Stafford House gets an energy makeover

LACONIA — Residents of the Stafford House, originally built in 1912, will soon be living in a more energy-efficient, safe, and comfortable building, thanks to $500,000 in funding through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and construction management expertise from Resilient Buildings Group, Inc. (RBG).

In addition RBG was able to secure an additional $120,000 in funds from energy efficiency programs through Public Service of New Hampshire (electric) and Liberty Utilities (natural gas), and the Public Utilities Commission's Solar Rebate Program.

The building, owned by the Laconia Housing Authority (LHA), has 50 independent-living residential units for income qualified elderly households in its 36,000 square feet. Energy improvements follow recommendations from an energy audit and include air sealing and insulation in the attic, front entry, roof, hot water heating pipes, air sealing between apartments; installation of 149 triple-pane, low-e replacement windows; LED lighting with "smart" controls in offices, stairwells, community room, laundry, and common areas; a 34.5 kilowatt solar-electric photovoltaic system; and 1.28 gallon toilets which replace the 4.5 gallon existing fixtures. LHA expects to reduce energy use by 29%, saving LHA $23,500 each year. Moreover, Renewable Energy Credits from their new PV system will bring in an additional $3,000 each year.

Dick Weaver, Executive Director of Laconia Housing Authority, said of the project: "The Stafford House is an important housing resource in downtown Laconia. In need of a significant capital infusion, the City of Laconia sponsored our application to the Community Development Finance Authority for the CDBG funds. Not only will the rehabilitated structure reduce its water and energy consumption, but the residents will enjoy a vastly improved living environment."

Laconia Housing Authority owns over 300 units of affordable housing in the Lakes Region and administers over 400 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. LHA is entirely self-funded and is governed by a five member Board of Commissioners appointed by the Laconia City Council.

Originally built as the Laconia Tavern Hotel in 1912, it was advertised as an upscale hotel with luxury amenities. The 100 rooms came with or without private baths, telephones, and hardwood floors with rugs. Elevators, electric lights, and its own automobile garage made this hotel very modern. The most famous of its guests was President Eisenhower. It was operated as a hotel until the early 1970s when it was converted into apartments. The NH Division of Historic Resource approved this project based on RBG's Request for Project Review application.

Resilient Buildings Group is a mission-driven for-profit subsidiary of The Jordan Institute, a non-profit organization focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy public policy, program design, and, through RBG, project implementation. RBG's services include energy audits, energy-centric construction management, energy monitoring and verification, building commissioning, LEED certification and consulting, and energy related consulting. For more information, visit www.ResilientBuildingsGroup.com.