Following the successful first phase of Mutual Housing at Spring Lake, developers have broken ground on the development’s second phase in Woodland, Calif.
The new positive net energy phase will add 39 more units to the community that is helping meet the housing needs of agricultural workers in Yolo County.
Mutual Housing at Spring Lake’s original 62 affordable apartments and townhomes opened in 2015. Designed and built specifically for the low-income agricultural workforce, the community was the first multifamily development certified by the U.S. Department of Energy as zero-net energy, meaning it was designed to produce as much energy as residents are projected to use, according to the nonprofit developer.
The community earned a World Habitat Award, which is affiliated with the United Nations, for its innovative and sustainable zero-net energy design.
The second-phase units also will target agricultural workers and their families earning up to 60% of the area median income in Yolo County. The region has an estimated 6,000 agricultural workers, with many living in substandard housing.
“Mutual Housing at Spring Lake has been a great success,” said Roberto Jiménez, Mutual Housing California’s CEO. “We are delighted that the financing and all the other hard work came together to add more units and make the community even more energy sustainable.”
The development utilizes energy-efficient building construction techniques, materials, and all-electric equipment, such as heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems, to create energy savings for its residents. The solar panel system is designed to offset those lower energy bills.
Part of Mutual Housing California’s mission is to empower residents to help manage their own communities and to train future community leaders. Mutual Housing at Spring Lake residents are trained to use energy-efficient equipment installed in their homes and are involved in learning and sharing ideas on other sustainability behaviors, such as recycling and water conservation.
The project will utilize about $16.1 million in permanent financing, including more than $10 million from federal and state low-income housing tax credit equity from Wells Fargo. Other financing partners include the California Community Reinvestment Corp., the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the city of Woodland.
Founded in 1988, Mutual Housing California develops and operates rental housing for modest-income households. A member of NeighborWorks America, the nonprofit serves more than 3,200 residents.
