DaSilva family with BRC staff

Although green amenities are usually associated with luxury housing, Rosa Parks Apartments is showing that affordable housing and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.

The American Society of Engineers recently presented Rosa Parks Apartments with its Excellence in Engineering Award, citing the project’s high efficiency systems, which include geothermal heating and cooling and solar domestic hot water. The award is the latest in a series of honors recognizing Rosa Parks, including the Illinois Governor’s Champion of Affordable Housing Award.

“Our utility bills are more affordable than at past apartments,” said Angelo Dasilva, whose family has called Rosa Parks home for the past four years. “The energy efficient lights and appliances are awesome and the community has been a great place to raise our family.” The cost savings are real. A recent study showed the development uses about 35% less energy than traditional buildings Rosa Parks Apartments, developed in 2010, consists of 94 affordable rental units in eight new buildings. The buildings include numerous state-of-the-art, green features, such as:

• Geothermal heating and cooling system
• Bamboo flooring
• Energy Star appliances and lighting
• Low flow water fixtures

Other amenities include:

• Proximity to transit
• Onsite parking
• Central air conditioning
• Controlled entry, and
• 24 hour, on-call maintenance

Rosa Parks Apartments is now accepting applications for large one, two and three bedroom apartments with monthly rents ranging from $555.00 to $888.00. Section 8 vouchers are accepted. Applications are available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm at 2546 W. North Avenue. For more information, call 773-227-6332.