Fredericksburg Shines sets Sustainability Home Tour

Fredericksburg Shines will host its second annual Sustainability Home Tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 10 locations around Fredericksburg.

The homes will feature some top construction methods and add-on projects such as solar panels and water reclamation, according to John Watson, executive director.

In this tour, well showcase clean energy, smart water solutions, zero waste applications and electric vehicles, Watson said. We hope that you are encouraged and inspired as you visit individual homes and homeowners and some of the installers.

Homes or features are:

408 N. Pecan Home of Michael Hurst is a 1920s home with additions and remodels. The Hurst home will feature a solar pool heater, rainwater collection system and electric car charging station.

206 W. Austin St. The Beall family will display their Tesla electric vehicle at the citys electric vehicle charging station, installed earlier this year just west of the Girl Scout building.

409 Cherry St. This home, made with straw-bale construction and recycled materials, is owned by Mary Palko and was built for approximately $95 per square foot (and lots of sweat equity). Straw-bale homes are energy efficient, resulting in low noise and lower utility bills. This was the first straw-bale construction in Gillespie County.

740 Royal Oaks Loop This home, owned by Carol and Ken Wichman, features a solar water heater and other green upgrades, which save money on energy bills. The water heaters cost of $5,000 was offset by a tax credit of 30 percent.

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Fredericksburg Shines sets Sustainability Home Tour