Westerville, OH, January 17, 2017 – When Kreider Commons opened last year it gave Lebanon, PA, seniors an exciting new affordable and green rental housing option. The Woda Group Inc.’s innovative, adaptive reuse for the historic manufacturing building recently earned LEED Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Kreider Commons offers 50 one and two- bedroom modern affordable rental apartments for independent seniors aged 62 and older. The building was adapted by The Woda Group, Inc. from the six story former A.S. Kreider Shoe Company’s manufacturing/warehouse building on the north side of the City of Lebanon.
The attractive brick building has all new systems, two elevators, drive-up entry, on-site parking, a community room with kitchen, library, computer room, grandchild room, and crafts room. All units have energy saving windows, individually controlled heating and cooling systems and all new Energy Star appliances.
USGBC’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is undoubtedly the most recognized third-party verification and foremost program for the design, construction, maintenance and operations of green buildings, homes and communities. By using less energy, LEED-certified spaces save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community, according to the USGBC website.
LEED projects are evaluated across several areas addressing sustainability and green features. Qualified projects are awarded points to designate Certified, Silver, Gold and the highest rating, Platinum Certification, which was awarded to Kreider Commons. The Woda Group, Inc. has also earned LEED Platinum Certifications on apartment properties in Ohio, Indiana and Georgia.
“We are pleased and proud to earn the LEED Platinum Certification for Kreider Commons which demonstrates The Woda Group, Inc.’s commitment to develop modern homes that are both affordable to rent and affordable and comfortable to live in,” states Andrew B. Cohen, Senior Vice President of The Woda Group, Inc.
The Kreider Commons building was constructed circa 1919 for the Kreider Company. Kreider was one of Lebanon’s largest employers through the 1940s. The property was later the home of Herrmann Handkerchief, Lebanon Dress Company and other businesses. When The Woda Group, Inc. acquired the building in 2015, it did not have heat, and was quickly falling into disrepair. The total development cost for Kreider Commons was approximately $12 million.
The Woda Group, Inc. provides an on-site full-time manager and on-site support services coordinator. The average rent is approximately $550 per month plus all electric utilities. Kreider Commons is a smoke-free property.
“Earning the LEED Platinum Certification demonstrates our ongoing efforts to be a leader in the affordable housing industry by producing safe, decent and affordable rental housing where needed, in ways that support sustainability and address appropriate environmental concerns,” said Cohen. “We’d like to extend a hearty thank you to the City of Lebanon, as well as all of the many other partners that have made this project possible.”
Kreider Commons Developer: The Woda Group, Inc.; Contractor: Kinsley Construction, Inc.; Architect: Marks Thomas Architects; Survey/Engineering: Steckbeck Engineering; Property Management: Woda Management and Real Estate, LLC; Support Services: American Healthcare Group; Historic Consultant: Delta Development; Environmental Consultant: Sol Design + Consulting. Financing: PNC Bank, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.
The Woda Group, Inc. and its affiliates are experienced developers, general contractors, and property managers specializing in the design, construction, and management of affordable multi-family apartments, senior communities, and single-family homes. Considered leading experts in the affordable housing industry, the Woda team is known for producing and maintaining high quality affordable housing. Affordable Housing Finance Magazine has ranked The Woda Group, Inc. 7th overall among Affordable Housing Developers and 38th overall among Affordable Housing Owners in their April/May 2016 issue. The Woda Group, Inc. has developed and currently manages over 200 communities and over 10,000 units. The Woda Group, Inc. has offices in Westerville, Ohio; Annapolis, Maryland; Savannah, Georgia; Shelbyville, Kentucky; Norfolk, Virginia; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Mackinaw City, Michigan. For more information, call (614) 641-2301 or visit www.wodagroup.com.
For more information about LEED, visit the USGBC’s website.
Energy Star is an EPA logo to designate products that have been independently certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.
Photo credit: Kevin Weber Photography.
