Loring House

National Register of Historic Places Reference #85000612

May 22, 2017

Portland, ME – WISHROCK is thrilled to be celebrating our fifth Enterprise Green Communities Certified* project: Loring House. This historic structure, formerly Portland City Hospital, was a unique challenge, but revealed an even greater opportunity. This 4-story, 104-unit property underwent a complete transformation to preserve affordable, healthy housing and to lower utility costs. WISHROCK partnered with both Portland Housing Authority and Maine State Housing Authority to secure financing for critical building upgrades that directly improved lighting and air quality throughout the building. The project leveraged financing for cost-effective energy and water improvements, including new windows throughout and the installation of a high-performance indoor air exchange system. In addition, LED lighting was installed throughout the building.

New features were added to improve resident health and create a more vibrant community. A major change to the property was the replacement of carpet with resilient, hard surface flooring throughout the common areas and in units on the first two floors—reducing the presence of allergens. Air sealing tests also showed 50% or greater reduction in unit airflow. These measured changes have dramatically reduced air drafts—a large improvement in indoor comfort during Maine’s long winters.

Outside, 5,000 plantings were installed to compliment the surrounding evergreens. Historic birch trees were preserved along the building’s exterior too. Additionally, a new outdoor common space was created—a barbeque and picnic area—which allows residents another place to congregate, with a great view overlooking one of Portland’s oldest and largest trees.

“Loring House demonstrates the power of historic preservation and green development. This certification reflects a concerted commitment of many partners to keep sustainability and resident health in focus,” stated Trisha Miller, WISHROCK Chief Sustainability Officer. “We’re already seeing direct benefits in terms of energy cost savings too—a reduction in electricity consumption while adding new air handling equipment to improve air quality.”

At Loring House and across its portfolio, WISHROCK operates as a triple bottom line company. As a Better Building Partner, the company aims to reduce portfolio-wide energy use by 20 percent and to provide low-income communities with a healthy and sustainable living environment.

*Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and Certification promotes energy and water efficiency, healthy housing, and resource conservation. In order to receive this national certification, an affordable housing developer must meet a number of criteria involving integrative design, location and neighborhood fabric, site improvements, water and energy conservation, and green building materials.

CONTACT:

Trisha Miller, Chief Sustainability Officer

trisha.miller@wishrockgroup.com

202-294-3547

ABOUT WISHROCK:

The principals of WISHROCK have been working together to successfully create and maintain safe and supportive affordable housing communities for the past 10 years. WISHROCK is active in 9 states, where we focus on the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing affordable housing communities, often in difficult settings and challenging markets. We take great pride in preserving the affordability of the communities we purchase and redevelop. Our company is committed to improving the quality of the lives of our residents through dedicated empowerment services, and to operating at the forefront of sustainability.

Towson, MD – WISHROCK celebrates Tabco Towers as its latest Enterprise Green Communities Certified* development. The company recently completed its first comprehensive green redevelopment serving low-income elderly and disabled residents. This 22 story, 200-unit property underwent a complete transformation to preserve affordable, healthy housing and to lower utility costs. WISHROCK partnered with the State of Maryland and BGE on critical building upgrades that directly improved energy efficiency. Through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s CIF Loan, the project leveraged over $750,000 in financing for cost-effective energy and water improvements, including a high-performance HVAC system. In addition, BGE incentives helped cover the costs of LED lighting and an efficient water booster pump.

Green building materials were incorporated throughout the design process to improve indoor air quality and resident comfort. Green resident engagement also played a critical role in the project. Both property managers and residents can influence making the building a healthier place to live. One aspect of this was hands-on training where residents had an opportunity to make their own healthy cleaning supplies.

“This national green building certification reflects our commitment; sustainability is always in focus. Connecting energy efficiency, water conservation, and resident health is a smart investment,” said Trisha Miller, WISHROCK Chief Sustainability Officer. “We’re already seeing direct benefits in terms of energy cost savings too—over $8,000 in just a few months.”

At Tabco Towers and across its portfolio, WISHROCK operates as a triple bottom line company. As a Better Building Partner, the company aims to reduce portfolio-wide energy use by 20 percent and to provide low-income communities with a healthy and sustainable living environment.

*Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and Certification promotes energy and water efficiency, healthy housing, and resource conservation. In order to receive this national certification, an affordable housing developer must meet a number of criteria involving integrative design, location and neighborhood fabric, site improvements, water and energy conservation, and green building materials.

