The North Adams Public Library has received a Green Building Grant of more than $175,000 to incorporate environmentally friendly solar and geothermal components in the $4.3 million renovation and expansion of the facility.
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) awarded the grant.
“We’re very pleased,†said Library Director Marcia Gross. “It’s going to make the building energy efficient and environmentally friendly, because a bigger building is going to cost more money to heat and etc.â€
“With the energy-saving features it may not cost any more. It may cost less,†she added. “So that’s something to look at — not just the cost of the expansion project, but the cost of maintaining this building afterwards.â€
The solar component would generate part of the facility’s electricity need, and the geothermal component would be used for heating and cooling.
“I’d say we’re tremendously excited to receive this grant notification, because a lot of hard work’s gone into it,†said Library Trustee Richard Markham. “We’ve had a lot of help from the people in the area who are interested in renewable energy, and this will help North Adams Public Library become a showplace for this new technology.â€
This might be called part of the one-piece-at-a-time acquisition of funding for the library renovation and expansion.
“I’d say this is a very significant piece,†said Markham, “because we’re trying to patch together all of these grants and commitments from the state...and private donations. And this was key to getting the project underway.â€
Gross said it would take no more than 10 years, perhaps as few as eight, for the solar (photovoltaic) and geothermal components to pay for themselves in savings, depending on the cost of electricity.
Consultants have concluded that “two wells, each 1,500 feet deep, would be adequate to heat and cool the building. Photovoltaic panels installed on the flat roof of the addition, will generate at least 12 [kilowatts] of electricity.â€
Other environmentally friendly features of the facility would be flow-restrictor faucets, low-consumption toilets, time clock lighting controls, and lights controlled by motion sensors.
"Energy efficient buildings help reduce the strain on resources while providing healthier environments for workers and lowering building operation costs,†wrote Mitchell Adams, MTC executive director, to state Sen. Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr., who announced the grant last Friday.
An attempt to reach an MTC spokesman for further comment Monday was unsuccessful.
The Massachusetts Green Buildings Initiative, launched in March 2002, provides competitive awards to fund the planning and construction of renewable technologies in all types of green buildings. The initiative selects awards from two separate categories of applicants: public and tax-exempt non-profit organizations, and private and other non-profit organizations.
Library officials may find out soon if funding will be provided for the major state grant the city has received to pay for the library project.
“November 7th is the next meeting where they’ll be deciding how to parcel out the $75 million that’s been set aside for library construction,†Markham said. “So we’re still hopeful that they’ll release those funds, because...the grant was approved. Now we need the funds to fund the grant.â€
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
The home prior to renovations.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.
The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.
The house is listed for $359,500.
We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieriand Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.
What was your first impression when you walked into the home?
Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.
Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.) The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.
What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?
Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few. All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.
Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house. New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house. New paver patio in the back yard.
What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?
Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.
Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.
Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.
Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?
Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.
Andrews: Built in about 1965.
What do the current owners love about this home?
Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.
Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.
You can find out more about this house on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
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