with bamboo, linoleum and recycled content carpet, low-VOC adhesives and paint, and FSC- (Forest Stewardship Council) approved cabinetry and countertops. Energy Star appliances were installed in all of the units as well as low-flow fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms. Solar panels produce 7.5 kilowatts of power to offset common electrical loads for the site’s extensive new lighting and the community room. The new one-story community building provides a computer lab, new offices for on-site property management and services staff, a small kitchen, meeting space for residents, and an outdoor courtyard. Green exterior materials include recycled planters and trash enclosures made out of TREX. Six of the ten buildings received new “cool” roofs. New drought-tolerant landscaping was installed and a recycling program with educational signage and bins was introduced. The rehabilitation also incorporated a variety of neighborhood safety measures to improve visibility and site lighting, and provided new benches along pathways and in courtyards. Parking areas were modified to add handicapped-accessible curb-cuts and walkways were repaired. RCD provides resident services at The Arbors that will be expanded to include computer classes with a focus on employment and job skills. To help promote green jobs and green building, The Arbors development team, including Sun Light & Power and Branagh Inc., partnered with Solar Richmond (a nonprofit organization that develops green-collar jobs and economic opportunity through solar installation training and innovative job creation) to assess and implement the Arbors’ solar panels system. Financing for the Arbors was provided by the City of Richmond Redevelopment Agency, HOME, CDBG, 2007B Bond funds, Union Bank and Citi. About Resources for Community Development: MORE INFO:
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