Madison Plaza Grand-Opening Event

GIS International Group, Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, Other Project Partners Celebrate Grand Opening, Built Green-Certification of Madison Plaza in Downtown Kent

(l-r): Interim Executive Director of Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties Jerry Hall; City of Kent Mayor Dana Ralph; DMG Capital Group Owner Dr. David Myaskovsky; GIS International Group CEO Eugene Gershman; and IHB Architects Principal Imad H. Bahbah AIA.

Kent, Wash. (Sept. 19, 2022): GIS International Group, DMG Capital Group, and Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) today ceremoniously opened Kent’s newest transit-oriented development just steps away from Kent Station. The building, which broke ground in mid-2020, will welcome its first residents later this month.

Madison Plaza, a mixed-use building featuring 157 market-rate apartment units, street-level retail, and a robust resident-amenities program, was also officially certified Built Green — part of a mid-day event that featured remarks from Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, executives from MBAKS, community dignitaries, and members of the project development and construction team.

Madison Plaza is only the second multi-family building in Kent to receive the Built Green designation. The 7-story building is one of several mixed-use projects being developed in the Kent market, a response to growing residential demand for centrally located projects near public transit, restaurants, retail, and other work-life amenities.

“We’re always humbled to share these important milestones with the many industry and community partners who played such a critical role in the project’s success,” said GIS CEO Eugene Gershman, whose company specializes in the development and construction of commercial buildings like Madison Plaza. “It’s the ideal location for workforce residents, and we look forward to future investments in this community.”

Built Green is the green home certification program of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. In addition to certifying green homes, remodels, apartments, and communities, the organization hosts a membership network of companies and individuals involved in the green building industry.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the opening of Madison Plaza,” stated Jerry Hall, Interim Executive Director at Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. “This Built Green 4-star certified multifamily building plays a crucial role in fulfilling our region’s need for more housing choices.”

Madison Plaza is located at 102 Madison Ave. N., across the street from Showare Arena, a short walk from Kent Station and its Sound Transit center, and adjacent to a wide range of retail, restaurants, and entertainment options. In addition to mid-market workforce-housing units, Madison Plaza features two floors of retail, a secure entry lobby, a fitness center and game room lounge area, bike storage and washing, a turf and dog run and a rooftop gathering space.

The Madison Plaza project team also includes award-winning architecture firm IHB Architects, financial and development partner DMG Capital Group, and Thrive Communities, which is responsible for leasing and managing the property.

About GIS International Group

GIS is a privately owned and operated group of construction, design, and development companies dedicated to creating dynamic, sustainable projects on commercial and residential sites. Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, GIS provides turnkey construction and development solutions, as well as project consulting and owner representation, to partners and clients throughout the Puget Sound region. GIS prides itself on its efficient, high-quality production and its deeply experienced team delivering project value across various industries and geographic boundaries. More information on GIS’s urban and suburban real estate projects and its best-in-class services is available at gisinternational.com.

About Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties

Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) is the nation’s oldest and largest local homebuilders’ association. Like our founders, our members continue to take a leading role in all facets of homebuilding and support the planning for a growing region. From new technology to advances in sustainability, from collaborative public policy efforts to investing in our communities, our commitment to a thriving, inclusive and well-planned region never wavers. We are the professional homebuilders, architects, remodelers, tradespeople (carpenters, framers, roofers, plumbers, electricians), planners and engineers, suppliers, manufacturers, and sales and marketing professionals in your community who believe everyone deserves access to a healthy and productive place to call home.

About Built Green

Built Green is a holistic green home certification program of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, established in partnership with King and Snohomish counties in 1999. In addition to certifying green homes, remodels, multifamily buildings, and communities, Built Green hosts a membership network of companies and individuals involved in the green building industry, conducts research, and markets the social and environmental benefits of green building. The program’s mission is to serve as the driving force for environmentally sound design, construction, and development practices in the state of Washington’s cities and communities. Since its inception, Built Green has certified more than 36,000 housing units and 20,000 buildings. The program has partnered with local governments and utilities to create green building incentive programs, which have helped spur uptake in the region.

