Innovation

Under the visionary leadership of Matt Hollander, Hollander Development has emerged as a beacon of sustainable innovation in affordable housing. Their projects, catering to seniors, low-income families, and the workforce, are meticulously designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing community benefit. The Creamery project in Kalamazoo, a shining example, boasts LEED Platinum certification, featuring 48 mixed-income units and a 24-hour daycare, demonstrating the seamless integration of social services with green architecture. Similarly, the Legacy Senior Living development, with its 71 affordable senior housing units and planned amenities like a game room and beauty salon, aims for Passive House certification and net-zero energy, illustrating the company's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.

Beyond certifications, Hollander Development is at the forefront of material innovation, exploring the use of mass timber—an engineered wood product renowned for its sustainability and lower carbon footprint compared to traditional materials like steel and concrete. This strategic choice aligns perfectly with their mission to reduce environmental impact while meeting the critical need for affordable housing. Each project is a testament to their holistic approach, balancing affordable housing demands with long-term ecological benefits. By forging strategic partnerships, pursuing prestigious green certifications, and embracing forward-thinking materials, Hollander Development sets a new standard for eco-friendly affordable housing, enhancing the quality of life for residents and contributing to a healthier planet.

Inspiration

Hollander Development’s sustainable innovation is rooted in the visionary principles of its founder, Joe Hollander, and carried forward by his son, Matt Hollander. Joe’s early adoption for sustainable practices complicated the affordability aspect of development. Matt recalls pivotal conversations with his father, underscoring the difficulty of these projects, encapsulated in the simple yet profound philosophy: “These types of projects just need to get built.” This ethos of addressing affordability needs while creating enduring sustainable community assets remains the driving force behind their mission.

Matt's connection to Kalamazoo and his commitment to positively impacting the community further fuel this dedication. He envisions developments that not only fulfill housing needs but also stand the test of time, serving the community for generations. Emphasizing this long-term perspective, Matt asserts, “The Creamery is going to be here for the next 50 years at least,” highlighting the importance of creating projects with lasting positive effects. This ensures that Hollander Development continues to establish benchmarks in eco-friendly affordable housing that elevate the quality of life for all residents.

Under Matt’s direction, sustainability has transitioned to a fundamental necessity. As he passionately articulates, “This fire is already burning, we are ideologically committed to this. We believe that this has to happen...” This conviction propels their pursuit of the latest sustainable materials and practices, challenging the company to achieve the highest levels of environmental certifications. Matt’s leadership is a testament to carrying forward his father’s vision, ensuring that Hollander Development remains a leader in affordable, sustainable and community-centric development.

Overall impact

Hollander Development's integrated approach to affordable housing and sustainability creates a ripple effect of positive change throughout Kalamazoo and beyond. By prioritizing LEED and Passive House certifications, along with innovative materials like mass timber, they are not only constructing buildings but also cultivating healthier, more resilient communities. The tangible impact is seen in reduced energy consumption, lower utility bills for residents, and a significant decrease in the carbon footprint associated with construction. These advancements contribute to mitigating climate change, a pressing global issue, while simultaneously addressing local housing needs. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED-certified buildings have been shown to reduce energy use by as much as 25% compared to conventional buildings, highlighting the substantial environmental benefits of Hollander's approach.

Moreover, the social impact of Hollander Development’s innovation is profound. By providing safe, affordable housing, they are directly addressing issues of equity and access, particularly for vulnerable populations. This work fosters stability and improves the quality of life for residents, which has cascading effects on community well-being. Studies by organizations like the National Low Income Housing Coalition emphasize that affordable housing is a critical determinant of health, educational attainment, and economic opportunity. Hollander Development’s commitment to building durable, sustainable assets ensures that these positive impacts will endure for generations, establishing a model for responsible development that prioritizes both people and the planet.

Business benefit

Integrating sustainability into affordable housing development presents formidable challenges, yet it also unlocks distinct business advantages for Hollander Development. Matt Hollander emphasizes that their unwavering commitment to sustainability garners them respect within both the affordable housing and sustainability sectors. This positions them to better foster strategic partnerships with other leading organizations. This elevated standing enhances their collaborative potential, allowing them to leverage collective expertise and resources for even greater impact.

Moreover, Hollander Development’s sustainability initiatives provide a crucial edge in securing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). In this competitive arena of affordable housing development, these sustainability efforts translate to valuable “points” in the LIHTC application process, significantly increasing the likelihood of project funding approval. This financial advantage is pivotal, as access to funding often determines the viability of these essential projects. By aligning with MSHDA’s sustainability priorities, Hollander Development not only increases its chance to secure funding but also reinforces its commitment to responsible development.

Beyond financial benefits, Hollander Development's sustainability focus cultivates long-term value for both residents and properties. The company’s practice of developing and managing properties in perpetuity underscores its vested interest in the long-term operational efficiency of its buildings. Sustainable design and energy-efficient technologies translate to reduced operating costs for the company and substantial savings for residents, lowering utility bills and bolstering the long-term financial stability of these projects. This aligns with Hollander’s overarching vision of creating sustainable, resilient assets that endure and benefit the community for generations.

Social and environmental benefit

Hollander Development’s dedication to affordable and sustainable innovation yields profound benefits for both society and the environment, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Their emphasis on affordable housing directly addresses critical social needs, providing safe, stable, and high-quality living environments for vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, and the workforce. By prioritizing sustainable construction, they enhance the health and well-being of residents through improved indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and access to green spaces. This is particularly crucial in mitigating environmental injustice, where marginalized communities often bear a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards.

Environmentally, Hollander Development’s sustainable practices contribute to a more resilient and healthier ecosystem. Their commitment to energy-efficient design, renewable energy sources, and green building certifications significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates climate change. The company’s exploration of mass timber construction further exemplifies its dedication to environmental stewardship. Mass timber, by sequestering carbon, reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction materials like steel and concrete, offering a sustainable alternative that benefits the planet.

Ultimately, Hollander Development’s work transcends the mere construction of buildings; it is about cultivating a more sustainable and equitable future. Their dedication to responsible development ensures that communities benefit from durable, environmentally sound, and affordable housing that meets present needs without compromising the well-being of future generations. This forward-thinking approach establishes a powerful model for how development can serve as a catalyst for positive social and environmental change, inspiring others to follow suit.

Interview

Matt Hollander, Partner/Senior Developer