HOUSTON, TX - New Hope Housing, Inc. has opened 2424 Sakowitz, Houston's first LEED for Homes "green" multifamily housing development – with platinum level certification. Located in Houston's Fifth Ward/Denver Harbor, the 166-unit single room occupancy (SRO) apartment complex for adults living alone on limited incomes was built with energy efficient, sustainable features.
"We are very excited to be opening the city's first LEED for Homes certified multifamily development," stated New Hope Board President Michael M. Fowler. "2424 Sakowitz is New Hope's largest SRO complex to date and we are proud to be able to provide affordable supportive housing in a facility that also is designed to be eco-friendly," he concluded.
Designed by Val Glitsch, FAIA, LEED AP, 2424 Sakowitz is an enduring design that will prove durable, resource efficient and cost effective to operate. Built with sustainable materials, Sakowitz allows New Hope to offer life-stabilizing, quality housing at a more stable rental rate.
Green features at Sakowitz include smart site location and design; sustainable landscaping with over 100 native trees; water-conserving appliances and fixtures; water retention system; energy efficient Energy Star appliances; use of recycled materials; use of roofing, paving and plantings that reduce Heat-Island Effect; and many more.
The Sakowitz community is situated within a one-mile radius of a grocery store, a convenience store, several restaurants and several METRO bus lines. Each living unit is fully-furnished and includes a microwave and refrigerator and a private bath. The property also offers community spaces including a fully-equipped business center, a community kitchen, laundry facility, a reception area with 24/7 front desk staffing, service coordinator offices for on-site case management, a courtyard with a gazebo, water feature, and horseshoe pit, and two patios.
Since its inception, New Hope Housing has been recognized as establishing the model for affordable, debt-free SRO housing in the state of Texas. New Hope's goal is to build and operate high-quality affordable housing for more than 1,000 adults and to be a permanent institution in Houston. Parishioners of Houston's Christ Church Cathedral-Episcopal gave the seed money in 1993 for New Hope's first building – Hamilton Street Residence. The People of Christ Church Cathedral wanted to help offer housing to the growing number of disadvantaged and homeless in the downtown Cathedral's vicinity.
Source: New Hope Housing