DEGC shepherds more projects through SmartBuildings program

More SmartBuilding grants are finding their way into the city of Detroit, infusing more green features into the Motor City’s building stock.

“We’re trying to increase the energy efficiency of buildings in Detroit,” says Andrea Haas, program administrator for the SmartBuildings program. “We’re trying to make them more marketable and habitable and friendlier to the environment.”

The SmartBuilding’s program is a city program managed by the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. The $10 million program disperses matching grants and low-interest loans to projects that make commercial buildings more sustainable in the greater downtown Detroit area and select commercial corridors throughout the city.

This latest round of grants/loans will disburse $155,691 to four different projects that will leverage an additions $382,846 in investment. Among those projects are:

• Installing an energy-efficient chiller for the ice rink at Clark Park in Mexicantown, and installing high-efficiency light bulbs inside and outside the park building at 1130 Clark St.

• Making a number of energy-saving improvements to the Casino in Belle Isle Park, including roof repairs, insulation and high-efficiency lighting.

• Installing energy-efficient lighting in the First National Bank Building parking garage at 660 Woodward.

• Upgrading refrigeration equipment and putting in insulation at the Liberty Foods Center grocery store at 10620 W. McNichols.

“We have about $170,000 left,” Haas says. “It should be distributed by the end of the year.

Source: Andrea Haas, program administrator for the SmartBuildings program
Writer: Jon Zemke

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