JACKSON, Miss. – The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation is taking a different approach to promoting health and wellness. Its new remedy is to build green friendly homes. The Foundation will kick-off its first-ever housing development project on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 10 a.m. on the corner of Prosperity and Easy Streets (off of Woodrow Wilson Drive.
Development plans include building single-family homes ranging from two to five bedrooms with funds totaling nearly three million dollars. The Medical Mall received more than $2.6 million from the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and approximately $260,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Dallas to build the houses. Local and state leaders will join area residents and Foundation staff along with HUD, MDA, and FHLB officials for the groundbreaking ceremony. The event will initiate the construction phase of the project.
An important feature of the development is the use of structural insulated panels, or SIPs. The panels are made of thick pieces of foam covered by two wood boards on each side. This green-friendly construction material is recyclable and less harmful to the environment because it takes less fossil fuel to manufacture than conventional material needed for stick-build homes. Therefore, the process cuts down on emissions into the air. However, SIPs are most beneficial post construction. Homeowners can expect a drastic cut in utility costs when it comes to cooling and heating because the panels prevent air leakage. SIP samples will be available to view at the groundbreaking, along with floor plans and renderings.
For more information regarding this event and to arrange interviews, please contact Kelli Sharpe at 601-982-8467.
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