Groves Park Commons is TN’s first Certified Green Subdivision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2009

Contact: Harvey Abouelata, Abacus Creative Marketing

Email: harvey@abacuszen.com

Phone:(865) 386-7860

Callie Schmidt, NAHB

Email: cschmidt@nahb.com

Phone: (202) 266-8132

Groves Park Commons is TN’s first Certified Green Subdivision
Development deemed ‘game changer’ for homebuilding industry

Oak Ridge, Tenn.-Groves Park Commons subdivision in Oak Ridge was certified as Tennessee’s first certified Green Subdivision by the National Association of Homebuilders, Research Center during the Parade of Homes last weekend. Only seven other certified Green Subdivisions exist in the United States.

“The standard and the certification process provide the home buyer with assurance that this community has been inspected and verified to be authentically green,” said NAHB Green Building Subcommittee Chair Eric Borsting, a builder from Stockton, Calif. “I congratulate the builders and developers of Groves Parks Commons for their leadership in sustainable design and construction.”

Housing developments that meet the requirements of the National Green Building Standard are designed protect environmentally sensitive areas, meet energy efficiency standards and preserve the native vegetation as well as natural water and drainage features on the site. Site improvements can include additional storm water management features and infrastructure that encourages the use of walking, biking and public transit while minimizing the addition of impervious surfaces.

Groves Parks Commons fits a unique gap in Oak Ridge’s housing market as Oak Ridger’s recruit a growing workforce. Oak Ridge National Lab hired more than 400 new staff members in the past 12 months, and they still have open requisitions for nearly 300 more. This emerging workforce in Oak Ridge will be looking for a place to live.

“Grove Park Commons is one of several new residential developments being built to appeal to the next generation of professionals coming to live and work in Oak Ridge,” said Parker Hardy, President and CEO of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce.

Hardy was joined by the President of the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), Ted Bard; the VP of NAHB, Research Center Tom Kenney; Mayor Tom Beehan, ORNL director, Dr. Thom Mason, developer Walter Wise and builders Mike Stevens and Bill Kennedy during the certification presentation.

At the certification presentation last weekend, Thom Mason, Director of ORNL, noted that residential electricity consumption in Tennessee is higher than in every other state except Alabama.

“But it’s also terrific that these houses are being built to the highest possible energy standards,” said Mason. ” This saves money for homeowners, and it also reduces the environmental impact of these houses.”

The homes at Groves Park Commons will be tested by a third party Energy Star Certified Energy Home Rater. The minimum designed unit will be 20%-30% more energy efficient than the standard home.

Mason also noted over the past several years, ORNL has used partnerships to move toward a key Department of Energy goal: houses that produce as much energy as they consume.

With the kind of energy efficiency and efficient building material science advancement coming out of ORNL, “in 2030 houses should be able to produce as much energy as they use, while keeping us comfortable and reducing the demand for electricity from fossil fuels.”

Oak Ridge High School football coach, Scott Blade, was the first to purchase a home in the Groves Park Commons subdivision in Oak Ridge.

“We love it, everything is first class,” said Blade, 35. “I just felt like this was a great opportunity for me and my family.”

What attracted Coach Blade and his family to Groves Park Commons was the construction, the high-end amenities, and the energy efficient homes.

For more information on Groves Park Commons visit: http://www.pr.com/company-profile/overview/46057

Images: http://www.pr.com/company-profile/image-gallery-c/46057-1409

WBIR - Green Certification 2009

Oak Ridge subdivision breaks green ground

Oak Ridge subdivision breaks green ground

WBIR
Jim Matheny Updated: 10/18/2009 12:05:48 AM Posted: 10/17/2009 11:17:17 PM

Saturday the National Association of Home Builders certified the Grove Park Commons subdivision in Oak Ridge as the state's first Green Subdivision.

The new neighborhood is built on the site of the former Old South Hills Golf Course site in Oak Ridge. In addition to being the first completely green neighborhood in Tennessee, it becomes only one of eight green subdivisions in the entire country.

The Traditional Neighborhood Development features energy-saving and environmentally-friendly designs from the streets to the attics.

"What we've done here is used a foam insulation and encapsulated the roof area," said builder Bill Kennedy from the attic of one of the new townhomes. "This allows us to get rid of the insulation normally found on an attic floor. That means the attic is almost the same temperature as the rest of the house and the duct work remains in a conditioned environment free of condensation and mold."

The airtight attic also features a tankless water heater, energystar heating system, and constant intake and exhaust of fresh air into the home. Kennedy said this and other constructed elements add up to a 35 percent reduction in utility bills for the nearly 2,500 square foot townhome.

