By: Leslie Black-Plumeau

November 1, 2011

Senator Bernie Sanders was in West Rutland Friday to celebrate the conversion of two historic buildings-- Stanislaus School and a former convent that had been unoccupied for years--into affordable, energy efficient housing.  

Not only were historic buildings that already contained four apartments preserved, but 17 new affordable apartments were created with innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy design features.  The Housing Trust of Rutland County, led by Elisabeth Kulas pictured here with Sanders, developed the project. 

The project received a 5-star plus rating from Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, with Home Energy Rating System (HERS) ratings of 42 and 49, indicating much greater energy efficiency than the average Vermont home. Sanders called the $4.3 million dollar redevelopment project a model for the nation.

Vermont Housing Finance Agency provided construction financing as well as federal low-income housing tax credits and state housing credits.   Other funders included the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the HOME program, Vermont Housing Conservation Board, federal energy efficiency funds from Efficiency Vermont, and historic tax credits.

Read more from VPR:  http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/92388/