About IHB Architects

IHB Architects, the designer of Tacoma Trax, strives to enhance communities with vision, innovation, compassion and economic vitality. The company is empowered by the ability to help individuals, developers and businesses to succeed. IHB’s understanding of sustainable design methods, ideas and materials allows it to offer any level of sustainable-design features that is within reach of the client’s budgetary constraints. More information is available at ihbarchitects.com.

Media Contact:

Richard Kendall, Allison+Partners
For GIS International Group
619-346-2084 / richard@allisonpr.com

Madison Plaza deck

Madison Plaza group photo

Mayor of Kent speaking at Madison Plaza

Jerry Hall speaking at Madison Plaza

Ted was awarded Project of the Year at the 2016 Built Green Conference for his two-home net zero energy project in the Victory Heights neighborhood of Seattle. These homes were constructed using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)—one of the trademarks of Ted’s work. The homes include many advanced energy efficiency measures, in addition to the 9.5 kW solar arrays on each roof. They also meet 100% rainwater infiltration on site, have continuous exhaust ventilation, and used salvaged materials from the previous home. These projects were featured in a past Built Green Case Study.

Ted first became involved with Built Green because his father and a client encouraged him. He had already been building 3-Star Built Green homes in Bellingham, which inspired him to do even better. He originally started building sustainable and Built Green homes because he wanted the most stout, durable homes and thought Built Green was a good representation of the “epitome of green.” With his first net zero home, however, he realized that he could drastically reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain a home, or even eliminate it, and actually provide extra energy to power an electric car or two.

This point is often how he communicates the advantages of his projects, as compared to code built homes, to buyers. He explains that the homes make their own power, with some to spare. Ted has also found that the demand for these types of über green homes has been increasing. As he explained, he frequently gets ten or more emails a week from people wanting TC Legend Homes to build them a home.

2016 Built Green Conference Project of the Year by TC Legend Homes

Currently, he is working on an Emerald Star project that is pushing the boundaries of his company’s process even further. The house will make its own power and collect its own water. When asked what his favorite project so far is, he replied, “my current project, because it is always a step better than the last.”

In terms of the future, Ted is excited to see increases in efficiency in envelope systems, windows, heat pumps, and solar technology. He also mentions lighting, appliances, and toilets that just keep getting better and better. When talking about his company, he states that they are making a company whose movement is focused towards education and innovation and just building enough houses to continue their research and development.

In parting, Ted shared “our crew works three days per week, I commute in an electric car, and have a mullet.”

Thank you, Ted (and your mullet), for all your work with Built Green! We look forward to the projects you have coming up and are eager to see the completion of your first Emerald Star project!

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Built Green™

09/21/2018

2018 Built Green Award Winners

Built Green wouldn’t be the successful program it is today without the hard work of our members, advocates, and partners. That is why, at our annual conference, we take the time to recognize the achievements and efforts of these folks at our reception and awards ceremony!

The Built Green Hammer Awards honor members for their outstanding projects over the past year in different building categories. Check out the winners:

Built Green Hammer Awards 2018—Small Production Builder—Sage Homes Northwest

Small Production Builder—Sage Homes Northwest

Sage Homes Northwest takes pride in its focus on re-development in the core of Seattle, which reduces urban sprawl and promotes walkability and a sense of community. They have been serving customers since 2006. During the yearlong judging period, they certified 46 homes at the 4-Star level.

Built Green Hammer Awards 2018—Large Production Builder—Isola Homes

Large Production Builder—Isola Homes

Isola Homes is a locally owned company dedicated to building homes that embody the evolving needs of homeowners and communities. They are passionate about sustainable design, environmental stewardship and making valuable and enduring contributions to the communities in which they build. In the past year they certified 105 homes at the 4-Star level.

