September 30, 2022 – Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. is pleased to announce that Winston Commons, a new 54-unit affordable housing community located at 69 Douglas Street, Pontiac, MI, has been certified LEED Gold by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a globally recognized symbol of excellence in green building. According to USGBC, LEED certification ensures electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions and healthier environments where people live, work, learn, play and worship. USGBC documents state that in the United States alone, buildings account for almost 40% of national CO2 emissions, but LEED-certified buildings have 34% lower CO2 emissions, consume 25% less energy and 11% less water, and have diverted more than 80 million tons of waste from landfills.
Winston Commons was certified under the LEED v4.1 rating system earning a total of 64 points. USGBC cited the development as a “showcase example of sustainability” that demonstrates “leadership in transforming the building industry.” The LEED green building rating system has gone through several evolutions since it was originally introduced in 1998. With its initial launch, LEED opened a new chapter in building design, construction, management and operation that inspired new energy efficiency and environmental sustainability technologies and gave rise to a full-blown industry dedicated to supporting green buildings. Its current version, LEED v4.1, is the most robust, flexible and transparent rating system ever, according to USGBC.
The $14.6 million Winston Commons provides one-, two-, and three-bedroom townhomes with affordable rental rates for residents that earn 30% to 80% area median income. Units offer large, open-concept living spaces, kitchens with ENERGY STAR appliances, including dishwashers, laundry closets with washer/dryer hookups, and attractive, contemporary finishes, such as quality cabinetry and luxury vinyl tile flooring. Lifestyle amenities include a community room with kitchen, laundry facilities, outdoor patio, and playground.
“We are committed to designing, constructing, and managing affordable rental communities that offer energy-efficient apartments so our residents enjoy low monthly utility bills in addition to affordable rents,” said Craig Patterson, Woda Cooper’s senior vice president-Development. “We also look for sites that allow residents to walk or bike to neighborhood amenities, such as retail outlets, churches, schools, and other services, to enhance wellness and quality of life.”
Michigan State Housing Development Authority allocated Low Income Housing Tax Credits to Winston Commons. PNC Bank purchased the Low Income Housing Tax Credits and provided a construction loan. A first mortgage was provided by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
The architect for Winston Commons was PCI Design Group, with civil engineering by Monument Engineering Group Associates, Inc. and sustainability consultation by Sol Design + Consulting. Woda Construction Inc. was general contractor and Woda Cooper’s management division, Woda Management & Real Estate, oversees leasing and property management. For more information about leasing, visit wodagroup.com or call 947-300-4563.
About Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.
Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. and its affiliates specialize in the development, design, construction, and management of high-quality affordable multi-family apartments, senior communities, and single-family homes. The company marked 30 years in business May 2, 2020, with operations in 16 states and a portfolio of approximately 400 communities and 16,000 units. Green building is standard with certifications including Passive House, Zero Energy Ready Homes, LEED, Enterprise Green, EarthCraft, and ENERGY STAR. Woda Cooper has offices in Savannah, GA; Indianapolis, IN; Shelbyville, KY; Queenstown, MD; Mackinaw City, MI; Columbus, OH; and Norfolk, VA. Affordable Housing Finance magazine ranked Woda Cooper Companies 10th in nation among Developers and 17th among Owners in 2022.
