Open Houses (2) Again - Affordable Green Building for Habitat in Athens/Limestone (Huntsville: cul-de-sac, sales)

[milledj]

On the 24th of October, Habitat for Humanity Athens-Limestone County will be holding its 2nd Open House for our LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) subdivision, from 9 AM until 2 PM. There will be two homes open (virtually identical), and I invite all of you to stop by and see what we are up to. I am proud of our small group, and think that we are doing a great job! If you are curious about any part of this activity -- either the charity or the green building -- please stop by. I will be there the entire time along with others to answer (or attempt to!) any questions. We are always looking for new ideas, too! These are not your shoe-box houses, these are great bungalow-inspired homes of about 1170 square feet (I know, that is small for today's standards, but the great thing is, they don't FEEL small). We have done many cutting edge, environmentally friendly as well as energy efficient things on these homes. We have also started another home next door to one of them (they will be glad to have some help!). These homes are located off of Brownsferry Road in Athens (Look for the intersection of Strange Street and Brownsferry to get VERY close -- they won't be on many maps --). Please help me celebrate!

[HB2HSV]

Mille, it's very nice what you're doing with Habitat for Humanity.

Question on the purpose of open house. Are you selling these houses? Or is this an event just to educate the public about Habitat for Humanity? Can you expand?

Thanks.

[milledj]

The open houses are to publicize what we are doing, and to offer the opportunity to explain how others can build affordable "green" houses and green their own homes. This is part of the requirement, too, for LEED certification, with the same goal (I would do it anyway, because I believe in it). Plus, it is good PR ... we hope we can show people that we are good stewards with their donations. Actually, we were talking about the possibility of building a house as a fundraiser. I really believe that our houses are better built than a lot of "professionally" built homes, because we pay attention to hidden details. I know that there are good builders out there that do the right thing even if people can't see it, but I have also seen million dollar houses that were all show and not so great under the covers.

Maybe you can stop by?

[tammie2]

I would love to stop by!! Is there any way that you could share the address?

I worked with habitat in the Chicago area about 10 years ago, the two houses we built that summer could have gone against any home I have lived in. Maybe I can get involved again-i have wanted to for awhile, those pesky kids just keep getting in the way

[milledj]

There are two addresses, but I don't think they will do you much good because the street is so new! It is in Hope Subdivision, the street is Adell Place. I *believe* the first address is 301, and the other 309, but don't hold me to it. If you get to the street, you will see the houses! If you want specific directions, I will get them to you (where are you coming from?). I would love to meet you. And if you are close to Athens...we can always use a hand!

Deb

[tammie2]

I am in Hampton cove....to me everything is close by in the area, everything is relative, most of the cities we have lived in were more spread out and had larger traffic problems.

I look forward to meeting you too!!

[LCTMadison]

milledj.....We have just gone through and replaced all of our door hardware and hinges...they were brushed nickel and I updated to antiqued bronze. I don't know what in the world to do with all these knobs and hinges...could Habitat use them, and if so, where would I drop them off? I would be more than happy to donate them, they are in perfect condition, nothing wrong with them at all (except they didn't mesh with my decor!) I have bedroom/bath knobs, closet doors knobs, dummy knobs, and I have 3 exterior sets with bolt locks, plus all the standard 3" indoor hinges and the larger hinges for exterior doors (3 sets).

[milledj]

Currently, Athens/Limestone County doesn't have a ReStore. I would bet that either the Huntsville or Decatur ReStores would be tickled to get them as a donation. The Decatur Store is just across the bridge as you head into Decatur (on the left). Here is their info:

620 Wilson St NE, Decatur, AL 23.77mi
(256) 308-1160

I am not sure where the Huntsville store is. If you make it Athens, we can make sure that they find a good home, too. Occasionally, we have had sales of donated items for fund raising. Thanks for asking!

[friday13]

Originally Posted by milledj

I am not sure where the Huntsville store is.

It's downtown-ish, on Pratt &Washington (just off the 565 interchange, I believe Downtown exit, left lane)

[milledj]

Originally Posted by tammie2

I am in Hampton cove....to me everything is close by in the area, everything is relative, most of the cities we have lived in were more spread out and had larger traffic problems.

I look forward to meeting you too!!

Make sure you look for Deb Miller.

Here are the best directions I can come up with... I will assume you can get to Hwy 72... maybe for you take Governor's to the Parkway and across on I-565, north on 65 to Hwy 72... or just get on it in Hunstville...head west, towards Athens. There is a traffic light on the corner of Hwy 72 and Jefferson Street -- there is a BP station on the left, a Burger King on the right, and a Taco Bell on the far side of the intersection. Turn right on Jefferson. Take that to Washington Street, and turn left on Washington Street. Turn left again at Houston Street (very short distance), and turn right on Browns Ferry Street. Pass Strange Street (on the right), and look for Adell Place on the right. Turn right there and look for the homes. One is on the left facing Adell Place just after you enter the subdivision. The other is in the cul-de-sac near the end and to the right.

I hope the directions are clear!

Deb