In 2006, while completing a lower level renovation in Garwood, NJ, the owner notified us that the adjacent property was being foreclosed on. The property was in severe need of a total renovation and we saw this as a good opportunity for an investment. JPR Wood purchased 322 2nd Ave. as the property was being forclosed on and began planning for its gut renovation.

While Robie was working with Robert A.M. Stern Architects he was the lead designer for an 85,000 sq. ft. office building, One Crescent Drive, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.  This project achieved Gold certification by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.  When approaching the design for 322 2nd Ave., Robie decided that it would be an interesting idea to design the project as a "green" renovation using his previous experience on designing an energy efficient commercial property.

Initially JPR Wood planned on designing the project to receive Energy Star certification for energy efficiency. During the course of the project we learned that the United States Green Building Council was developing a LEED rating system for homes. We decided to contact them about initiating the process for getting the Eco-Cape LEED rated. After meeting with a LEED consultant we decided that we would try to get a LEED rating of Gold for the Eco-Cape. At this point there are only 5 LEED Gold homes in the United States and the Eco-Cape will possibly be the first LEED gold rated home in the state of New Jersey.

Scheduled for completion this fall, JPR Wood will showcase the Eco-Cape by holding a series of Open Houses and Lectures designed to inform the public about the features of an energy efficient home and the financial and health benefits of living in a green house.