Throop Green Bungalow Block: Between the Parks

In 2006 the HCBA officially launched the “Between the Parks” Green Bungalow Block project, located between 76^th and 79^th Streets on Throop Street in the City’s Auburn-Gresham neighborhood.

Featuring 37 homes renovated with energy efficiency in mind, Throop represented a complete block renovation that has revived the surrounding community, enabled residents to stay in their homes regardless of rising energy costs, and looks to spur further blocks to follow suit.

7701 S Throop

The green model bungalow at 7701 S Throop utilized the following features to ensure the highest possible energy-efficiency standards while maintaining the historic feel of the home.

Water Conservation

• Incorporation of rain barrels
• Garden Design Using Native Plants
• Dual flush toilets
• Low flow fixtures and faucets

Energy-Efficiency

• A geothermal system that uses the earth’s natural temperature for heating and cooling needs
• Energy Star Furnace
• Energy Star Programmable thermostat
• Spray foam insulation and air sealing

Indoor Air Quality

• Low VOC Paints throughout the home
• Use of Non-Toxic Shellac Finishes
• Shelving and cabinet frames made from formaldehyde free particle board

Sustainability

• Rubber wood kitchen cabinets
• Carpeting made from recycled soda bottles
• Bamboo Flooring
• Sustainably-harvested lumber used in the structural frames for the garage walls and roof

7700 S Throop

The smaller green model bungalow at 7700 S Throop utilized nearly all of the same energy-efficient building techniques as its neighbor across the street.

The key difference, however, is the use of a solar heating system – a system using the sun's rays for the bungalow’s heating and hot water needs.



The following efforts were undertaken on the "Small Model" on the Throop Block:

• Remove the existing stairway and rebuild to mee code and provide improved access to the second floor
• Insulate the rim joists on the perimeter of the basement with rigid foam board and foam sealant
• Seal the gap on the first floor between the drywall and the brick with cellulose fibers
• Upgrade all interior paint to low VOC
• Install solar thermal panels on the roof of the house (6) and connect with a copper coil to a storage tank in the mechanical room via the chase

Although these two model bungalows received the most extensive rehab work to serve as the block’s centerpiece, all owner-occupied homes located on the 7600, 7700, and 7800 blocks of South Throop were eligible for up to $10,000 in grant funding for rehabilitation work. Over 30 homeowners on the blocks participated in this program.

Groups like the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC) have been involved in a wide range of “quality of life” efforts, ranging from fundraising to combat sickle-cell anemia, attracting new small businesses, improving schools, as well as housing rehabilitation.

“This is our dream,” says Carlos Nelson, GAGDC’s Executive Director. “We also helped residents form a block club and provided them with some technical assistance from the partnering organizations and grant providers who will help fund roof work, tuckpointing and other masonry work, new gutters, as well as window and door improvements.”

Others involved in the collaboration are Alderman Latasha Thomas (17^th); the City of Chicago Department of Housing; the City of Chicago Department of Environment; the Illinois Housing Development Authority; the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation; and the Department of Public Health.