By Paul Minnis

pminnis@therepublic.com

Four of the 13 energy efficient condos that highlight the first phase of Jackson Place’s pending construction already have sold, according to project officials.

During Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony, officials thanked the community for buying into the project by way of its enthusiastic acceptance and support.

“Building sustainability is the future,” said Columbus architect Michael Greven to about 40 people near the construction site at 11th and Jackson streets.

Sustainability refers to the use of building materials and building practices that are so efficient and clean they allow for repeated reuse in future generations.

Casa Verde, an Indianapolis builder, already has begun preparatory site work, while more visible work should start next week, said Pia O’Connor of Re/Max Real Estate Professionals.

Jackson Place, the largest project of its kind in Indiana, will highlight renewable materials, energy efficiency and will leave a minimal environmental footprint, officials said.

Greven said it would have site development features that would absorb storm water and contribute no toxic runoff to the city’s storm sewer collection system.

The project will consist of three phases, the first of which the company said would cost $4 million of the $9 million total.

Prices in the first phase, expected to finish in March 2009, will be about $170,000 to $510,000, depending on housing style.

Officials are looking for businesses and residents to fill vacancies. Part of the development’s goal is to offer on-site amenities, so people will not have to drive as often and hurt the environment or rack up fuel costs.

Lori Ballard of Casa Verde said she has been talking with local and out-of-area grocery stores, coffee shops and other businesses.

“There’s a lot of great interest,” she said. “It’s close to so many great things downtown.”

Mill Race Park, churches, schools, city/county government offices, Bartholomew County Library and the future Commons all are in the vicinity.

Mayor Fred Armstrong said during the ceremony that a few years ago he never could have dreamed Columbus would get a development like this.

He said Jackson Place is “exactly what this community has been looking for.”

O’Connor bought Phase 1’s Laurel model for $222,525. But she said it could not be her main residence, because the move would force her from her district position on Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. Board.

She said she instead would rent it out and probably show it to people interested in living there.