VGM LLC Project Overview

Victoria Garden Mews LLC will set itself apart from other projects that say they are "Green" by offering a:

Model infill project in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Shops, restaurants, entertainment, farmers markets, recreation, and public transportation within easy walking distance.
State-of-the-art backup systems for utility and other systems to ensure well-being and security.
Santa Barbara City parking requirements via first-time, innovative use of hydraulic car lifts that reduce paving footprint to a miniscule 2%.
Victorian Home and the Condominium Building that will have energy efficient, green elevators servicing each residential level including the basement parking.
Offer superior indoor environmental quality through use of non-toxic products, optimum noise reduction, and good ventilation.

"As a 35-year builder and one of the future residents of this project, I have never felt more like one of Al Gore's warriors. Building a small community on an infill site is allowing us to take a giant step closer to our goal of living a fully sustainable life. The project will be almost carbon neutral as a result of generating close to 100% of our energy needs from the sun. Hydraulic car lifts reduce the impact of automobiles both on the property and in the community. Minimizing the pressure of cars together with modest living spaces allows for increased density while permitting us to provide more nature in this downtown neighborhood," said Dennis Allen of Dennis Allen Associates.

What makes this a very special GREEN showcase development?

100% of electricity generated from use of passive solar design and Photovoltaic panels, which heats hot water using solar thermal units.
100% of lumber originates from sustainably harvested forests (FSC certified) and all concrete uses a 50% fly ash mix.
100% fossil fuel free except for minor use in back-up heating system.
100% of rainwater retained on site through collection and reuse, bioswales, and infiltrators.
Integrated with nature: uncommonly large garden courtyard in a dense urban setting with productive trees, flowering shrubs, and abundant birds.

"This project combines two great construction companies and six great friends with a singular vision...to build an intelligent and beautiful building that will nurture the occupants and provide a role model of sustainable design for our community. As a designer/builder, I have always felt lucky to be using my head, my heart and my hands - and this project is pretty much the ideal example of that," said, Devon Hartman, Principal, HartmanBaldwin design/build, Inc.

Upon completion, currently scheduled for early 2011, this project will become a model for green residential building in southern California. These residences will demonstrate how homeowners can conserve energy, natural resources, and dollars by adopting and using the latest in green technology and products. Green showcase tours will provide product demonstrations by sponsors and offer visitors, both from the consumer and trade channels, the opportunity to learn the latest about energy efficient and environmental friendly building products, appliances, hardware, and services. There is also a Victorian home that was completed in late August 2009.

"We are proud to be the architects for such an innovative green infill project. This was a real team effort between the owners, the builder, and us. Victoria Garden Mews LLC brings together ecological elements that we have been working on for years, plus some new ones," said, Dennis Thompson and Susette Naylor of Thompson Naylor Architects.