Green Building in Milwaukee!

You can't go very long these days without hearing about the pending environmental doom caused by overuse of the environment. Personally, I believe it is hard to deny that these changes, especially the ones due to global warming, are coming on at at an alarming rate.

I often think about my own environmental footprint. Once you start analyzing how much you use, it is a bit scary. I consider myself fairly environmentally conscious- I try to reduce my consumption, I grow my own vegetables during the summer, I try to support local farmers and retailers whenever possible, and I recycle much of what I use. Admittedly, I drive a Toyota 4-Runner which does not get the best mileage, but like most Americans, I love my car (also, I justify my auto choice since I live close to where I work- what's that saying about excuses?). Still, even given my earth conscious actions, my impact on the earth is large. I heat a large house every winter and I use a lot of electricity to power my computers, tools, and lights.

Beyond the impact of what I eat and what I drive, I often ponder my choice in dwelling- how much of an impact does my dwelling choice have on the environment? Our dwellings are a huge source of waste. Not only do they waste natural resources by being heated and cooled, but they produce a massive amount of waste when being constructed. The problem is, there aren't a whole lot of alternatives.

I have been interested in green architecture in the past, but I always found the designs boring or too transparent. I have a particular love for historic buildings, which I think of as being the opposite of the modern green designs.

Recently, a group of Milwaukee developers were brought to my attention. These folks are not only dedicated to green building, they also have a knack for good design. Their organization, called Pragmatic Construction, has two intriguing projects in the making:

The first is an urban infill housing that will feature green elements and low waste construction methods. Slated to be built on the North Side (near 29th and Fond du Lac, I believe) the spring or summer of 2007, this home is sure to make waves in Milwaukee. Aesthetically, I find this home very pleasing for an old neighborhood. I am especially fond of the familiar two story porch and side door. It is reminiscent of many of the traditional Milwaukee bungalow duplexes.

While construction is on hold due city delays, this home will be selling for under $200,000. The low price, combined with the low utility bills, will make this home ultra affordable. For more information on this spec home, visit Pragmatic Construction's web site: http://www.blogger.com/http//www.pragmaticconstruction.com/UrbanSpec.htm

If you are interested in purchasing this green property or investigating other green properties, please contact me at (414) 899-3972 or email me.

The second featured project by Pragmatic Construction is the Elemental Townhomes Development, located at Pierce and Hadley in Riverwest. This project consists of three 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath town homes built to green specifications.

The design, while more contemporary and transparently "green", is still quite stunning. Each of the three town homes feature rooftop patio gardens, two car garages, and lots of windows. Again, very similar to the single family home above, these town homes are affordable at $250,000-270,000 (according to the builder, two of the three are still available). Add in the utilities savings and the units start looking even more affordable. Plus, the location of the Elemental Town homes is excellent- located in Riverwest, just blocks from Nessun Dorma and the shops of Center Street.

For more information, visit Pragmatic Construction's Website at: http://www.pragmaticconstruction.com/elementaltownhomes.html

I will keep my clients updated as to the progress of these green buildings. I also hope to tour and photograph them once they are complete. Again, if you are interested in viewing one of these properties or in finding green buildings elsewhere in the city, please contact me at (414) 899-3972.