Community meeting at site of new Ballard green homes set for this afternoon

Seattle company Green Canopy Homes are hosting a community meeting at the building site of four energy-efficient row houses (822 NW 49th St) today at 4 p.m. Green Canopy homes are building the houses with part finance from the Housing Finance Commission’s Sustainable Energy Trust.

Green Canopy Homes bought the property for the energy-efficient homes, now dubbed the “Maritme Lofts”, with the assistance of a lower-interest loan from Sustainable Energy Trust (SET).

“This is an exciting project for us,” said Aaron Fairchild, CEO of Green Canopy Homes. “It’s our first new construction project in North Seattle that will be priced under $400,000, and will provide highly efficient, comfortable and modern homes at competitive prices.”

When completed, Maritime Lofts will use at least 30% less energy than comparable row houses, which dramatically lowers the cost of ownership. “The goal is to price these houses competitively so that with their energy efficiencies, the owners will have a good investment with cost savings for years to come,” says Fairchild.

Maritime Lofts will feature three levels of living space, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and individual rooftop gardens. Off-street parking will also be available for each unit.

To build the properties Green Canopy Homes borrowed funds from the Commission’s Sustainable Energy Trust (SET) at an interest rate well below market. The SET was established by the commission in 2009 with an aim to increase access to below-market-rate financing for energy-related projects and to expand the pool of lenders who are active in the state’s energy sector.

“We’re committed to fostering energy efficiency because it directly contributes to affordable housing,” explained Avi Jacobson, senior sustainability energy coordinator for the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. “We are glad to partner once again with Green Canopy Homes on an exciting efficient housing development and we look forward to more such projects.”

All are welcome to attend the community meeting to learn more about the Maritime Lofts and Green Canopy Homes.