Visionary Home Builders of California

First “green” Multi-unit Apartment Complex

in San Joaquin County

  (Stockton-San Joaquin County) A press conference is scheduled to celebrate the grand opening of Villa Monterey, the first “green” multi-unit apartment community in San Joaquin County renovated by Visionary Home Builders of California.  Located across from Weberstown Park East, the festivities will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 from 11:30 to 1:00.  Official comments will be made at 11:45 followed by self-guided tours and lunch on the patio.   Villa Monterey is located at 4707 Kentfield Road, Stockton CA 95207.  

In addition to celebrating the completion of Villa Monterey – which is a catalyst for change in the revitalization of the Kentfield Neighborhood – it is also to emphasize the ‘green’ efforts and success of Visionary Home Builders of California through collaboration of, the City of Stockton, the California Energy Commission, Sun Power Corporation, Davis Energy Group, the Grupe Company and Union Bank of California.  “Working to rebuild Villa Monterey, we have realized that it is possible to be environmentally conscious, and in the process save energy, clean the air and cut utility cost which will benefit the tenants in this community.  It is important in all areas of development – from inner-city projects to high-end structures to do all we can do to save our environment. Together we have accomplished a wonderful new facility for the Kentfield neighborhood.”

The added value of Villa Monterey is the emphasis to build a ‘green – zero net energy’ structure.  VHB received funding from the California Energy Commission’s Public Interest Research Program (PIER) for Zero Energy New Homes (ZENH) the project is expected to receive the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for new construction.  In addition to Energy Star Appliances and Solar Panels, some of the green benefits include: Apartment units exceed Title 24 standards by at least 20 percent; Solar and Energy Efficiency features result in 30 percent – 50 percent drop in expected kwh/year consumed; 30 percent – 50 percent drop in expected utility costs per year; and carbon dioxide reduction of 2,100 lbs/year/unit – equating to 2,600 vehicle miles per year.  “Villa Monterey continues the momentum of transforming the housing industry by using high energy efficient building principles to save Californians money on their utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ” said California Energy Commission Chairman Karen Douglas.

The rehabilitated complex is now home to a family resource center for the Community Partnership for Families of San Joaquin County.  Villa Monterey has a Community Activity Center, office space for Stockton Police community policing, office space for after school tutoring and educational programs as well as a full computer lab.  Encouraging healthy recreational activities, a beautiful outside courtyard is available to all residents.

 For many years, the Kentfield Neighborhood has been burdened with disproportionate poverty and high crime rates, but that is changing.  The Villa Monterey project will be a positive influence in the Kentfield Neighborhood, revitalizing a once blighted building into a beautiful, environmentally friendly complex.  Organized in 2006, the Kentfield Action Team developed a plan.  Resident involvement, engagement and extensive action on the part of the community, have resulted in a 20 percent decrease in crime in the neighborhood.  “Community members deserve the most credit for the positive changes made in the Kentfield Neighborhood,” said Mayor Ann Johnston. “The Stockton Police Department and a neighborhood officer worked closely with the community to leverage federal, state, county and city resources, along with public and private entities, resulting in significant change in the neighborhood, including this beautiful new structure. The success of this collaboration is now creating a positive environment in a neighborhood that is ready for change.”

Who:                   Villa Monterey Multi-Unit Apartment Complex

                                Visionary Home Builders of California

What:                  The Grand Opening Celebration

When:                 Wednesday, May 6, 2009 – 11:30 am to 1:00pm

Where:               Villa Monterey  – 4707 Kentfield Road – Stockton CA  95207

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