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Randolph Place Apartments
Overview
- Location: Richmond, VA
- Building type(s): Multi-unit residential
- 46,700 ft2 (4,340 m2)
- Project scope: 3-story building
- Urban setting
- Completed July 2007
- Rating: Earth Craft
Randolph Place is a 50-unit senior housing community in the heart of Randolph, a historic Richmond neighborhood. The building, constructed in 1896 and added onto in 1946, was originally a neighborhood public school. Several current residents attended school in the building where they now live. After several years of vacancy the building was converted from a school into senior housing in 1986.
The current project involves the moderate rehabilitation of the existing senior housing facility. Randolph Place is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which qualified the rehabilitation for both federal and state historic tax credits, along with federal low-income housing tax credits. The rehabilitation included a new roof, storm windows, kitchen cabinets, floors and appliances, bathroom and plumbing fixtures, fire safety sprinklers, air handlers, and water heaters.
Environmental Aspects
The renovation of Randolph Place supports Better Housing Coalition's mission to build quality affordable housing while creating sustainable communities throughout the greater Richmond area. The Randolph Place rehabilitation was guided by the Green Communities criteria for sustainable housing, and was also certified through the EarthCraft green building program.
The existing unit floor plans remained the same and current residents were able to stay in the building, as the renovations were done a few at a time. The building envelope was repaired and upgraded. A new, light-colored roof was installed and the attic floor was insulated to R-30. Existing windows were repaired and new exterior storm windows were installed. The units were updated with new kitchens, Energy Star appliances, new mechanical systems, and Energy Star light fixtures and bath fans. Low-flow plumbing fixtures were installed to reduce water use in the building. With residents earning below 50% of area median income, it was imperative to lower monthly utility costs to ensure long-term affordability for the residents.
Outdoors, residents have convenient access to the adjacent park and surrounding single-family residential neighborhood. Residents have planted vegetables in the existing landscape near a corner of the parking lot. In the renovated landscape, trellis structures now provide vertical garden space for the residents to engage the outdoors and grow their own food. A new sitting area provides an outdoor gathering space. The majority of the lawn was replaced with native shrubs and ground covers, reducing maintenance as well as water, fertilizer, and herbicide use.
Owner & Occupancy
- Owned by Better Housing Coalition, Corporation, nonprofit
- Occupants: Individual(s)
Randolph Place Apartments involves 50 rental units, 44 one-bedrooms, and 6 studios, serving residents age 55 and older or adults with disabilities. All 50 units are Section 8-subsidized and targeted toward households at or below 50% area median income. Rents are typically $200 per month or less. Better Housing Coalition provides residents with free services through its Community Social Work Department, including education, health screenings, exercise and nutrition classes, assistance with financial issues, and ongoing assessments, as needed, for home health care, homemaker, and companion services.
Building Programs
Indoor Spaces: |
Living quarters (95%), Public assembly (5%) |
Outdoor Spaces: |
Pedestrian/non-motorized vehicle path, Parking, Garden—productive, Garden—decorative |
Keywords
Integrated team, Green specifications, Transportation benefits, Indigenous vegetation, Efficient fixtures and appliances, Insulation levels, Airtightness, HVAC, Efficient lighting, Benign materials, Recycled materials, Occupant recycling, Low-emitting materials
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Case Studies Database provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's
Building Technology Program, High Performance Buildings.
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