June 04, 2010

Solar Panels Installed

Yesterday Northwest Solar Electric  and Provident Electric installed Photo Voltaic Solar Panels on the Purus at 19907 E. Myers Ave., in River District.

The Purus has a very big feel thanks to vaulted ceilings, natural lighting, a loft area, and the large master suite.  It will also have very small energy bills thanks to sealed duct work, high efficiency hot water heater and furnace, and these new solar panels. Some of the other features in this house include a rear courtyard patio, a contemporary fireplace with built in entertainment niche, built in oven/microwave in the kitchen, and bamboo flooring.

This home is one of the homes in the Spokane Homes Builder’s Association’s Showcase of Green Homes that is coming to River District June 18-27.  You can learn more about the Showcase of Green Homes at their website. 

The architectural team at Greenstone designed the Purus especially for this showcase. The house is ENERGY STAR certified and will receive an Inland Northwest Built Green 4 star rating. One of the energy saving features of this home is the solar panels.  If you come view this home during the showcase you can observe the solar production kilowatt output meter and see it going forward (if the sun is out), and there is a good chance that the utility meter would be going backwards also.

April 30, 2010

New Phase Opens at River District

Greenstone is opening a new phase at River District in Liberty Lake. We are now taking reservations for front entry home sites in this new phase.

These big home sites provide options for custom homes and for homes with three car garages.

All home sites in the new phase are less than 1 block from Half Moon Park.

For more information contact Kristi Green at 509-496-0174
or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

April 29, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions about Kendall Yards

What is the vision for Kendall Yards?
Kendall Yards is an urban development that places a high emphasis on environmental sustainability and walkability. When complete Kendall Yards will be a compact, complete, authentic urban community.
The Master Plan for Kendall Yards is available on the Kendall Yards website, www.KendallYards.com.

Where is the initial phase of homes located?
The first phase of homes at Kendall Yards is located west of the Maple/Ash corridor on the 1800 block of West Bridge Avenue between Oak and Elm.

What is the price range for homes in the initial phase?
The base prices range from $119,990 to $199,990 for homes in the first phase. We are striving to provide homes that Spokane residents can afford. Buyers will have the choice to add additional upgrades if they purchase before construction is completed. Special financing is available for all new homes at Kendall Yards from our mortgage partner.

What are the sizes of the homes in the first phase?
Homes start at 1,074 Sq. Ft. in the first phase of residential homes at Kendall Yards. The initial phase includes Greenstone’s Cityside Townhomes and The Lofts Townhomes. There are also lots for alley entry single family homes. The townhomes range from 1,140 Sq. Ft. to 1,744 Sq. Ft. The detached single family homes start at 1,074 Sq. Ft.

We are very interested in green building, what are Greenstone’s practices?
Every Greenstone home is constructed to ENERGY STAR specifications. We use low-emission paints and carpets, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and high performance windows.  We use advanced framing techniques and we specially seal the home’s heating and cooling ducts to help reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, pests, and noise. You can expect better air quality and lower utility costs.

Will there be maintenance free services at Kendall Yards?
Yes. The townhomes in Kendall Yards will have yard maintenance and snow plowing included in the monthly association dues. Detached single family homes are also maintenance free in the initial phase.

What will the monthly association dues be at Kendall Yards?
Monthly association dues will vary depending on the home you purchase and the level of maintenance services you receive.  Association dues for the first phase have not yet been finalized.

Will home owners at Kendall Yards have to pay property tax?
The City of Spokane’s Multiple Family Housing Property Tax Exemption Program is available for multi-family (4 units or more) homes in Kendall Yards. Under this program the land is fully taxed by the value of the new residential structure is exempt from property taxes for either 8 or 12 years. For more information contact the City of Spokane’s Development Incentives Department (509)625-6967, or contact our Kendall Yards sales representative at 509-720-8401.

When can I view homes at Kendall Yards?
By late-summer 2010 the initial homes that are available for sale will be accessible for viewing. To view finished houses before that time you can visit another Greenstone community to see completed homes and townhomes. We suggest visiting Ponderosa Ridge in Spokane’s Indian Trail area, River District on the Spokane River in Liberty Lake, Rocky Hill in Liberty Lake, and Coeur d’Alene Place in Coeur d’Alene Idaho.

