Urban Green in Kellogg
By Juliet Sinisterra
Hairstylist, Lynnette Van Buskirk along with her husband Casey are setting themselves up to be the first "green developers" in
Kellogg, Idaho. The Van Buskirk's have been restoring their historic brick building in Uptown Kellogg for the past seven years. Photovoltaics,
sprayed-in foam insulation, salvaged building materials and solatube skylights are just some of the green building features that they are utlizing in
their re-construction."I had trouble finding a builder that knew what green building methods are. It's tough to get a little cooperation in that
regard in Kellogg. You just throw out some of those words like 'energy star'and they look at you like you are crazy," says Lynnette. Built in 1909 as
a bakery, the main floor of the buiding now houses Lynnette's business, The Uptown Hair Salon. When complete, this summer, their primary residence
will be located above.
Lynnette became interested in green building when she was doing research on-line about energy efficiency. "The more I read the
more I realized that I wanted to do as earth-friendly and energy efficient as I could," says Lynnette.
Mid-research, the Van Buskirk's proceeded to gut the badly decayed commercial building, install radiant floors, a new roof, and
new windows and doors
throughout. A Munchkin Boiler, a compact and efficient residential boiler, will heat their apartment floors as well as their domestic hot water, and
new hardwood floors supplied by Living Elements, will be harvested sustainably from Texas Mesquite.
To meet their electrical needs, Bruce Gage of EcoDepot in Spokane is installing ten photovoltaic panels on the roof. "Because we
are doing everything so efficient, I don't think we will need any more, and I am an electricity hog," says Lynnette.
Although the process has been somewhat overwhelming, Lynnette is very happy with the results so far. This spring her brother,
Nathan Lehmbecker of Spokane will be using a type of earth-plaster to put the finishing touches on her interior walls and soon after she hopes to
move in.
"This is pretty exciting for me. I am trying so hard to do the right thing. It seems like everybody should build as green as they
can afford to do. I
mean why not--you save on your Avista bill and it is good for the earth," says Lynnette. //
Following are some of the green building subcontractors and suppliers involved with the Van Buskirk's reconstruction:
Eco Depot, Spokane, Bruce Gage (509) 924-8803
Air Seal Insulation, Sandpoint, Bob Backman (208) 263-4421
C&T Plumbing & Heating, Spokane, Chad Wais, (509) 328-2319
Nathan Lehmbecker, Wall Finish (509) 768-7681
Living Elements: www.livingelements.com
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Building owned by Lynnette Van Buskirk in Kellog, ID. Solar panels coming soon.
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