Cinnaire is pleased to announce Gateway Village was among eight organizations and individuals recently recognized at the Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards (GEEA) for their extraordinary efforts to reduce energy waste. Located in Sturgis, MI, Gateway Village received the Best Commercial Project.
Earlier this year, Hollander Development Corporation completed a rehabilitation of Gateway Village, a 100-unit development consisting of townhomes and apartments. 
Improvements included a new community building, new playground equipment and substantially renovated apartments. Hollander Development set a goal to reduce energy expenses by 10% annually. To ensure they met that goal, improvements during renovation included installing ENERGY STAR appliances, new energy efficient windows, LED lighting, high efficiency boilers, combined with added insulation and other upgrades to the building envelope. Plumbing fixtures and toilets were replaced in an effort to maximize reduction in water usage. The efficiency measures led to a 14% reduction in electricity usage, 20% reduction in gas usage and 30% reduction in water usage during the first twelve months.
“When done thoughtfully, energy and water conservation measures have too many positive effects to ignore,” said Matt Hollander, Principal of Hollander Development Corporation. “Our residents are more comfortable, we have better lighting and acoustics, we’ve reduced our greenhouse gas emissions, we’re being better stewards of our natural resources, and we’ve improved our bottom line.”
The project was completed without the use of utility incentives, government grants or rent increases. Cinnaire provided a $5 million Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity investment and a $3.35 million loan through Fannie Mae’s Multi-family Green Program.
Gateway Village was previously selected as the winner for the multi-family category of the Michigan Battle of the Buildings Energy Reduction Challenge.
“Hollander Development Corporation’s commitment to serving residents through the creation of efficient, green homes supports our mission to invest in affordable, healthy communities,” said Mark McDaniel, Cinnaire president & CEO. “We wish to congratulate Hollander Development Corporation for once again being recognized as a leader in providing high-quality, energy efficient housing.”
