Highland Park, a green community
What does that mean, exactly?
Highland Homes has received certification from Energy Star and the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Initiative.
You may have noticed on Highway 94 between Kisker Road and Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters, some trailers advertising Highland Park, Missouri’s First Green Community. Since the word “green” has a variety of meanings, www.sccworlds.com asked the developers what green means to them regarding their new condominium and townhouse community. We met with Highland Homes founders, John Cavanagh and Bob Shallenberger, recently for a chat.
Highland Park will use recycled and sustainable building materials, water conserving systems and energy efficient appliances, windows, and heating and cooling systems. To keep the most green space, they also located parking underground.
According to Highland Homes’ Tom Inman, they foresee residents’ utility (electric) bills to be between $25 and $40 per month, a 30—60% savings in utilities.
Highland Park also boasts a retention basin which will be used to contain storm water and rain runoff that would otherwise flow into nearby areas.They call the 32-building development “affordable green.” To be excessively “green” would not be price competitive with other home developments in our area. Bob told us that green homes generally cost about 20% more than non-green ones. He also said that a green home in St. Louis may cost around $500,000.
The buildings in Highland Park are made of brick and stucco. Each unit offers a built-in plasma TV, custom cabinets, high ceilings and exposed spiral ductwork.
Even though each unit will have its own deck, there will also be a roof-top deck to be used as a common space. John said, “It’s a place to meet, greet and get to know your neighbors.” To promote a sense of community, there will also be sand volleyball courts, a swimming pool and a clubhouse. Gardens are encouraged, if that’s what residents want.
Clotheslines, John told us, are not allowed in new developments in St. Peters. Highland Park will not make use of solar, wind or gray water options, due to cost. There are no tax breaks for buying into this green development.
Highland Homes has received certification from Energy Star and the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Initiative.
The project will take three or four years to complete, but some residents will move in early this winter. Phase I is 50% sold.
Highland Park’s 245 living units are in the Francis Howell School District. Prices start from the $120’s.
Contact information:
Highland Park Information: www.highlandpark-stl.com
Highland Homes
6311 Bartmer Industrial Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
314-863-2845
636-547-3060
Copyright 2007 Neighbors About Town
