Project Examples

Delano, CaliforniaRailex is a refrigerated rail-served distribution center for agricultural produce

Features include: The Delano Railex is a rail distribution system designed to reduce truck emissions and congestion, improve air quality and reduce the effects of global warming by reducing green house gases.  Railex offers a unit train that moves from a specific point of origination to a specific destination without interruption. No rail cars are added or taken off the unit train during its run.  A unit train reduces the daily dependence on trucks benefiting California’s highways, saves the nation’s fuel consumption, and reduces CO2 emissions.

Cost and funding: The total cost of the Railex facility was $31,410,000.  The Redevelopment Agency provided $907 thousand. Deferred development fees totaled $561 thousand. Developer equity fees came to $29,941,792.

What green standard it meets: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified as a Smartway Transport Partner  

Agency and contact person: Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Delano Maribel Reyna at 661-725-1739. 
Email: mreyna@cityofdelano.org

 

Palm Desert, CaliforniaHenderson Community Building

Features include: Water efficient landscape, concrete structure, thermal resistant building materials, window treatments to reduce heat, dual flush toilets and low flow showerheads (30% reduction in water use).  The building was designed to use 30% less energy than permitted under current building codes. The project used no CFC based refrigerants in its air conditioning system. Native desert species in combination with efficient irrigation save 50% to 60% over standard landscaping and irrigation. A free-standing Calsense irrigation controller was installed off-site within common area landscaping. The irrigation controller has an evapo-transpiration gauge, flow-sensing capabilities, and water-use monitoring systems that give staff the ability to track water use and automatically use the correct amount of water to sustain plant life based on the weather.

A building commissioning agent ensured that all building equipment was operating at the speed, temperatures, and pressures that would deliver the most optimal and efficient operation, using the least energy possible. Intelligent building controls and technology, such as occupancy and daylight sensors, conserve power. Natural daylight and views to the outside enhance the quality of the interior spaces. 32 high-efficiency photovoltaic roof panels generate solar energy .

During construction, separate bins were installed for on-site separation of waste materials. More than 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills and recycled. The selection of finish materials was based on their low maintenance attributes and durability or life cycle. Regional materials, produced within 500 miles of the project site, were used to reduce transport costs, while rapidly renewable materials such as bamboo were used for the cabinetry. Recycled content carpet and floor tiles were installed. Approximately 90% of all wall, ceiling, and floor surfaces retain natural, honed concrete surfaces that required no additional finish materials.

Cost and funding: The project was financed almost entirely with redevelopment funds totaling $6,037,930. Of this amount, $5,105,466 represents direct construction costs, with $685,984 in indirect costs, and $246,480 paid for the portion of land that the Henderson Community Building occupies. An additional $124,527 came from the City’s general fund for a total project cost of $6,162,457.

What green standard it meets: Applied for LEED Silver

Agency and contact person: Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, Missy Grisa at
760-346-0611, Ext. 384.
Email: mgrisa@cityofpalmdesert.org

 

La Quinta, CaliforniaVista Dunes Courtyard Homes

Features include: Vista Dunes embraces Green Building and Sustainability principles.  The homes are oriented to minimize solar gain during the summer, while deep overhangs shade south-facing windows and landscaped trellises shade western-facing walls. Ventilation is enhanced by open light wells with operable windows that catch the prevailing winds and serve as a thermal chimney to draw rising heat from the interiors. Photovoltaic solar panels (installed on every dwelling) produce an average 430kwh of energy per month which reduces the resident’s electric bills by approximately $730 a year. Tankless water heaters are used to produce on-demand hot water, eliminating the need to heat and store gallons of water as in traditional water heaters.  Radiant barrier roof sheathing keeps the homes cooler, since they reflect up to 50% of the sun’s radiant energy.  Light colored, heat-reflective roofing material was used to minimize solar gain. All of the roadways and sidewalks are light colored concrete, which reduce the heat gain by reflecting solar energy.   The concrete streets are also more durable than asphalt and reduce maintenance expense.

Drought tolerant, indigenous plants were used throughout the development.  Dual flush toilets (which can generate a 6,000 gallons per year water savings for a four person family), low flow and oxygenated shower heads and faucets (25 to 40% annual water savings), and water efficient front loading washing machines (savings up to 20 gallons per load) were installed.  It is estimated that these high efficiency fixtures alone will save over 1,900,000 gallons of water per year.