"This unit will cost $1,500 a year for all of your heating, cooling, running your appliances, and running lights," said Kennedy.

Those savings go for all of the homes in the neighborhood.
Everything from the appliances, building materials, windows, doors, and courtyards are certified green by the NAHB Research Center.

"We're trying to build smarter, yet still have all of the comforts that we're accustomed to," said Thomas Kenney, vice-president of engineering and research at NAHB. "You're not giving up anything per se, but we're doing it better."

Kennedy said the streets and neighborhood layout also contribute to a green environment.

"The neighborhoods are built around people instead of their cars," said Kennedy. "The roads are narrow and reduce storm water runoff but also control traffic flow. We've also built the homes close to parks where people can enjoy their neighbors without driving."

The homes aren't cheap. The lowest listing price is $299,999 on the sign at the entrance to Grove Park Commons. The appliances and insulation also cost more up front. But Kennedy said what costs more in the short-term will save money, the environment, and the country in the long run.

"We have to be responsible in how we take care of this country, so that what we use we produce here," said Kennedy.

There are currently ten homes in the subdivision. Kennedy said the neighborhood layout allows for construction of up to 325 of the new green homes.

Both Kenney and Kennedy said there are some things anyone can do to improve the energy efficiency of their home.

"I would start with trying to limit the amount of air penetration. Things like caulking windows are easy and very inexpensive," said Kennedy.

"I would start with looking at upgrading your hot water heater or central heating and air conditioning. That is what I would consider low-hanging fruit since most homeowners are already in the routine of replacing those items every 10 to 15 years," said Kenney.

GPC Parade of Homes 2009 - Seminars, Enetertainment and Food!

Groves Park Commons Updated website

Check out the updated Groves Park Commons website [HERE]

Groves Park Commons New Homes Completed: Open House Today

Groves Park Commons Open House is from 1-5 PM Today.

There are 8 single family units that are ready to move in and over a 100 lots to choose from. All homes are the finest energy efficient homes you will find anywhere located in a nationally ranked school district. Stop by today and have Sharon Power's give you a tour of the fine homes in Oak Ridge Tennessee.

If you purchase a Town Home the builder will pay your utilities bill’s for the first year!

For an appointment call (865) 482-3232

Groves Park Commons
795 Tuskegee Dr. Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Smart Living
Now selling Single Family Homes, Custom Units, and Townhouses.

Web: http://www.grovesparkcommons.com/

Traditional Neighborhood Development located in Oak Ridge Tennessee.

For more information call
Sharon Power, REALTOR®

REALTOR® office: (865) 482-3232

Find the Perfect Home for sale at Groves Park Commons. Groves Park Common is a Neighborhood development that brings Community, Family, Quality and Energy efficient homes together in a nationally top ranked school district located in Oak Ridge TN.

Groves Park Commons Open House New Hours

Open House

Wednesday-Sunday

1-5PM

795 Tuskegee Dr.

Oak Ridge TN.

Come See the Most Unique Homes in Oak Ridge

Coach Scott Blade moves to Groves Park Commons!

Here is some great news for Groves Park Commons!

Shortly after the first two homes were completed Groves Park Commons gets its first Sale!

Selling a home this quickly was fantastic - but even better than that was who the home was sold to: Wildcats football Coach, Scott Blade.

[MORE]

Groves Park Commons Progress - Slide Show

Press Release: Certified green home designation awarded to Groves Park Commons townhomes.

Groves Park Commons continues to move forward and raise the bar,creating exceptional housing that makes sense. This is one of the most amazing team I have had the honor to work with. They have stayed true to their mission of creating a high quality community that encompasses the best craftsmanship, community principles and environmental techniques.

Groves Park Commons townhomes receive the highest rating Tindells Building Materials has ever given for energy efficiency.

Oak Ridge, TN. May 11, 2009: There’s a new sheriff in town when it comes to beautifully designed, high energy, efficient town homes and single family dwellings. Groves Park Commons, a traditional neighborhood development off Tuskegee Avenue in Oak Ridge, has completed the first five Townhomes of a 325-home planned community. These homes are open and ready for inspection and purchase.

What makes Groves Park Commons Townhomes uniquely different is the certified designation of each home as an Energy Star® home. For the savvy buyer, this means that all appliances, insulation, weather stripping, lighting, cooling and heating meet or exceed industry and government standards for efficiency. Matt Tindell, a certified HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rater has given the Groves Park Commons townhomes the highest rating Tindells Building Materials has ever given for energy efficiency. “Based on our estimates, the energy bill for these homes will probably be less than $1,500 a year, (heating, cooling, lights and water)” explains Tindell. “I know of people that have paid that in a month.”