Built Green Hammer Awards 2018—Multifamily Builder, 1–50 Units—3635 Phinney Ave. N LLC

Multifamily Builder, 1–50 Units—3635 Phinney Ave. N LLC

3635 Phinney Ave N LLC sits under the umbrella of Red Cedar Properties LLC , which develops eco-friendly, liveable, small, smart studios. Their winning project is a 4-Star, 27-unit building in Fremont complete with a solar array.

Built Green Hammer Awards 2018—Multifamily Builder, 51–150 Units—Exxel Pacific

Multifamily Builder, 51–150 Units—Exxel Pacific

Exxel Pacific is dedicated to sustainability through building design and construction practices, as well as embracing it as a corporate culture. The winning project in the heart of the U-District is a 7-story, 84-unit student housing project with a 3,000 square foot historical renovation incorporated into the design.

Built Green Hammer Awards 2018—Remodeler—Model Remodel

Remodeler—Model Remodel

Model Remodel is a design-build contractor located in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. Building sustainably has been at the forefront of their mission since inception 16 years ago. They always work hard to achieve Built Green certification for remodels of all sizes, even when it is difficult, and they’ve certified two Built Green projects in the past year.

Built Green Project of the Year—TC Legend Homes, West Seattle Emerald Star

Two surprise categories were also announced! Project of the Year was awarded to TC Legend Homes for their work on the West Seattle Emerald Star, along with homeowners Andri and Veena! TC Legend Homes is no stranger to net zero building, but this was their first Emerald Star project. All of the project’s annual energy use will be covered by solar PV and it also contains a 10,000 gallon rainwater storage and filtration system to collect water for indoor use.

The Built Green Pioneer Awards are given to people who have played an integral role in developing and maintaining the Built Green program.

The first surprise winners were Bryan Bell and Karin Weekly. Bryan and Karin live in zHome, an Emerald Star Built Green project, and ever since they were interviewed by Built Green staff for the post-occupancy study on zHome they have been nothing but supportive of the program, giving home tours and opening their door to media, speaking about Built Green with their neighbors, and serving on panels to talk about their experience. Bryan now sits on the Built Green Executive Committee to lend his perspective as a resident. We are super grateful to have residents of projects get involved in the program, and Bryan and Karin absolutely exemplify that.

Built Green Pioneer Awards 2018—Bryan Bell and Karin Weekly

Built Green Pioneer Awards 2018—Tadashi Shiga

The second Pioneer Award recipient was Tadashi Shiga, owner and founder of Evergreen Certified. Evergreen Certified has received an award for their advocacy related to Built Green, but Tadashi deserved to be recognized as an individual for his tremendous support of the Built Green program. He is constantly offering his help, coming up with new ideas, and advocating on Built Green’s behalf to transform the area building market.

Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you for all you do!

Model Remodel photo courtesy Cindy Apple Photography

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Built Green™

06/01/2021

Martha Rose Construction: 5-Star City Cabins at Abbott's Alley

Martha Rose 5-Star Sedro-Woolley Live-Work Cabins 1

This small enclave of City Cabins at Abbott’s Alley is comprised of six live upstairs/work downstairs units located in the rural community of Sedro-Woolley, right in the heart of Skagit County. These homes have all of the healthy home and energy efficiency features you’d expect in a Martha Rose Construction project, which is why this project was awarded a 2020 Built Green Hammer Award. Martha Rose not only builds green, but lives green, and is a proud homeowner of one of the six homes she built.

Vital Stats	Section	Points
Location: Sedro-Woolley Star Level: 5-Star, Net Zero Energy Label Checklist: 2018 Single-Family/Townhome Verifier: Balderston Associates	Site and Water	202
	Energy Efficiency	273
	Health and Indoor Air Quality	158
	Material Efficiency	133
	Total Score	837

The dead-end alley was named after Edson “Dad” Abbott, who brought Dream Theater to Sedro-Woolley in the 1930s, ushering in and fostering a sense of community for the town. To honor this history, the end of the alley provides a new “Dream Theater” as a gathering spot for movies, music, and other outdoor events. This feature proved to be a crucial community amenity during the COVID-19 quarantine, allowing community members to gather outside with masks and plenty of distance to safely enjoy movies together and share stories around the firepit.

