Greener Homes For Belmont-Cragin

Location
5010 W. Wolfram, Chicago Map

Developer
Historic Chicago Bungalow Association

5010 W. Wolfrom is the model home for the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association's (HCBA) Greener Homes For Belmont-Cragin program, the group's third green model block (the first was completed in 2002, and another in Auburn-Gresham last year). As part of a broader block-wide education program, the HCBA leased this home from the homeowners and performed a major rehab. During the construction process, the home was used as a learning lab, instructing residents on techniques for restoring windows, insulation and air sealing, and landscaping.

The model shows how energy-efficiency can be incorporated in the home while respecting its historic features. Insulation was installed in the attic (pictured) and basement and very limited areas on the first floor, and air-sealing recommendations were implemented throughout. The existing windows were restored and supplemented with new, custom wood storm windows. High-efficiency mechanicals and a tankless water heater were also installed.

Interior demolition was primarily limited to the kitchen and bathroom, which provided a great improvement in the floor plan and allowed installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. Installation of a rain barrel was a one of the many teaching opportunities for local residents, who were also provided a copy of the native landscaping plan.

This project is a nice demonstration of simple and cost-effective techniques with a modest budget (funded by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation). The model blocks program also provided energy grants for insulation and air sealing to 15 other homes on the same block - grants were awarded based on blower-door testing of all homes, and homes with the most air leakage received priority.

The model home is currently wrapping up construction - other project team members included energy consultant Domus PLUS (Paul Knight), architect MVA (Marian Kulesz), and general contractor Telion Contracting (Gus Chaniotakis).

Comments

[Lauren]

Good to see that wonderful bungalows have a chance at being green too. My fingers are crossed for those of us who have flat roofed homes from the 50's.

[Chuck Marunde]

I practiced real estate law for 20 years, and now I'm a Realtor/Owner/Broker. When everyone was talking about green homes, I was suspicious it was just a fad, but energy efficiency and technology can make huge improvements in the cost of energy, our health, and the impact on our environment. Thanks for the information on your blog.