First of 17 Safe and Energy Efficient Homes Completed in Illinois

NRMCA recently joined with various partners, contractors, product suppliers and local dignitaries to celebrate the official opening of the Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood Show Home, part of an innovative 17 concrete home high performance neighborhood west of Chicago, reports Senior Director, Building Innovations, Donn Thompson.

Industry involvement in this unique project came about through the NRMCA/Habitat for Humanity partnership. NRMCA facilitated the use of Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturer Association member BuildBlock Building Systems for a demonstration project three years ago. Impressed with the speed of construction with volunteer labor, added safety and security, and improved cost saving benefits for its residents, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley leadership quickly recognized ICF's unique compatibility with their plans for the larger neighborhood, Thompson said.

“These homes (one of which is seen here) provide our residents with a future where affordability and sustainability can go hand in hand,” said Barb Beckman, director of the local Habitat chapter.

The project represents a collaboration among the local natural gas provider, Nicor, with various innovative product manufacturers and suppliers to showcase cutting edge technologies and solutions, achieving lower bills, fewer emissions and more sustainable living. NRMCA and the Illinois Ready Mixed Concrete Association are now working on a roundtable event in 2026 to showcase ready mixed concrete’s contribution to the success of the project.

For more information contact Donn Thompson at dthompson@nrmca.org.