Actions by Construction Workers Leave Lasting Impression
on Family of Deceased Veteran

Capstone Development of Birmingham, Alabama, is finishing construction on a privately-owned student housing community near the University of New Hampshire that includes Zone 6 requirements outlined in the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The student community, located in Durham, New Hampshire, will have a total of 619 beds spread out in 143 cottages that are built with higher R values and mandatory blower door and duct blast testing for 3 ACH.

The construction site is located away from established residential neighborhoods, explained Thomas F. Johnson, Director of Zoning, Building Codes and Health for the city of Durham, but surrounds the local cemetery on two sides. During a recent funeral service, actions by Capstone construction workers had a lasting impression on family members of deceased veteran Gene Savage.

“When the service began, the construction workers stopped what they were doing and lined up side by side at the edge of the woods with their hats over their hearts,” daughter Sue Yeatts wrote to Capstone Executive Vice President of Construction Roger McCoy on behalf of the family. “They stood in silence throughout the entire burial service. The sight of the workers in line while ‘Taps’ was being played is an image that we will never forget. It was quite remarkable and almost everyone that was in our group commented about how impacted they were by that show of respect…it made a very lasting impression on all of us.”

“I must admit your kind words have touched me and I look forward in sharing this story with all of my co-workers, family and friends,” McCoy replied to Yeatts. “It is a remarkable story and I am sure will leave a meaningful impression on everyone one who knows of it.”

Added Johnson: “It is not often we get a good story to share in our business of code enforcement and development versus communities’ desire for status quo.”

Johnson said the student community was designed and built to statewide requirements outlined in the 2009 International Residential Code, but since the city was one of the first jurisdictions in the nation to adopt the 2012 IECC in January 2011, the cottages also are equipped with the Zone 6 requirements. “These energy efficient dwellings are fully sprinklered, yet still have a 2 hr. separation wall for the duplexes, security alarms on all windows, and upscale kitchens,” he explained. “There are also state of the art environmentally friendly pervious pavement parking lots, walking trails, a clubhouse with amenities and a heated, large outdoor spa.”

Construction began on the student project last July and all units are fully rented to be occupied by August 15.