Rosalynn’s Way

Overview

Cicada Architecture designed and constructed alongside Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, four fully electric townhouses in the Mantua neighborhood of West Philadelphia. This remarkable project was dedicated to the former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter, as a tribute to the more than 30 years that the former First Lady dedicated her time, advocacy and passion to supporting and advocating for affordable housing alongside Habitat for Humanity.

Rosalynn’s Way features 4 two-story townhomes, each featuring 3 bedrooms and rear yard. One of the homes is wheelchair accessible, noting a first-floor bedroom and full bath for the homeowner. This development was designed and built with high-efficiency windows, reflective “cool” roofing, and all-electric systems. The project aimed to earn ENERGY STAR New Homes certification, which supports the creation of energy-efficient buildings designed to enhance comfort for residents, and keep the costs of operating at a minimum. The project was also required to demonstrate compliance with the Philadelphia Energy Code, enforced by the Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I).

ReVireo collaborated at the onset of this notable project with Cicada Architecture and the Habitat for Humanity team, to provide ENERGY STAR certification services for development, including energy modeling, design consulting, technical support, inspection services, and certification management. ReVireo managed incentive coordination and rebate applications under the PECO New Homes Program, securing over $2,000 in utility rebates for the project.

As a qualified inspections provider for the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I), ReVireo performed all required energy code compliance testing and inspections at the pre-drywall inspection (rough) to verify proper installation of insulation and at the final inspection to verify proper installation of air barriers and air-sealing by conducting an envelope leakage test (blower door test). All necessary documentation, including the L&I Air Barrier & Insulation Installation Checklist and Duct & Envelope Testing (DET) Form, was completed and delivered to the client.

With ReVireo’s guidance, all four townhouses successfully complied with the Philadelphia Energy Code and attained ENERGY STAR certification, supporting the project team’s goal of delivering energy-efficient, fully electric homes to the community, creating much needed affordable housing in a revitalization of a key neighborhood, while streamlining L&I approvals.

All four homeowners, completed the Habitat for Humanity eight-month Homeownership Program and together, received more than $95,000 in first-time homeowner assistance. Each homeowner will pay no more than $800 per month on a zero-interest mortgage.