Green Space: Get a sneak peek at green rehab 71 E. Garfield on May 20

Want a sneak peek of 71 E. Garfield, arguably the greenest residential rehab project yet in Detroit? The May 20 meeting of the Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will afford attendees a first look. The forum's monthly meetings offer a chance fo learn best practices, programs and new technologies in sustainability.

The program will run from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and will start with a program at the recently-renovated George N'Namdi Gallery (52. E. Forest) and will include speakers Ernie Zachary (developer and finance) and Diane Van Buren (sustainable planning and market approach), both of Zachary and Associates, and a representative from MEP Construction to discuss the project's alternative energy systems.

It will end with a tour of 71. E. Garfield, which will be complete this summer. Although construction is not 100 percent wrapped up, Van Buren says that many of the elements that make the project intriguing are already functioning, including the rooftop solar arrays. "They are already heating the hot water tanks to 160 degrees because the water is not being drained," she says.

The meeting costs non-members $20, which is payable at the door. A light continental breakfast will be provided.
Read more about 71 E. Garfield here.

Source: Diane Van Buren, Zachary and Associates
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Enjoy this story? Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.