Can I pick the interior finishes for my home at Kendall Yards?
Yes. If you purchase your home before construction starts or in an early stage of construction you will be able to choose your home’s finishing touches at Greenstone’s full service Design Center. We recognize that your home is a significant investment. Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us. At our Design Center you’ll be able to walk through sample rooms for a first-hand look at options in lighting, paint, plumbing fixtures, flooring, carpets, cabinets and tile. We want you to be confident that the design of your new home reflects your personal style. 

I want to write a Purchase and Sale Agreement, who can I contact to do so?
To submit an offer please contact Jayson Hunnel at 509-720-8401. We’re honored that you want to live in a new Greenstone home at Kendall Yards.

I have my own builder, can I purchase a lot?
No. In the initial phase Greenstone Homes will be the only builder. This may be an option in future phases. 

I want my home to have a view of the Spokane River, when will those homes be available?
Greenstone is maintaining an interest list for these lots. We intend to start taking lot reservations for these homes as soon as we have plat maps for those lots.

When will Kendall Yards be complete?
Kendall Yards is projected to be completed in 15 years. This depends on Real Estate and Commercial market conditions, local and regional economic indicators, and home and commercial sales in the community.

March 04, 2010

Does Your Home Have Electric Zonal Heat?

Ductless Heat Pump Technology Can Save You Money and Provide Additional Value
Ductless heat pumps, or “mini-splits” have been standard HVAC technology in international markets for decades.  Recent improvements in the efficiency and functionality of these systems has brought them to light in U.S. markets as one of the most technologically advanced electric heating and cooling systems available. Systems are cost-effective and simple to install, removing duct work costs and adding A/C as a standard option.

What is a Ductless Heat Pump?
Easy to Install
A ductless heat pump is an inverter-driven zonal heating and cooling system that does not require the use of air ducts. The systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air-handling units, linked by a refrigerant line. Indoor heads are typically mounted high on a wall or ceiling covering a 3” hole where the refrigerant line passes through to the outside unit, which is mounted at the base of the house. Each indoor unit corresponds with a heating and cooling zone that can be controlled independently by remote control or wall-mounted thermostat.
More Comfortable
Ductless heat pumps use variable speed compressors with “inverter technology” (AC to DC) to continuously match the heating/cooling load, avoiding the on/off cycling of conventional electric resistance and central heating systems that is associated with uncomfortable temperature variations and high energy consumption.
Energy Efficient
Ductless systems are 25%-50% more energy efficient than electric zonal heat – saving you money every month.
Market Response
The Bonneville Power Administration conducted a retro-fit pilot program across the Northwest to assess the energy efficiency of ductless heat pump technology during 2009. Customers receiving ductless heat pumps in place of traditional electric zonal heat systems reported quiet operation and a wide range of airflow resulting in increased comfort. Install contractors were pleased with the ease and affordability of installs and widespread customer satisfaction. Specific energy savings are still pending. 

The townhomes in Coeur d’Alene Place, Rocky Hill, and Ponderosa Ridge use ductless heat pump technology.

For more information on ductless heat pump technology, visit: goingductless.com
Information provided by Northwest ENERGY STAR.

January 05, 2010

Factors That Make Greenstone Different

Building Quality
We have a commitment to building quality into our homes and communities in terms of design, materials and workmanship.  We build each new home to last for 100 years or more and contribute our best effort in design, energy efficiency, healthy living, and environmental sustainability.

Trees
We have a commitment to tree planting on every street in every community that we develop.  No single factor contributes to the value of a community more than street trees.

Neighborhood Parks and Open Space
Parks and open space within walking distance of homes are crucial for livable neighborhoods.  Our commitment is to provide a park or open space within walking access (1/4 mile) from every home that we build.

Walkable Communities
At Greenstone we strive to create mixed use developments linked together by dedicated pedestrian trail systems.  Mixed use communities that accommodate employment, services and transit access within waking distance of homes are an essential element of sustainable development. 

Neighborhood Schools
Greenstone is committed to neighborhood schools within our communities.  Walking access to schools adds to the vitality and livability of a community and the sense of social connection.

Economic Diversity
Greenstone is committed to a wide range of home prices and products within our communities.  This promotes an economically and socially diverse community. 

Sense of Community
Greenstone works hard to foster a sense of community in each project by sponsoring neighborhood events and activities. This includes support for outdoor cinema, concerts, community block parties and farmers markets.

Greenstone Foundation
The Greenstone Foundation was established as a way for our organization to give back to the communities we serve.  “Our mission is to serve the community we work in by supporting educational programs, health and nutrition programs and affordable housing.”