It has to do with Walker’s Bend, a development devastated by the real estate collapse.
With only 80 dwellings built and 134 vacant lots, the project was rescued by the City of Covington, and it has been re-envisioned as a “green” building development featuring highly energy efficient EarthCraft homes.To achieve EarthCraft House certification, homes must meet ENERGY STAR certification criteria, including achieving passing scores from diagnostic tests for air infiltration and duct leakage.
The City, under the leadership of Randy Vinson, City Planner, has selected a number of EarthCraft certified designs that fit the needs of the community.
Looking at these house designs, I was struck by the similarity to my 1832 home: simple lines, comfortable porch, open living areas.Unlike conventional modern construction, the EarthCraft homes are built to a higher standard, and should last longer, and be far less costly for maintenance and utility bills.
Now there’s an idea whose idea has come (AGAIN!). I guess when these older Georgia Houses were being built in the first half of the 1800’s, they knew what they were doing. What goes around comes around, and that’s a good thing.
You are probably the perfect person for this project. I don't know why builders got away from the utility and craft of building good houses, but I know you have an appreciation for that since you own an older home. If the marketing plan for Walker's Bend is done in a creative way the City of Covington may stand to be and example for other towns to follow. Here is a good example of the real estate crash turning into something good. I can't wait to see it come to fruition.
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