Takoma Park Preservation

     The history of this green community is rather unique. Tenants banded together when their Montgomery County, Maryland, housing was slated to become unaffordable condominiums. They were asked to move out under the order of eminent domain. Housing in this area was expensive, due to its close proximity to Washington, D.C. The residents banded with Takoma Park Preservation developer, MHP, to stop the evictions, and created affordable, energy-efficient housing.

     The preservation is divided into three sites, called Merrimac Gardens, the Crossroads at Flower and Sligo View Apartments. These are extensive rehabilitations of existing buildings. They encompass 75 rental homes in four buildings, updated plumbing and electrical systems, renovated exteriors and all-new kitchens and bathrooms. As a result of these changes, many Takoma Park families who had been in danger of losing their homes got to keep them and gained even better living conditions.

     The four buildings that comprise Takoma Park Preservation feature many green features, including:

     • Energy Star appliances, including refrigerators and stoves

     • Individually metered in-unit HVAC systems

     • Increased interior and exterior lighting efficiency with Energy Star fixtures, and daylight sensors on all outdoor lighting

     • Low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets

     • Low-VOC paints, primers, adhesives and sealants

     • Green Label-certified wood flooring, carpets, pads and adhesives in non-ground floor homes

     • Rain water collection barrels for irrigation of native landscaping

     • Reflective roofs (at Merrimac Gardens and the Crossroads at Flower)

     • Construction waste recycled

     Seven homes are designated for residents below 40 percent of area median income (AMI). Ten units are reserved for residents below 50 percent AMI, 50 for residents below 60 percent AMI and eight units for residents at the market rate. This community is highlighted by its social conscience.

     For those who say that having a good quality of life and living sustainably are mutually exclusive, they couldn’t be more wrong. This community began as a grassroots movement to save the homes of many people affected by the boom of high-end condos and to this day continues to serve those in the lower income bracket. The homes are very efficient as well as very well built so that the residents can enjoy good homes that improve their environmental as well as being affordable. This is a very thriving urban community that is making its mark in green communities.