Third Street Cottages is a development of four 3-bedroom rental homes in Sunnyside. They are the latest of a total of 16 similar structures that Jeff Knorr, owner of JKC, Inc., a local construction company, has built in this neighborhood.

The goal of these developments is to contribute to the revitalization of the neighborhood by providing affordable, high quality, energy-efficient rental homes for families. (Johnson Ave. Cottages pictured above)

Some of these new units replace dilapidated housing, as was the case for this project. Urban infill on lots within the City is a sustainable approach because it increases density and walkability and reduces expansion into surrounding areas where transportation is more necessary.

One of the key mechanisms for making these standard-size homes available affordably in Flagstaff was to build more densely. The Third St. project's total lot size is 11,914 square feet, leaving only 2,979 sf for each 1200 sf home. (West St. Cottages pictured above)

Building densely in this neighborhood also contributes to bike- and walkability. These homes are near shops, a bus stop, a bike lane as well as Coconino Community College.

Energy-efficiency is an important factor in long-term affordability because it keeps utility costs low. These units all have 95% efficient gas furnaces.

The furnace and water hater on these units are installed in exterior insulated closets to make it possible to provide maintenance to them without disturbing the tenants. The insulation makes the closet a conditioned space which improves the performance of the units and prevents the condensate line on the furnace from freezing.

Attic access is gasketed to prevent heat loss.

Ceiling fans are an energy-efficient way to make the home environment feel cooler.

Above code windows add to the efficiency of the units- these are 14% more insulative than their code-compliant counterparts.

LED lights are 25-80% more efficient than traditional incandescents and last 3 to 25 times longer!

Programmable thermostats for gas furnaces save energy because they can be set for lower temperatures at night and when the occupants are typically away from home.

Low flow fixtures, like this 2.0 gallon per minute showerhead, also contribute to keeping utility costs low.