Iowa’s first zero-carbon certified building, the Star Lofts, is setting a new standard for sustainable urban living. As Des Moines takes a significant leap toward environmental responsibility, this newly completed building is more than just a home. It’s a game-changing example of eco-friendly architecture, affordable housing, and carbon-neutral living.
A New Chapter for Des Moines
In the heart of Des Moines, on Ingersoll Avenue, lies a transformation. What was once a troubled property — the site of the Star Gas Station, known for crime and disrepair — has been reimagined as a shining example of what sustainable development can achieve.
Josh Mandelbaum, the Des Moines City Council member representing the area, spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, reflecting on the building’s profound impact. He noted that the Star Lofts offer more than just a place to live — they represent a positive change for the community. Mandelbaum described the area as once being plagued by crime, including shootings, but now it stands as a beacon of what can happen when community revitalisation meets green building practices.
What Makes Star Lofts Unique?
The Star Lofts isn’t just another apartment building. It’s a testament to what’s possible when we prioritise sustainability, community, and innovation in construction. Let’s break down what makes this building a zero-carbon wonder:
- Zero Carbon Emissions: The Star Lofts achieve a 98% reduction in carbon emissions through the use of low-carbon concrete and mass timber construction, combined with energy-efficient HVAC systems and lighting.
- Solar Power: On- and off-site solar panels offset the remaining carbon emissions, bringing the building to net-zero status.
- Affordable Housing: A significant portion of the building’s units is reserved for tenants with low incomes, ensuring that sustainable living is accessible to everyone.
- Local Investment: Zenko Tea, a locally owned bubble tea business, will occupy one of the commercial spaces on the first floor, further contributing to the local economy.
These features aren’t just for show; they represent a serious commitment to reducing the environmental impact of buildings while ensuring that people from all walks of life can enjoy them.
Sustainable Design: A Closer Look at Mass Timber
One of the standout features of the Star Lofts is the use of mass timber, an innovative construction material made by pressing smaller planks of wood together to form large, solid pieces. It’s a material that’s increasingly becoming popular in eco-friendly construction for its sustainability and beauty. Here’s why:
- Carbon Sequestration: Wood naturally absorbs carbon dioxide, so by using mass timber, the building helps sequester carbon rather than contributing to emissions.
- Energy Efficiency: Mass timber buildings are highly energy efficient, providing natural insulation that reduces the need for heating and cooling.
- Durability and Aesthetics: The rich grain patterns of the timber create a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It’s not just an environmentally conscious choice but a stylish one too.
Affordable Housing for All: A Critical Need
The Star Lofts offers 20% of its units to those earning no more than 30% of the area’s median income, with an additional 20% reserved for those at or below 60% AMI, and the remaining units available at or below 80% AMI. This focus on affordable housing makes the Star Lofts an essential project for the community.
Jeni Feehan, a future resident of the building, shared her experience of searching for affordable housing. As a recipient of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, she struggled to find a place that met her needs. After attending the groundbreaking ceremony in 2023, she’s finally secured a unit in the Star Lofts, expressing relief and excitement about her new home.
The Star Lofts offers more than just affordable rent — it provides the comfort and stability that many in Des Moines have been desperately seeking. For Jeni, it’s a long-awaited opportunity to finally find a place she can call home.
Commercial Space: A New Hub for Local Business
In addition to residential units, the Star Lofts includes commercial space on the ground floor, with businesses like Zenko Tea already signed on. This approach helps stimulate the local economy, providing businesses with the opportunity to thrive in a newly revitalised area. The building offers flexibility for a variety of tenants, including potential restaurants and retail businesses.
This kind of mixed-use development is a win-win: it provides needed services to the community while generating jobs and economic activity.
The Cutlers’ Next Project: A New Chapter of Green Development
The Star Lofts may be the first of its kind, but it certainly won’t be the last. The Cutlers, a husband-and-wife development duo behind the project, are already planning their next venture just half a mile down the road.
Their next project, slated for the former Bank of America building at 3422 Ingersoll Avenue, will be another eco-friendly, mass-timber construction with carbon-neutral features. This new development will include 30 apartments and commercial space, continuing the Cutlers’ mission of tackling two urgent needs: affordable housing and environmentally responsible construction.
The building will be a bit larger than the Star Lofts, but the Cutlers’ vision remains the same — to create sustainable, functional, and welcoming spaces that contribute to both the local community and the planet.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
The Star Lofts represents much more than just a sustainable building; it’s part of a larger movement towards green urban development. As the first zero-carbon certified building in Iowa, it demonstrates that sustainable development is not just for large cities on the coasts — it’s something that can be achieved anywhere.
For Des Moines and cities across the United States, the Star Lofts serves as a model for how we can build in harmony with the environment while meeting the needs of our communities. The future of housing in Iowa — and beyond — could be much greener, more affordable, and more community-driven than ever before.
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