Post written by Jeff Skrenes
On Thursday January 7, 2010, the Hawthorne EcoVillage will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking on its first new construction! Hawthorne residents realized early on that it would take a "pioneering spirit" to bring people into the neighborhood in light of many of the challenges we faced. Well before "green" became a buzzword in the housing industry, Hawthorne community members decided to build off of that pioneering spirit by setting a goal that the EcoVillage development would be among the first LEED-certified projects in the nation.
With a $500,000 grant from the Home Depot Foundation, cluster status designation from the Northside Home Fund, the help of many partners listed above, and the vision and dedication of our neighborhood, the EcoVillage has already made a significant difference in the community. Valeria Golebiowski, a resident for over 43 years, had struggled with the rampant crime, foreclosures, squatters, and problem properties in the area and at one point was close to selling her home as a result. Thanks to the strides made through this development, her commitment to the neighborhood has redoubled. "If not for the EcoVillage, I'd be leaving," she said.
Come join us on Thursday, January 7, 2:30 p.m. for a brief groundbreaking ceremony at 400 31st Ave N, the site of the first new construction unit of the EcoVillage. We know it's cold, so a reception will follow at Farview Park nearby. A heartfelt thanks goes out to all of our residents and partners for making this day possible!
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