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Rezoning sought for green homes
Source: The Republic
October 15, 2007
Section: News, Page A1
By Paul Minnis
pminnis@therepublic.com
Energy-efficient townhouses would be built downtown under a plan developers
believe will get people to "think green" in Columbus.
Developer Michael Greven, a Columbus resident and environmental activist, said
he and his partners with Casa Verde LLC want to build 45 homes on three acres at
11th and Jackson streets.
Fourteen would be built in the first of three phases, with construction to begin
in late winter or early spring and for first-phase completion by the end of
2008.
A document states a 2,500-square-foot-or-more luxury flat would cost $455,000,
while a 950- to 2,500-square-foot urban town home would cost $175,000, both base
prices.
During a meeting Tuesday, Columbus City Council members will look at a request
to rezone the property from a community business district to a central business
district, a preliminary step needed to make the project a reality.
Jeff Bergman, executive director of Columbus Planning Department, said the
suggested zoning would allow structures to be built taller and nearer the road.
It also allows homes to be built on top of businesses, such as the loft
apartments already downtown.
A final reading will be required, and project designs also must be approved.
Plan Commission members voted unanimously in a recent meeting to recommend to
the city council that it grant the rezoning.
According to U.S. Green Building Council, building with "green" materials and
designs leave a smaller environmental footprint, use dramatically less energy
and water, produce less solid waste and cost less to run than others.
An estimated 2 percent in additional, up-front expense is recouped within two
years due to efficiency.
Greven said the houses here would adhere to USGBC specifications and be
certified under USGBC's Green Building Rating System.
When the first home is complete, area residents will see something that might
surprise them, such as a green, vegetative roof that insulates naturally.
"A big part of this is education," Greven said. "With this, you help the
environment, but you're also making a financial investment."
Greven and his partners chose to build in Columbus because it is close to
Indianapolis, it is a great community and it is known nationally for its
architecture.
The houses will be of different layouts. Greven said four or five will have
street-front retail or office space on the ground floor with living quarters
above.
"It makes for a livelier street," he said. "The goal in Columbus is to create a
lively downtown.
"We don't want to lose sight of that."
If you go
What: Columbus City Council meeting.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Where: City Hall Council Chambers.
Agenda: Casa Verde request to rezone from community business district to central
business district.
Photo Caption: Illustration provided
An artist s rendering of a proposed elevation of a green residence/business
building.
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