Battey Street Project Featured in the Providence Journal!

PROVIDENCE

New townhomes energy-saving stars

The two units, on Battey Street, have estimated annual energy costs of $1,933

By CHRISTINE DUNN JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

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THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/ANDREW DICKERMAN

Architect/developer Peter Gill Case, in front of the townhomes that he and Jordan Durham are developing.

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The kitchen and dining area in one of the units on Battey Street in Providence.

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The entry foyer and staircase, looking toward the dining area and a bathroom.

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THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/ANDREW DICKERMAN

The modern units have an open-concept design.

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The outside of the residential project on the West Side.

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The entry foyer in one of the units.

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THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/GLENN OSMUNDSON

Peter Gill Case’s office building, made from shipping containers, on Harris Avenue.

PROVIDENCE — The team that built the Box Office, the bright blue, green and yellow office building made from shipping crates, has brought its minimalist urban aesthetic to a new residential project on the West Side.

Architect/developer Peter Gill Case and business partner Jordan Durham have built two energy-saving townhomes on a lot on Battey Street near Luongo Square. The townhomes, at 64 and 66 Battey St., off Broadway, are priced at $224,900 and $249,900.

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom units were built to meet Tier 3 status, the highest Energy Star ranking for new construction. The estimated annual energy costs for each home are $1,933. Case said the townhomes have a Home Energy Rating System rating of 45, which means that the energy consumption of each home is about 55 percent

less than that of a code compliant new home.

The modern units have an open-concept design. Each has a large eat-in kitchen with deep sinks, stainless steel appliances, and quartz countertops. Both units also have full basements that could be finished or used for storage.

Case said that his “eagle-eyed” partner, Durham, found the empty lot, near aging multifamily and commercial buildings, for “very little money.” The lot was zoned for commercial use.

He said that as a “half-architect, half developer,” in a down economy, the Box Office, on Harris Avenue (and visible from the 6-10 highway connector), was “the first part of my stimulus package.” He said he has an interest in sustainable building and “abandoned urban infill projects.”

Case explained that insulation under the concrete floor of the basement, and extra insulation under the exterior siding, provides energy savings by reducing “thermal bridging.” He said the bathroom fans are always on and provide the fresh-air exchange that is necessary in tightly insulated environments.

The townhomes are being marketed by Geo Properties Inc. of Providence. Listing agent Katie Cocuzzo staged one of the town-homes with furnishings from local designers, including O&G Studios of Warren and Studio Dunn of Providence.

An open house is planned Sunday, April 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, see www.batteystreetproject.com cdunn@providencejournal.com

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