Kingstown Crossings Update
Karen Santilli
Vice President of Marketing and Development
October 31, 2009
The architects plans are done, the builder’s trailers are on-site, and the permits have been secured. Once the final phase of paperwork is completed, shovels will hit the ground and construction will start on the first phase of the new Kingstown Crossings homes!
Front View of one of the three family housing units with the natural raingardens to catch and re-distribute rain water.
Rear view of the unit with kids’ zones and safe play areas, and a walking path for pedestrians only.
This development is the first affordable housing project in the state to be built according to L.E.E.D for Homes design specifications and registered as such. It is also the first multi-family project with this distinction. L.E.E.D. for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. Green homes use less energy, water and natural resources, create less waste, and are more durable and comfortable for occupants. Crossroads Rhode Island is proud and excited to offer this new housing development as part of our continuum of housing for the many families in our state who live at or below the poverty line.
What does the L.E.E.D. for Homes design offer the families living at Kingstown Crossings? Simply put, it means that when this project is complete, 114 families will live in safe, energy star homes that will be 32% more energy efficient than homes built to current code standards. That translates directly into lower utility bills for low-income families.
The landscape design will use only native and drought-resistant plantings that require less water. The site will filter most of the rain and storm water on-site with natural raingardens. This reduces the amount of water flowing into the sewers and Bay. Existing mature trees will also be protected during construction.
Families and the Crossroads Property Managers will receive education and training prior to moving in to their new homes to ensure maximum benefit of the energy saving features. Not only is this housing development good for the residents of Kingstown Crossings, but it will also be beneficial to the surrounding town and overall environment.
The layout of the area will provide for safe zones throughout the neighborhood where children can run and play safely away from traffic and within sight of their parents or caregivers. There will also be a pedestrian-only walking path.
Crossroads is proud to work with the award-winning architects, Kite Architects, whose design has made this possible. The contractor, Trac Builders, will ensure the L.E.E.D. for Homes requirements are adhered to throughout the construction process.
Please check on our site to learn about how this project is progressing over the next several months.
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