Viking Terrace Revitalization

Worthington, MN | Housing

ISG led the sustainable and energy-efficient redesign of this 60-unit housing complex.

A partnership with government and non-profit organizations enabled the revitalization of this housing complex built in the 1970s.

Revitalization of this three-building, 60-unit multi-family housing complex originally constructed in the 1970s was a partnership with the National Center for Healthy Housing, the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership, and the Center for Sustainable Building Research. The revitalization was also part of a pilot project led by the National Center for Healthy Housing fora health study examining the impact of sustainable building practices on resident health. Many green design principals were incorporated into the plans for the upgraded units. A new geothermal heating and cooling system and enhanced insulation were added. Low-maintenance metal roofing and cement fiber siding were used on the exterior of the units, and low-VOC paints and interior finish materials made from recycled content—including carpet made from recycled soda bottles—were used in the interior spaces. The apartments were also furnished with water-conserving fixtures, Energy Star appliances, and energy-efficient lighting with sensor controls. As a result of the project, energy and water consumption were both significantly reduced. The associated research also found that the monetary benefits of green sustainable rehabilitation of low-income housing vastly outweigh the initial increased cost.