Hands-on technical assistance supports Olive Tree Senior Citizen Apartments’ property upgrades
Dawson Holdings, Inc. (DHI), the developer of Olive Tree Senior Citizen Apartments (Olive Tree), was in the middle of planning a large-scale renovation project across several affordable housing properties when the team connected with the Multifamily Energy Savings program. While big remodeling projects are valuable opportunities to improve comfort, health and safety and lower utility costs, they can also introduce logistical and financial challenges. Finding the right support can help move projects forward.
Through the program, DHI learned that many of the firm’s affordable properties were eligible to receive program support. In 2025, Olive Tree became the developer’s first property to complete a project with Multifamily Energy Savings, earning $45,000 in incentives that helped them significantly offset renovation costs.
Beyond the financial incentives, the program team’s ongoing technical support helped the developer prioritize efficiency projects, identify more savings opportunities and speed up project payout.
“After assessing the property, we were able to discover funding opportunities and substantially support the project’s budget.”
— Ben Dines, Energy Advisor, Multifamily Energy Savings
Efficiency upgrades: made more affordable
Before reaching out to Multifamily Energy Savings, John Hartwick, DHI’s Vice President and Director of Operations, had a list of upgrades in mind for Olive Tree and was pleased to learn that several qualified for incentives through the program.
New attic insulation and high-efficiency furnaces were among the upgrades completed. They allow common areas at the property to maintain a consistent temperature over a longer period of time, improving resident comfort. The resulting reduction in heating and cooling loads also eases maintenance demands through less wear and tear. New LED fixtures and occupancy sensor lighting controls were installed and improved the look and feel of the spaces.
In total, the incentives covered 80% of the final project cost and the improved efficiency of these upgrades is helping lower operational costs by an estimated $2,000 a year.
Before & After: HVAC Furnace
Before & After: Water Heater
Technical assistance helps participants achieve greater project savings
The Multifamily Energy Savings team, led by energy advisor Ben Dines, provided technical support to the property team at each step of the process, making first-time participation in the program simple and streamlined. By providing a comprehensive report on the property’s equipment alongside eligibility criteria for replacements, the program team helped DHI claim as many qualifying incentives as possible.
“After assessing the property, we were able to discover funding opportunities and substantially support the project’s budget,” said Dines.
“We really enjoy working with the Multifamily Energy Savings program team and look forward to our upcoming projects together.”
— Lisa Carson
Executive Development Assistant, Dawson Holdings, Inc.
“This was a collaborative learning experience on eligibility and reporting requirements that has prepared the team at DHI for future projects with us, taking advantage of as many incentive opportunities as possible.”
Program support didn’t stop once the project was completed. The Multifamily Energy Savings team worked alongside the property team to organize invoices and other documentation to accelerate the closing process to get the incentive payment to DHI faster. “Ben was extremely helpful and very patient as we worked through the invoicing portion of the project,” said Lisa Carson, an executive development assistant for DHI. “We really enjoy working with the Multifamily Energy Savings program team and look forward to our upcoming projects together.”
Before & After: Thermostat
Explore support and incentives for property improvements
The Multifamily Energy Savings team is ready to work with you to help your affordable multifamily property qualify for as many incentives as possible.
Submit an interest form to learn how we can help your affordable multifamily property maximize its incentive potential through energy-saving upgrades.
