Overlook at Hilldale Earns Coveted Energy Star Rating

MADISON, WI - Stone House Development's newly built Overlook at Hilldale Apartments in Madison received the ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation was achieved with technical assistance and financial incentives from Focus on Energy, Wisconsin Utilities' energy efficiency and renewable energy program. A Certified Green Built property, the Overlook at Hilldale's 96-unit, multifamily building opened in August 2011 and is a 100% affordable housing community, located on the near west side of Madison in the Hilldale neighborhood.

Tours of the complex at 4620 Frey Street were offered on Tuesday after an 11:30 a.m. plaque presentation ceremony.

Among those in attendance at the event included Paul R. Soglin, the mayor of Madison, Abby Vogen-Horn, Director of Implementation for the Focus on Energy Multifamily Program, and Rich Arnesen, vice president of Madison-based Stone House Development, as well as many members of Focus on Energy's Multifamily ENERGY STAR® team, and the design and construction teams whose hard work made this happen.

The developer incorporated many energy efficient components into the apartment project to earn the ENERGY STAR® designation, with the help of Focus on Energy. The tours on Tuesday highlighted those features, including:

• High-efficiency heating and cooling equipment
• Energy efficient lighting systems with automated lighting controls
• ENERGY STAR® appliances, including in-unit washer and dryer units
• Radiant floor heating
• ENERGY STAR® windows and patio doors
• Solar tubes with daylighting controls

In addition to energy efficiency projects, a significant amount of energy will also be saved through the use of renewable energy systems.  Enhanced ventilation systems were installed to improve the indoor air quality.  The building was also extensively air sealed to save energy by reducing the leakage in the building. Post construction, the building was tested and verified to ensure that all of its systems perform as designed.

Stone House was started in 1996 by Helen Bradbury and Arnesen, both formerly of The Alexander Co. It has become an expert in the use of federal Section 42 tax credits for low-cost housing, while constructing a very energy efficient building to exceed the program requirements and provide energy efficiency to its tenants.