Armory Park del Sol (APdS) is a development of new homes in downtown Tucson’s historic neighborhood of Armory Park. The 14-acre redevelopment project fulfills the vision of developer John Wesley Miller to create a sustainable and livable urban in-fill community. The Home Innovation Research Labs worked with John Wesley Miller Companies through the Building America Program on prototype net-zero energy homes as well as on the community as a whole. Presented here is the analysis of this community of high performance homes built in the hot/mixed dry climate.
Homes in Armory Park del Sol (APdS) honor the historic architecture of the area, yet are constructed to Miller’s exacting specifications for durability, energy efficiency, accessibility, and technological innovation. Each home includes solar hot water and solar electric systems to harvest the ample desert sunshine. Water-conserving measures respect the importance of water as a critical resource in the arid climate. Front porches, sidewalks, rear-loading garages, and public spaces facilitate community while electric bills, guaranteed through a partnership with Tucson Electric Power, enhance economic security among the homeowners. Universal design ensures that every home is “visitable” regardless of disability. Residents can further reduce their overall energy consumption by walking to local businesses and venues, which are accessible from Armory Park’s downtown location.