43 George Street Renovation Project

Sustainability meets history:
a UD partnership in Twin Towers

EDNDC is bringing new life to a beautiful 145-year-old home at 43 George Street, located directly across the street from Ruskin School. This renovation project is part of the Twin Towers Strategic Housing Plan and will result in a modern, energy-efficient,  affordable four-bedroom, two-bath home with lots of character — perfect for a Twin Towers family.

The house is undergoing a full transformation, including new plumbing, electrical, windows, doors, cabinets, flooring, fixtures, and a new roof. The wrap-around porch is being restored, and a high-efficiency HVAC system will keep the home comfortable. Adding insulation and air sealing will reduce utility costs, making the home more affordable to maintain.

 Further enhancing the project is a partnership with the University of Dayton’s Hanley Sustainability Institute (HSI) and ETHOS Center (Engineers in Technical, Humanitarian Opportunities of Service-learning). HSI aims to advance sustainability through education, research, and community engagement, connecting students with real-world projects that help build healthier, more resilient communities. The ETHOS Center fosters partnerships between engineering students and neighborhoods. ETHOS focuses on co-designing practical, sustainable solutions that promote social justice, human rights, and long-term community well-being.

Through this collaboration, senior engineering students play a hands-on role in the renovation. They’re testing the home for air leaks, planning and installing insulation, and using blower-door technology to verify improvements. Their work not only makes the home stronger and more efficient, but also gives them real-world experience in sustainable housing design.