PHA Executive Director Carl Greene led HUD officials, elected leaders and residents on a tour of Warnock Village today, giving visitors a firsthand look at some of the energy saving features and green building techniques used in PHA's newest neighborhood.

U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, Mayor Michael Nutter and HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan applauded Greene for his redevelopment vision and PHA's ability to effectively administer more than $125 million in stimulus funds to rebuild neighborhoods and create jobs for Philadelphia families. To date, PHA has awarded over $100 million in stimulus funds to local contractors, creating more than 3,000 jobs.

"Warnock Village is another great example of how PHA continues to redefine public housing," said Greene. "Today we are building and operating quality sites with contemporary and accessible designs, advanced technologies, and a host of energy efficient features for our residents."

"Green building can and should be an engine of economic growth and job creation in communities across the country," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "PHA is a model for green building and a leading example in promoting energy efficiency, reducing energy costs, and creating quality, green jobs. I am proud to be part of the grand opening of Warnock Village today, which will contribute to the clean energy economy right here in Philadelphia, and will also provide a place where residents of this community can safely live, work and raise families."

Warnock Village Phase I includes 50 rental homes, featuring central air, carpeting, modern kitchens and Energy Star appliances. Warnock Village is the first development in Philadelphia to feature fully automatic sprinklers in every unit through a pilot project with the Philadelphia Fire Department.

"Warnock Village serves as an excellent example of how public housing can employ green building techniques," Senator Specter said.  "These transformational activities are an important investment that will substantially reduce energy costs for residents and the Philadelphia Housing Authority, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions attributable to energy consumption."

Visitors also toured Phase II, which is still under construction. It features a three-story, 45-unit apartment building for seniors, with office/retail space, a community room and an accessible green roof. The building is scheduled to open early 2010.

"Warnock Village is another example of PHA doing great things for the residents of Philadelphia." Senator Casey said.  "Through their ongoing efforts, PHA continues to be a leader in creating jobs, redeveloping communities and using green building technologies."


Officials had an opportunity to tour the Phase II building's environmentally-friendly green roof, PHA's second. In the past 4 years, PHA has undertaken a number of aggressive energy conservation and weatherization initiatives, yielding an estimated $1.6 million in annual energy savings for the agency.