Construction ramps up on the greenest project in Detroit

In the next three to four months, the first ever net zero energy homes in Detroit will be complete. Construction has ramped up of late at the EcoHomes, 14 net zero energy residences on 4th Street in Midtown.

According to the listing agent, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Loft Warehouse, all but four of the homes in phase one have sold. The rest have just recently hit the market

As you would expect, the EcoHomes come with a variety of energy efficient features, like pitched roofs with solar panels, a thermal envelope, energy-efficient windows, LED fixtures, and programmable thermostats.

But they’ll be green in other ways as well. The’ll also have rain water barrels and rain gardens to help with stormwater management, low-VOC paints, low-flow toilets, and more.

Given that the new-build homes have these pricey features, and are being built in a hot real estate market, they’re not cheap. But at around $300 per square foot, they’re far from outrageous for Midtown these days either. Of course, having a net zero energy house will also reduce utility bills dramatically.

Renderings courtesy The Loft Warehouse

The builder decided to make the largest a spec house with most of the details determined by the seller and architect. As such, the 1,788-square-foot, three-bedroom home at 3930 4th Street is listed for $510,142. It will also come with a finished basement.

The remaining three homes are fully customizable, from the finishes to the floor plan, and have the following dimensions and prices.

• 4004 4th Street: 1403 square feet, 2 beds, 1.5 baths ($514,000)
• 4018 4th Street: 1788 square feet, 3 beds, 2.5 baths ($593,350)
• 4015 4th Street: 1403 square feet, 2 beds, 1.5 baths ($514,050)

There may be more EcoHomes in a phase two development, but The Loft Warehouse says that project hasn’t been finalized yet.