Case Study: Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Builds 147 Affordable, All-Electric Homes
Results
- The Heights will feature 147 mid-density, affordable, and all-electric homes.
- As of March 2026, the 43 verified homes achieved an average HERS score of 35.
- Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity can receive approximately $25,000 in incentives from Xcel Energy for the efficient homes.
Highlights
Objectives
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is redeveloping the former Hillcrest Golf Course on St. Paul’s East Side to create 147 units of mid-density, affordable, and all-electric homes.
Scope
The project is the largest in Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity history and will be one of the largest all-electric, sustainable communities in the Midwest.
Benefits
The homes that have been completed and verified are, on average, 25% more efficient than the average HERS-rated home in Minnesota, which will lead to healthier and more resilient homes with lower energy bills for occupants.
Project Background
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is redeveloping the former Hillcrest Golf Course on St. Paul’s East Side with an eye to community connectivity, affordable housing, and outdoor amenities for residents who live in, work in, and visit the area. The Heights will feature 147 mid-density affordable homes on 12 acres, featuring a combination of single-family homes, twin homes, triplexes, and fourplexes. CEE’s role in the project is to review building plans, complete projected ratings reports, perform heating and cooling load calculations, make recommendations regarding efficiency components of the building design, and complete final certifications. The development aims to achieve Efficient New Homes, Indoor airPLUS, and ENERGY STAR® Single-Family New Homes certifications. The entire site will be LEED Platinum for Communities certified.