CONTACT:

Trisha Miller, Chief Sustainability Officer

trisha.miller@wishrockgroup.com

202-294-3547

ABOUT WISHROCK:

The principals of WISHROCK have been working together to successfully create and maintain safe and supportive affordable housing communities for the past 10 years. WISHROCK is active in nine states, where we focus on the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing affordable housing communities, often in difficult settings and challenging markets. We take great pride in preserving the affordability of the communities we purchase and redevelop. Our company is committed to improving the quality of the lives of our residents through dedicated empowerment services, and to operating at the forefront of sustainability.

Hogan administration had opposed raising goal

Even as Maryland lawmakers face a decision on whether to try to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto of a renewable energy measure, another potential confrontation is brewing over how involved the state should be in helping consumers reduce electricity usage.

Leaders of the General Assembly have scheduled votes this week in the House and Senate on whether to override Hogan’s veto of legislation passed overwhelmingly last year that would increase Maryland’s commitment to getting power from renewable sources such as wind turbines and solar arrays.Lawmakers last year approved a bill that pledged the state to get 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 — up from the current goal of 20 percent by 2022. Hogan vetoed it, calling it a de facto tax on electric ratepayers because they might have to subsidize more expensive solar or wind power.

Click the link to read the entire article: http://www.bayjournal.com/blog/post/md_lawmakers_eye_energy_efficiency_boost

December 15, 2016

Edgewood, MD – Today, WISHROCK celebrates Windsor Valley Apartments as its latest Enterprise Green Communities Certified* development. Windsor Valley is a multifamily affordable housing community in Edgewood, Maryland. This 291-unit community benefited from a complete rehabilitation, which lowered utility costs and preserved affordable, healthy homes for families. WISHROCK partnered with the State of Maryland and BG&E on high-performance building upgrades that directly improved energy efficiency. Through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability-EmPOWER program, the project was able to leverage over $1 million in financing for cost-effective energy improvements, such as high efficiency HVAC equipment, water heaters, lighting, and insulation.

“With rising energy costs, low-income residents face more and more of a financial burden in securing safe, affordable housing. Integrating sustainable elements into affordable housing is one way that WISHROCK is able to help stabilize and reinvigorate communities across the country,” said Bryan Shumway, Director of Development.

At Windsor Valley and across its portfolio, WISHROCK is fulfilling its commitment to increasing energy and water efficiency and cost savings, as well as providing low-income communities with a healthy and sustainable living environment.

*Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and Certification promotes energy and water efficiency, healthy housing, and resource conservation. In order to receive this national certification, an affordable housing developer must meet a number of criteria involving integrative design, location and neighborhood fabric, site improvements, water and energy conservation, and green building materials.

CONTACT:

Trisha Miller, Sustainability Director

trisha.miller@wishrockgroup.com

202-294-3547

ABOUT WISHROCK:

The principals of WISHROCK have been working together to successfully create and maintain safe and supportive affordable housing communities for the past 10 years. WISHROCK is active in 9 states, where we focus on the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing affordable housing communities, often in difficult settings and challenging markets. We take great pride in preserving the affordability of the communities we purchase and redevelop. Our company is committed to improving the quality of the lives of our residents through dedicated empowerment services, and to operating at the forefront of sustainability.

Posted By Lindsay Ponta on Sep 6, 2016

When Wishrock set out to redevelop Timbercroft Townhomes just northwest of Baltimore, it had multiple, challenging goals. It was committed to keeping the community – 284 units spread over more than 20 buildings – affordable. It had to meet the previous owner’s tight timeline for selling. And it wanted to give residents green and healthy homes.

Redevelopment Challenges – and Successes

To create an environmentally friendly community, Wishrock turned to the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria. To receive this national certification, which aligns with Wishrock’s commitment to sustainability, an affordable housing developer must meet multiple criteria involving integrative design, location and neighborhood fabric, site improvements, water and energy conservation and green building materials.

Other partners played major roles in the redevelopment. Wishrock worked with design and development teams at Whiting-Turner, The Architectural Team and New Ecology to plan and complete a 14-month renovation at Timbercroft. Through a strong partnership with Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and unwavering cooperation from Baltimore County, Wishrock was able to put together an offer that met the seller’s schedule, preserve the development’s affordability and create a realistic timeline. The development received support from TD Bank, which invested $12.8 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity in partnership with Enterprise Community Investment, as well as Citibank, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fannie Mae, the State of Maryland, Baltimore Gas & Electric, Baltimore County and other financial and regulatory partners.

Please click this link to see the entire article posted in Enterprise Housing Horizon: http://blog.enterprisecommunity.com/2016/09/wishrock-timbercroft-townhomes