Solar-Powered Homes Near H Street Could Begin Construction in September

• July 29, 2013
• 7 Comments

by UrbanTurf Staff

Rendering of 17 Solar townhomes.

17 Solar, a project of 26 glassy, solar-powered, modern-looking homes near 17th Street NE between D and E Street (map) could start construction in September. Andy Botticello of District Development Group (DDG) told UrbanTurf that they are in the final stages of acquiring permits.

The start of construction on these homes has been a long time coming. In January, we reported that the energy-efficient project was set to get underway by the spring. Prior to that, the development had been in “on and off” mode for years, and the lot where it will be built, fenced off for decades.

Once construction starts on the first 18 units — two-story, three-bedroom townhomes stacked on top of two-bedrooms condos — the completion timeline is 9 to 12 months. The townhomes will start at $569,000, and the first-floor condos at $375,000. Nine will be set aside for those making 80 percent of the area median income.

In addition to solar cells on the roof, the homes will have high efficient systems and more insulation than a typical home. The glass-heavy facades may reduce some energy usage, and the project will be LEED certified.

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• What Effect Will Adding Solar Panels Have on the Value of My Home?
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• Georgetown Home is First to Go Solar

This article originally published at http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/construction_on_solar-powered_homes_near_h_street_could_begin_in_september/7386

7 Comments

1. Dana Hollish Hill said at 8:19 pm on Monday July 29, 2013:
   So excited to see another solar project moving forward. DC has so many neighborhoods where solar can be very effective. Another reason NOT to raise the building height limits in DC.

1. Marjee said at 8:52 pm on Monday July 29, 2013:
   This is an exciting project and we've been keeping a close eye on it. However, it is my understanding that while the building will meet LEED silver, they are no longer going for the actual certification. Has Urban Turf staff heard otherwise?

1. SustainableDC said at 8:52 pm on Monday July 29, 2013:
   Could you clarify that these are going in the vacant lot between D and E streets along 17th? I have always wondered what was going on there, it has been sitting vacant for years with lots of speculation on development but never any activity...IF so this is GREAT! Maybe they will offer an early neighbor discount? HAHA I wish!

1. The Editors said at 9:05 pm on Monday July 29, 2013:
   Marjee, our understanding is that the building will be LEED certified, but will double check. SustainableDC, yes the vacant lot along 17th. The Editors

1. Colin said at 11:05 pm on Monday July 29, 2013:
   Of course, raising the building height limit would be very environmentally friendly by having as many people living on as small a footprint as possible.

1. Liam said at 9:32 pm on Tuesday July 30, 2013:
   It should be said that A2 Design is responsible for the design of these homes. http://www.a2designinc.com/v2/

1. E in Rosedale said at 9:43 pm on Friday September 27, 2013:
   FYI, this project started this week! I live on Isherwood and saw the trucks, banners, fences, etc this morning.