Renovated AB Hirschfeld Towers Now Energy Efficient

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On February 27, 2009, several Region VIII HUD employees attended an Open House hosted by Denver Housing Authority Executive Director, Ismael Guerrero at the newly renovated AB Hirschfeld Towers, home to 209 senior and non-elderly disabled households. Congresswoman Diana DeGette and HUD Deputy Regional Director Deborah Griswold were two of the speakers during the event. DHA transformed AB Hirschfeld into a fully rehabilitated and sustainable energy-efficient building by leveraging HUD energy performance contract (EPC) funds and capital funds with bond financing and tax credits. Ms. Melba Davis, President of the Resident Council Board, summed it up best when she said "This is a beautiful place to live; it is absolutely gorgeous."

Melba Davis, President of Resident Council Board

The renovation included: abatement, upgrades to all mechanical systems, installation of geothermal systems to maximize building energy efficiency with earth heating and cooling technology. The new ground floor of the building contains approximately 4,160 square feet in community space that includes a library, private resident entrance, and space for resident activities. The dwelling units were extensively remodeled and upgraded with energy efficient appliances. The AB Hirschfeld Towers won the Housing Colorado Eagle Award for design in 2008.

AB Hirschfield is equipped with GeoExchange© technology which is expected to cut the operating cost of the facility to half of what it was with traditional equipment, a savings that will be passed on to residents and taxpayers in the way of reduced subsidy. The geothermal system consists of over 80 geothermal cored drilled 450' deep for each closed loop ground source. These cores draw heat from within the earth so the system does not burn any fossil fuel and only uses enough energy to move energy between the building and ground loop.

Learn how AB Hirschfeld Towers is saving money and going green.