An affordable housing project in Grand Rapids consisting of 34 units, 1 – 2 bedrooms per unit in a newly built three-story multifamily building serves though making 60% AMI and below.

To secure tax credits in Michigan, this project was required to achieve LEED silver; however, they were very pleased to achieved gold, going above and beyond. Part of what helped them get told Gold was making the building all-electric.  The LEED program requires the right sizing of the HVAC systems, and so a ducted air source heat pump system was chosen to heat and cool the building.

Because of Consumers Energy’s recent announcement of retiring all their coal fleet by 2025 in Michigan, the heat pumps in this project will result in a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Besides a requirement, the 3rd party LEED inspection was able to identify opportunities in improving occupant health through testing ventilation systems like properly running bath fans.

Through a grant from the WEGE foundation, GHI provided additional support to this project and served many other affordable housing projects in West Michigan through this funding.

Project Team Details 

Owner/Builder: The Common Wealth Companies
Designer: Excel Engineers
Green/HERS Rater: Matt Cook, G-Energy

Project Basics 

Project Type: Lowrise 3 story Multifamily

Project Certification Details 

Certification Program: LEED for Homes v4
Level: Gold
Energy Budget: 52% better than average

HERS Report
LEED for Homes Score Card

The Commonwealth Companies is a team of highly experienced developers, contractors, designers, and property managers. Since 2001, we have been a leader in innovative real estate development of affordable housing, cost-efficient construction processes, unique architectural design, and state-of-the-art property operations. These include over 6,575 affordable housing units across 17 states that are known for their features and amenities.
www.commonwealthco.net/about/

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