The concept for an environmentally-forward, attractive, and efficient new planned community brought together eco-friendly designers, landscapers, and builders, who have made Groves Park Commons the showcase for sustainable best practices. Designed by Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, the master plan won the first “Outstanding Planning Award for a Green Development” from the Tennessee American Planning Association. Christos Christopoulos and Bill Kennedy of Christopoulos & Kennedy Construction decided early in the process to build only energy rated townhomes for the complex. “Our mission from conception…to construction…to systems operations…has been to achieve an optimum level of comfort for the home owner,” notes Christopoulos. “

While the Energy Star® rating will save homeowners thousands of dollars in energy costs and assures solid resale value, the true measure of success lies in the fact that these townhomes are beautiful, sophisticated, and comfortable with open floor plans and high-end amenities. “Our goal is to build beautiful townhomes that can also be state-of-the-art energy efficient homes,” says Kennedy. “I think we have succeeded.”
Groves Park Commons is now actively selling homes. For sales inquires please call Sharon Power, REALTOR® of Realty Executives at (865) 482-3232.

- # -
IMAGES For Press Release:
http://www.pr.com/company-profile/image-gallery-c/46057-1382

ABOUT:
Groves Park Commons (http://www.grovesparkcommons.com/) a Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) developed by partners Walter B. Wise, Terry Wheeler, Bill Kennedy, and Christos Christopoulos. Groves Park Commons – a Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) is a 325 housing unit community currently being constructed on the Old South Hills Golf Course site located at 795 Tuskegee Dr. Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

http://www.grovesparkcommons.com/
http://www.pr.com/company-profile/overview/46057
http://gpctnd.blogspot.com/


Walter B. Wise – Founder of MidPark construction located 1709 MidPark Drive Suite A-2, Knoxville, TN 37921. There is not much that Mr. Wise has not built. (865) 588-5717

Christopoulos & Kennedy Construction (http://www.ckgcinc.com/) strive to produce a product that they are proud to present to you. Christopoulos & Kennedy was incorporated in 1995. Prior to this, Bill and Christos both worked as estimators and project managers for a regional general contractor. The majority of their projects were comprised of large retail franchises. (865) 330-3541.

Terry Wheeler (http://www.tkwheelerjeweler.com/) Terry Wheeler has been serving the Oak Ridge community with quality Jewelry for past 30 years. Mr. Wheeler also develops commercial and residential properties in East Tennessee. (865) 482-3131

Sharon Power (http://www.sharonpowerrealtor.com/): Sharon Power of Realty Executives Associates in Oak Ridge Tennessee has been a REALTOR® since 1980. She has consistently been a top producer year after year with Realty Executives and is a Certified Residential Specialist. (865) 482-3232.

Tindells Building Materials (www.tindells.com/tindells) Tindell’s began in 1892 as a sawmill business. The company now owns and operates building materials sales and warehousing facilities in Knoxville, LaFollette, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Maryville and Cleveland, Tennessee. These facilities include a truss manufacturing plant, a millwork division, an installed sales division and a commodity center. HERS Rater – Matt Tindell (423) 476-5501. Mattt@tindells.com


Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon Inc. (http://www.bargewaggoner.com/) Barge Waggoner Sumner & Canon, Inc. is a professional services firm with offices spread across the eastern half of the United States. In business since 1955, the company has been employee owned since 1970. A true multidiscipline firm, the company offers civil, structural, environmental, transportation, aviation, mechanical, and electrical engineering services, in addition to architecture, planning, landscape architecture and surveying.

Abacus Creative Management Business, Marketing, Sales and promotional planning. For more information on this press release or the Groves Park Commons please call (865)386-7860.

GPC First homes to be built

Groves Park Commons Open House!

OPEN HOUSE
Saturday & Sunday
April 18-19
1-5 PM
Unique homes in Oak Ridge

Sharon Power / Realty Executives Associates
865.482.3232
Directions: Illinois Avenue to 795 Tuskegee Dr.

Groves Park Commons in the snow February 2009

Groves Park Commons Two Homes Complete and Five Townhomes in process!

