Seniors in one South Carolina apartment community are saving as much as 30 percent on their utility bills thanks to work done by Greensboro-based KMW Builders.
Little Pee Dee Manor, a Section 202 housing community for seniors aged 62 and older, located in Mullins, SC, was awarded a grant of nearly $800,000 from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Green Retrofit Program for Multi-family Housing. Designed to reduce energy consumption and lower monthly costs for residents, the program focuses on introducing green technologies, creating green jobs and preserving affordable housing.
“KMW Builders was a natural for this project,” said company President John Kavanagh. “The work focused on several of our priorities, including senior living, rehab, and green technology. It was a win-win for our company and, most importantly, for the residents of Little Pee Dee Manor.”
“Green rehab projects are an even smarter option in this extended economic downturn,” continued Kavanagh. “At KMW Builders, while we help our clients achieve the goal of improving their properties, we simultaneously help their tenants save money and aid the environment by minimizing energy usage. Rising operating costs have led many property owners to take the green approach, to the benefit of all concerned. We believe this will be the way of the future.”
Improvements to the complex, comprised of 52 one-bedroom units for seniors, included installation of Energy Star-rated water heaters and refrigerators, energy efficient heat pumps with programmable thermostats, and energy efficient windows and storm doors. Fluorescent lighting, water saving devices on sinks and toilets and improved flooring were installed, as was energy efficient metal roofing. The work took place over a period of ten weeks, during which management arranged for activities in the complex’s community room for residents who were displaced during the day.
“The residents of Little Pee Dee Manor are very happy about the rehab that has been completed in their community,” said Linda Phillips, Executive Director of Partnership Property Management which manages the complex. “Many have told me that they have noticed as much as a 30 percent decrease in their utility bills. They appreciate all of the upgrades, but they like their new storm doors and windows the most.” In addition, residents saw no increase in their rents as a result of the improvements.
KMW is a full-service contractor known for its experience, quality and track record of completing projects on time and on budget. The Little Pee Dee Manor project is one of more than a half dozen similar projects completed by the company in recent years. For additional information about the complex, which is owned by Little Pee Dee Missionary Baptist E&M Association, contact Linda Phillips at (843) 662-1771.