Construction waste recycling achieved an 87% diversion rate.  Locally sourced, recycled and renewable materials were used.  Low and No VOC paints and sealers, and enhanced filtration in HVAC systems were utilized.  Concrete block carports, steel posts and beams for exposed elements, and solid quartz counters exemplify the durability of construction materials.

Cost and funding: The total development cost, including land acquisition and relocation, was $36 million. National Core provided $4.5 million. The Redevelopment Agency generated $31.0 million in funding, and local utility rebates generated $520,000.  A Permanent loan was entered into for $1.3 million. 

What green standard it meets: Vista Dunes is recognized as the largest affordable housing project to achieve LEED Platinum certification.  California’s Title 24 requirements were exceeded by nearly 30%. 

Agency and contact person: La Quinta Redevelopment Agency, Doug Evans at
760-777-7000.   Email: Devans@la-quinta.org

 

Brea, CaliforniaSouth Brea Lofts

Features include: Neighborhood Electric Vehicle cars were purchased for each unit. Oriented strand board (“OSB”) plywood was used and contributes to the longevity of the buildings.  Additional architectural features that increase sustainability include the use of concrete countertops vs. granite for each unit, concrete exterior decks vs. wood, and tile roofs. An innovative storm water retention system was installed.  The custom designed system treats water on site, filters it, and cleans the debris before placing it into the storm drain system.  Water usage was reduced by utilizing planters as detention swales and to reduce water dependency by selecting low water consuming plant species.  85% of the plant materials are drought tolerant.  The project also minimized turf area to prevent excess water consumption and pavers to promote water percolation.  All appliances are Energy Star rated and the HVAC units are two-stage in order to provide more efficiency and to reduce household utility expenses between 50 % and 70%.

Cost and funding: The total site acquisition costs, relocation expenses, demolition, and interest on bond payments amounted to $8,401,948.  After the Agency assembled the full site of 2.8 acres, the site was sold using the RFP process for its fair reuse value to CWI Development, Inc. for $5,413,189.  Therefore, the Agency’s net cost was $2,988,759 to remove blight, provide economic viability to an obsolete commercial area, and to secure 10 affordable housing units within this new mixed-use development.  The affordable units without the work space have a market value of $515,000 and $550,000 for the two and three bedroom units respectively; the Agency’s restrictions resulted in these units selling for $287,000 and $322,000 respectively for low to moderate income home buyers.  The Agency also provided silent second loans from its housing funds for the affordable homeowners, thus making their dream of homeownership become a reality.

What green standard it meets: Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Achievement Award for Visionary Planning for Sustainability through the Compass Blueprint Program (May 2007), the Orange County Chapter of the American Planning Association (OCAPA) Outstanding Award for a Planning Project (May 2007), and the Award of Merit for a Planning Project from the California Chapter of the American Planning Association (October 2007).

Agency and contact person: Brea Redevelopment Agency

Monterey, CaliforniaUptown Monterey Shopping Center - Retail Shopping Center

Features include: Active prevention of pollution during construction, reduce roof heat island effect, water efficient landscaping, water use reduction generally, minimum energy use, storage and collection of recyclables, portions of older building reuse, construction waste management, use of additional recycled materials for construction, and use of low emitting adhesives, sealants, coatings, and paints made this a sustainable project.

Cost and funding: Total funding for Uptown Monterey shopping Center was $6.7 million; $5 million from a permanent loan, and $1.7 million in developer equity.

What green standard it meets: LEED Certified Silver

Agency and contact person: City of Monterey Redevelopment Agency, Rick Marvin at
831-646-3995. Email: marvin@ci.monterey.ca.us

 

Los Angeles, CaliforniaUptown Monterey Shopping Center - Retail Shopping Center

Features include:  Energy Star appliances, community garden, low-flow dual flush toilets, water efficient landscaping with drought-tolerant plants, an automated irrigation system and a ¾” rainwater treatment filter. The units are located close to transit. A 49-kilowatt solar array providing 75% of the energy needs for common areas. High-efficiency, low-e windows, have been installed. 100% compact fluorescent lighting throughout the property. The project utilizes recycled content carpets, low-VOC linoleum flooring and paints throughout. Restrooms and ranges are vented to the outside. Waste management services are provided for residents’ recyclables.  All construction materials were filtered for recycling.