Two homes by Mike Stevens home are completed and ready move in. Five Town Homes by Christopoulos & Kennedy are well on there way and should be finished by February 1, 2009.
Call now for purchasing information: GPC Sales office: (865) 482-8949

Groves Park Commons - Smart Living
795 Tuskegee Dr. Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Web: www.grovesparkcommons.com
Blog: http:// www.gpctnd.blogspot.com
PR: http://www.pr.com/company-profile/overview/46057
Traditional Neighborhood Development located in Oak Ridge Tennessee.
Now selling Single Family Homes, Custom Units, and Townhouses.

For more information call:
Sharon Power, REALTOR® - sharonpower@comcast.net
GPC Sales office: (865) 482-8949
REALTOR® office: (865) 482-3232

Bill Kennedy / Christopoulos & Kennedy General Contractors / Developer & Townhomes Builder
Christos Christopoulos / Christopoulos & Kennedy General Contractors / Developer & Townhomes Builder
Mike Stevens / Mike Stevens Homes, Inc. / Single Family Home Builder
Jon Stevens / Mike Stevens Homes, Inc. / Single Family Home Builder
Walter Wise / Developer
Terry Wheeler / Developer

LEGISLATIVE ALERT-FIX HOUSING FIRST

Support Your Fellow Builders by Contacting Congress on Wednesday, January 7!
Call the NAHB Legislative Hotline at 1-866-924-NAHB (6242) or visitwww.capitolconnect.com/builderlink
CALL TO ACTION
On Wednesday, January 7, builders from across the country will converge on Capitol Hill to meet with key members of the House and Senate to discuss the Fix Housing First Proposal and push for its inclusion in the economic stimulus bill being crafted by Congress and the incoming Obama Administration.
In order to make sure their message is heard loud and clear, we need to add the full weight of the association to this advocacy effort. Please join your fellow builders on Wednesday, January 7, by calling 1-866-924-NAHB (6242) and telling your senators and member of Congress:
1. The national economy is in a deep recession and urgent action must be taken to shore up the economy.
2. Only by stimulating the demand for housing can the national economy be saved.
3. Perfecting the homebuyer tax credit created by Congress last summer and creating a short-term mortgage rate subsidy are proven housing demand incentives.
4. These solutions must be included in the economic stimulus package being considered by Congress.
You may also send a letter to Congress with the Fix Housing First message by visiting www.capitolconnect.com/builderlink. For instructions, click here.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Problem: Falling home values are at the core of the current economic crisis
The impact on the national economy of home building, and housing in general, in good times and bad, should not be underestimated. The historic increase in foreclosures, tightened mortgage qualifying criteria, and general declining economic conditions have significantly cut demand for housing. Housing wealth is the primary source of savings for most households and a key driver of consumer spending.
As housing has slowed, so has the national economy. In recent quarters, the decline in home building activity has subtracted a percentage point or more from annualized GDP growth. These facts suggest that the recovery from the current economic crisis must begin in the housing sector. Without addressing the crisis in home prices and residential construction, no recovery effort will be successful. The key to this effort is stimulating housing demand.

The Solution: Targeted incentives to encourage Americans to buy homes again.

In 2008, Congress adopted a measure providing first-time home buyers with a tax credit of up to $7,500. While well-intentioned, the legislation failed to stimulate or stabilize the housing market. This can be attributed to three main factors: the tax credit was really a loan that had to be recaptured; it was only available to first-time home buyers; and $7,500 was not enough to entice people to buy. The nation's current financial crisis has outpaced the ability of the homebuyer credit, as currently structured, to turn the housing market around.

NAHB proposes to build upon the foundation of the homebuyer tax credit by perfecting its structure and scope. First, eliminate the repayment requirement. Second, make the credit larger by increasing the credit amount on a sliding scale between $10,000 and $22,000. Third, make the credit available to all homebuyers. Finally, in its new form the eligibility period for the credit should be extended to December 31, 2009.

In addition to an enhanced homebuyer credit, NAHB is advocating for a short-term mortgage subsidy for purchases made in 2009. The Treasury Department is reportedly considering a program to provide 4.5 percent, below-market rate mortgages. While this program is a welcome first-step, the depth of the recession demands a more aggressive response. Specifically, NAHB proposes a federally-subsidized, 30-year fixed rate 2.99 percent mortgage for homes purchased before June 30, 2009, and a 3.99 percent mortgage rate for homes purchased before December 31, 2009. The rate subsidy would only apply to principal residences. This dual strategy of a homebuyer tax credit and a mortgage subsidy was used successfully during the 1970's housing crisis, which was fed by excess inventory and falling home prices.

Questions? Comments?

Please provide feedback to builderlink@nahb.com
Thank you for your help!