Creating homes that provide for a flexible lifestyle was a key component of the project. The ground floors are fully accessible; they are set up for a future kitchen, have private entrances, and include a bathroom with an accessible shower. City zoning mandated commercial use on the ground floor, but banks don’t typically like mixed-use homeowner mortgages. The solution was to build individual structures that meet single-family criteria for a traditional homeowner mortgage loan, but also satisfy the requirements of the land use code. The International Residential Code acknowledges these live/work units as single family. Despite being a novel idea in this town when first proposed, this last year has been a good reminder that reviving the old way of “living above the shop” has a myriad of benefits.

With a simple design and careful attention to construction details, Martha Rose Construction was able to achieve a HERS Index of -10 on each of the six live/work homes in this enclave in downtown Sedro-Woolley. This was accomplished through a variety of techniques, including the “Martha Wall,” excellent air sealing, beefed-up insulation, and careful attention to equipment choices. A 9.9 kW solar array tops each building. Martha shared that, “After living in my home for three winters, I’ve never used all of the electricity generated on the roof, even with charging an EV!” Construction materials were chosen for health, proximity to the job site, easy maintenance, durability and beauty. Hard surfaces were used on the floors and there is no crawl space. Plumbing fixtures meet or beat WaterSense criteria.

Despite the high percentage of impervious surface, 100% of the stormwater is managed on site. The city allowed the project to install a giant infiltration basin made of railroad ballast under the paved alley. The 160 yards of granite ballast provide the structure for the road while providing 40% voids to contain rainwater while it slowly seeps into the ground.

Homeowners benefit from the Marth Rose’s detailed focus on indoor air quality. Five fresh air changes every day, made possible with a very high efficiency heat recovery ventilator that runs continuously, is one leg of the healthy home strategy. During the 2020’s wildfire smoke-filled air, these homes were smoke-free. During the pandemic, these homes offered a higher level of protection because of the year-round conditioned fresh air.

Martha Rose Construction Built Green 5-Star Sedro Woolley live/work cabin living and dining room

Martha Rose Construction Built Green 5-Star Sedro Woolley live/work cabin first floor commercial space

Martha Rose Construction Built Green 5-Star Sedro Woolley live/work cabin exterior alleyway and dream theater

Built Green Highlights

Site and Water

40% void infiltration bed below development manages 100% of stormwater onsite
New landscaping emphasized native vegetation
Existing vegetation that was removed was replanted or donated for reuse
No turf grass
Pesticide-free integrated pest management plan
Low-flow plumbing fixtures
High efficiency 0.8 GPF toilets
Main floor is an accessible studio/commercial space

Energy Efficiency

HERS index -10
120% better than code, Net Positive Energy!
100% electric, fossil-fuel free operations
9.9 kW solar PV on each unit
EV charging ready
Energy Star and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certified
R-20 sub-slab insulation
Blown-in cellulose walls and ceiling (~85% recycled content)
Blower door score of 1.2 ACH
"Martha Wall" utilizes 1" of closed-cell foam under the exterior plywood for continuous thermal break

Health and Indoor Air Quality

EPA Indoor airPLUS certified
No carpet in the units
No garages
All paints, finishes, and materials are low-VOC and NAUF
Roof overhangs of 24” and 36”
Heat recovery ventilators with ECM motors

Materials Efficiency

Deconstructed existing 600 SF house and reused onsite salvaged materials
Used locally salvaged lumber for concrete forms, siding, and finish shelving
Interior walls designed for flexible spaces
Abundant use of local and regional materials
Polished concrete slab floor
Cork stair treads
Metal siding installed
Pantry with open shelves, cabinets, and counters using local, recycled materials and some steel
Reclaimed diamond blocks for landscape walls

martha-rose-construction-5-star-city-cabins-at-abbotts-alley