Fayetteville neighborhood includes 2 net-zero homes

BusinessEnergyNorthwest Arkansas

by Jeff Della Rosa ([email protected]) ago 109 views 

The 11th Street Cottages in Fayetteville recently opened as the first Energy Star-certified pocket neighborhood featuring net-zero homes in Northwest Arkansas, according to a news release.

Fayetteville-based Dakota Development LLC, led by Lawrence Finn, is the developer. The 0.56-acre development includes nine homes that meet the provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code and are U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Indoor AirPlus qualified. Little Rock-based Home Energy RX, a third-party energy rater, verified compliance of the homes’ energy certifications.

The homes, which range from 1,095 to 1,475 square feet, are located in the 200 block of East 11th Street in the Walker Park neighborhood and share a common courtyard and garden. The release shows the homes were designed with systems to make them more energy efficient than typical new houses built to Fayetteville code. AM Custom Homes of Fayetteville was the builder. The project had six designers.

According to the release, two of the homes are net-zero, meaning they will generate as much energy as they consume because of their 12-panel solar arrays. The seven other homes are expected to save homeowners between $55 and $100 on their monthly utility bills.

“It’s commendable that the developer not only crafted an infill pocket neighborhood but proved that building net-zero spec homes is feasible,” said David Stitt, president and CEO of Rogers-based Stitt Solar, which installed arrays on two of the homes. “Because of the solar systems, those homes will be independent of monthly utility bills and more valuable in the future while protecting the environment.”

Finn, though a limited liability company, acquired the land for the development in June 2022 for $200,000. In August 2023, the developer received nine building permits worth a combined $2.05 million. The homes are currently for sale, with two under contract. Prices range from $365,000 to $465,000. The listing agent is Realtor Heather Miley of Keller Williams.