Recent years have seen a rise in the need for emergency shelter. As part of a group of industry partners pitching in to better our community, Alliant provided pro bono services to a new housing development in Northfield, Minnesota. Community Action Center (CAC) of Northfield works to improve access to affordable housing with an innovative idea that puts people first with sustainable design at a close second.
Completed in 2023, Hillcrest Village provides a place for households to transition from emergency housing to transitional housing, and on to affordable housing without having to move. The Hillcrest Village design includes six buildings containing 17 total rental units of varying sizes providing the type of housing in such great demand, all in one place.
The creation of Hillcrest Village was a community-led process. CAC worked with partners from the design and construction industry, environmental industry, materials providers, the media, and the non-profit world to design highly efficient and sustainable residences resulting in a Zero Energy Ready project.
The site was previously occupied by a motel and is located adjacent to a county highway. To provide safer access and a more residential feel, Alliant engineers developed a concept site layout that moves the entrance road to a quiet side street. Our pro-bono efforts also include civil engineering plans, stormwater management, utility plans, and permitting. We are proud to be part of this project of “neighbors helping neighbors”.