Homes will have 'lighter' environmental footprint
March 9, 2008 - 4:57PM
By CYNTHIA M. ELLIS
The Telegraph
WOOD RIVER - Lynn Seppelin is eager to build a new home, but she's even more thrilled about the possibility of living in a sustainable subdivision.
Seppelin, of Fenton, Mo., and her fiance, Rob Richardson, attended an open house for Rock Hill Trails on Sunday at Belk Park. "We were at the Home and Garden Show in St. Louis last week and found out about this subdivision and wanted to come to Wood River and find out more," Seppelin said.
The couple was one of hundreds who visited the event to learn about the area's first "green" subdivision. Guests were able to meet with the project's developers - Wellspring Development Co. -and its builder - Belcher Homes.
Those who attended were able to view renderings of display homes and cottages and learn about technologies and practices that will be used in the subdivision. "Green" building concepts include the use of recyclable materials, stormwater management, energy-efficient homes and preserving the environment.
Information was available on three home types: superior standard, standard green and Up-green. The difference is the options home builders will be able to choose, such as geothermal heating, Smart House technology, green/living roof, solar availability and rainwater harvesting system.
"It's up to the individual how ‘green' they want their home to be," said Anthony Schroeder, president of Wellspring. Anthony Schroeder said he was glad to see so many people attend.
"We're lucky so many people came out to see what we're all about," Anthony Schroeder said.
Schroeder said he and his brother, Christopher Schroeder, who serves as the company's vice president, along with their sister, Barbara Schroeder, started planning for the project more than seven years ago. The land comprises 170 acres and has been in the Schroeder family since the 1860s.
"When we started out to do something, we knew we wanted to do something different," Christopher Schroeder said. "We think that we will achieve that."
The developers broke ground in November and are expected to have a demonstration home done in May. Christopher Schroeder said the project had been going smoothly until heavy rains saturated the area about five weeks ago.
"We are hoping to get started again very soon," he said.
Wood River City Council member Cheryl Maguire it was nice seeing so many people interested in the city.
"People who are spending money to build new homes are also looking at ways to save costs, and this is a way for them to do that," Maguire said.
She said building green is the new trend in the housing market. Wood River Director of Finance Nancy Schneider said there were quite a few people asking about the subdivision's school district and property taxes. "Several were happy to learn it's in the Edwardsville School District," Schneider said.
John and Deborah Slagle of Glen Carbon said they were interested in the subdivision. "We were intrigued by the whole green concept," Slagle said. John Slagle said more people are thinking "green" when building and the idea of living in a sustainable community is nice.
Richardson said he found it interesting that a small community in the St. Louis area is the first to build such a subdivision. "It's exciting," he said. "We're planning to build, and this really gives us something to think about."
Seppelin said she wasn't sure if they would be building in Wood River. "We've been given a lot of information, and it's a lot to think about," she said. "I know our new home will be green."