BACK
Press
Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2010
"The Arbors - Green Preservation of Affordable Homes in Richmond"
Contact: Linda Mackey
Email: lmackey@rcdev.org
January 29, 2010 – Berkeley, Calif. – On February 4, 2010 from 4:00-5:30pm, Resources for Community Development (RCD) celebrates the completion of its green rehabilitation of The Arbors in Richmond and the opening of The Arbors’ new community building. The Arbors is a preservation development that offers 36 units of permanent affordable housing for low-income families and individuals. Four of the units have been altered to universal design to accommodate residents with special needs. The project was undertaken in 2008 to prevent the property’s conversion to market-rate housing. Scheduled speakers include City of Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin and Steve Duran of the Richmond Community Redevelopment Agency. Ceremonies will begin at 4:30pm at 5257 Creely Avenue, Richmond, CA.
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:
RCD is a non-profit organization that develops and provides housing along the entire affordable housing spectrum, from single room occupancy hotels to 4-bedroom family apartments and affordable homeownership. Founded by Berkeley community members in 1984, RCD has built nearly 1,700 units over the last 25 years providing quality affordable housing to over 3,000 individuals and families. RCD’s mission is to create and preserve affordable housing for those with the fewest options, to build community and enrich lives.
MORE INFO:
More info at: www.rcdhousing.org
Linda Mackey: (510) 841-4410 x31