SmartBuildings Grants $447k For Detroit Energy Efficiency

The Economic Development Corp. of the City of Detroit has approved $447,000 in SmartBuildings Detroit grants to make energy-saving improvements to 10 buildings in the downtown area.

This set of grants is expected to leverage $5.2 million in additional investments from the building owners or other sources. Grantees will monitor and report their actual energy cost savings from the completed work to the EDC.

* Motown Construction Partners LLC is renovating the 34-story Broderick Tower at 10 Witherell St. as a mixed residential and retail development. The firm expects to use its $100,000 grant -- the maximum allowed -- to pay a portion of the estimated $3.1 million total costs of energy-efficient HVAC systems going into the building. The remainder will be funded by a number of loans, federal and state historic tax credits and other sources that are also being tapped for the overall renovation.

* Bedrock Management Services LLC, doing business as Bedrock Real Estate Services, is planning a number of energy-saving improvements to three buildings it owns downtown:
* Chase Tower at 611 Woodward Ave. The proposed upgrades include HVAC equipment and lighting replacements. The firm expects to use its $100,000 grant to pay a portion of the total estimated eligible costs of $1.42 million. Bedrock will fund the remainder.
* Madison Theatre Building at 1555 Broadway. Bedrock is expecting to replace lighting and HVAC equipment. The firm expects to use its $100,000 grant to pay a portion of the total estimated eligible costs of $533,000. Bedrock will fund the remainder.
* Dime Building at 719 Griswold St. Bedrock is planning on upgrading HVAC equipment. The firm expects to use its $60,900 grant to pay 25 percent of the $244,000 total estimated eligible costs of the project. Bedrock will fund the remainder.

* Ernst Hotel Supply Co., Inc. is planning on making a number of energy-saving improvements to its building at 2888 Riopelle St. The proposed improvements include: insulation, a new water heater and storage tank, and lighting replacement. The company will use its $24,400 grant to pay 25 percent of the $97,600 total estimated eligible costs of the project. The remainder will be paid by Ernst Hotel Supply and the DTE Your Energy Savings energy optimization program.

* B & B Property Management is expecting to make a number of energy-saving improvements to its apartment building at 253 East Edsel Ford Freeway. The proposed improvements include: window and lighting replacement, boiler system improvements and weather stripping. The company will use its $19,500 grant to pay 25 percent of the $78,000 total estimated eligible costs for the project. The remainder will be paid by B & B Property Management and the DTE Your Energy Savings energy optimization program.

* Eastern Market Produce LLC will be installing energy-efficient lighting and new coolers in its building at 2726 Riopelle St. The improvements were identified in an energy assessment. The firm will use $16,800 in grant funds to pay 25 percent of the $67,300 total estimated eligible costs for the project. The remainder will be paid by Eastern Market Produce and the Michigan Saves Commercial Pilot Loan Program.

* HDC Partners is planning to install high-efficiency lighting in two downtown parking garages:
* 116 Lothrop Road. The firm expects to use its $14,800 grant to pay 25 percent of the $59,000 total estimated eligible costs for the project. The remainder will be paid by HDC Partners and the DTE Your Energy Savings energy optimization program.
* 6549 Cass Ave. The firm expects to use its $6,900 grant to pay 25 percent of the $27,500 total estimated eligible costs for the project. The remainder will be paid by HDC Partners and the DTE Your Energy Savings energy optimization program.

* The Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation will be installing energy-efficient lighting fixtures in its residential building at 4750 Woodward Ave. The owners will use a $4,000 grant to pay 25 percent of the $16,000 total estimated eligible costs for the project.

The Economic Development Corporation is continuing to accept applications for the SmartBuildings Detroit Program grants and related Green Fund loans. In general, any improvements identified in an energy assessment for the building are eligible. Energy assessments can be done at program expense.

These might include:
* Building Enclosure -- Insulation and weatherization, glass replacement.
* Building Systems -- Interior and exterior lighting and electrical, HVAC, low flow water/plumbing.
* Alternative Energy Generation -- Solar panels, geothermal, wind, and water systems are eligible as long as other energy savings improvements are also made.

The program area is generally bounded by the Detroit River on the south, the Lodge Freeway (M-10) on the west, Seward on the north and the Walter Chrysler Freeway (I-75), including the Eastern Market area, on the east.

More information about the SmartBuildings Detroit program and how to apply for a grant or Green Fund loan are posted on www.SmartBuildingsDetroit.org.

Grantees will monitor and report their actual energy cost savings from the completed work to the EDC.

The EDC is implementing the SmartBuildings Detroit Program using a $10 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to encourage the installation of energy-saving improvements for commercial, institutional and public buildings in downtown Detroit to optimize the performance of city real estate.