Cost and funding: Morgan Place cost $17,616,563 to complete. Sources of funding included: CRA/LA loan of $678,165; Los Angeles Housing Department loan of $4,775,320; accrued interest of $162,898; CA Multi-Housing Program Loan of $3,422,738; GP Equity of $884,473; deferred developer fee of $387,500; and US Bank (LP equity) of $7,305,469.

What green standard it meets: Exceeds California's Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24). Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called Morgan Place, “A green landmark here in the city of LA. An example of what we can and should do.”

Agency and contact person: Community Redevelopment Agency City of Los Angeles. Alvin Jenkins at 323-290-2800. Email: ajenkins@cra.lacity.org

 

Chula Vista, CaliforniaLos Vecinos

Features include: Enhanced insulation and gas-efficient appliances. Achieves “Net Zero” in electrical use by generating almost 100% of the apartment’s electrical needs onsite by a photovoltaic system and uses a sub-metering system for residents. During demolition and construction achieved over 75% diversion from landfill.  Recycled materials and longer-life products were used in construction. The project uses over 50% less water in both indoor applications and for outdoor irrigation, a savings of over 1 million gallons a year. 

Cost and funding: The project cost $17,385,360.  The City of Chula Vista provided $5.7 million. Tax credit equity accounted for $9.6 million.  The Solar Rebate came to $264,415. A Permanent Loan was received for $1.9 million. The self-generation utility allowance provided approximately 25% of the financing for the extensive photovoltaic system. 

What green standard it meets: LEED Platinum, 2009. Exceeds California's Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24) by over 43%

Agency and contact person: Chula Visa Redevelopment Agency, Mandy Mills 619-476-5310. Email: amills@ci.chula-vista.ca.us

 

Mecca, CaliforniaMecca Community Library and Riverside County Sheriff Office

Features include: The desert community experiences extremely high temperatures, requiring special energy efficiency buildings and landscaping. Desert landscaping, the use of native drought-tolerant species, were installed at the site which can flourish with minimal water use via an efficient irrigation system. Storm water is directed to remain on-site via rainspouts to planters. Additional measures taken to promote energy efficiency include: efficient lighting, orientation, window shutters, and use of light-colored, reflective materials for roofing and paving.

Cost and funding: The Mecca Community Library and Riverside County Sheriff Office required $5.5 million to construct.  The project was funded through a Riverside County Redevelopment Agency bond issue.

What green standard it meets: Affordable sustainable development for a desert setting

Agency and contact person: Redevelopment Agency of Riverside County, Colby Cataldi at
760-863-2530. Email: cctaldi@rivcoeda.org

 

Palm Desert, CaliforniaLaguna Palms Apartments

Features include: The drought tolerant native plant species and the weather based irrigation controllers were implemented to increase the conservation of water at the property. The project addressed both water conservation and retention by installing onsite drywells, low flow faucets and showerheads, and water saving toilets.  The buildings were also structurally upgraded to support future photovoltaic panels.

Cost and funding: The Agency utilized funding from its Low and Moderate Income Housing Fund and funds from the 2007 Housing Bond to build the $10.4 million dollar acquisition and renovation project. 

What green standard it meets: Surpasses the requirements of Title 24 by fifteen (15%) percent

Agency and contact person: Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, Janet Moore at 760-346-0611.  Email: jmoore@palm-desert.ca.us

 

Canoga Park, CaliforniaHart Village

Features include: A solar energy system that generates fifty percent of the energy needs for all common areas averaging 44,091kWHr/year. Energy Star qualified heating and cooling equipment and Energy Star qualified appliances in all units. Landscaping includes California native plants such as California Sycamores.  Fluorescent lights are used throughout the property. Utilized energy rebate proceeds to defer some construction costs from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s Solar Incentive Program and Southern California Gas Company’s Self Generation Incentive Program.

Cost and funding: The Hart Village Project cost $19.6 million. The Redevelopment Agency provided $2.8 million in assistance. Tax credit equity came to $12.5 million. The Los Angeles Housing Department assisted with $2.5 million. The Ahmanson Foundation, the California Community Foundation, the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation each provided grants of $100 thousand. The Weingart Foundation provided $200 thousand.

What green standard it meets: Hart Village exceeds California Energy Title 24 Efficiency Standards by an impressive 22%

Agency and contact person: CRA/LA, Sandra Gonzlez at 818-708-5844. Email: sgonzalez@cra.lacity.org