Nestled amidst the historic Oak Cliff neighborhood in Dallas, The Oaks stands as a symbol of sustainability and affordability. Completed in July 2023, this 260-unit senior living community embodies innovative solutions in multifamily housing, blending comfort, accessibility and environmental consciousness.

The mixed-use, affordable housing apartment complex was developed in partnership with the Volunteers of America National Services and DHA Housing Solutions of North Texas. Serving seniors ages 62 and older, the property includes amenities such as a 5,200-square-foot medical clinic, a business center, a fitness room, a craft room, a multipurpose room, a library, a game room, a theater room, a furnished community room and two rooftop decks. 

Additionally, the property operations are structured so that all utility costs are included with the monthly rent. This supports low-income residents on a tight budget who may have had issues with increasing utility costs.

The Oaks developers embarked on a quest for energy-efficient fixtures to mitigate the environmental impact, maximize water efficiency, and optimize operational costs so funds could be allocated to better serve the residents. Toilets, for example, contribute significantly to a property’s environmental and energy impact, accounting for 30% of household water consumption. 

Working with Niagara Conservation Corp., specializing in water conservation technologies, the development team found a solution. Water-saving toilets such as Niagara’s have the potential to reduce usage by up to 60% annually, leading to substantial savings on utility bills and conserving thousands of gallons of water each year for the average family.

Niagara’s commitment to sustainability traces back to its founder, Bill Cutler, who began developing water-saving inventions more than five decades ago. His work culminated in the creation of his patented, award-winning vacuum-assist Stealth technology in 2009, combining high efficiency and performance. 

Stealth Technology is a vacuum-assist technology that redesigned the toilet’s flush by using an air transfer tube to create suction that pulls waste down the trap way. The technology has won over 20 industry awards including several EPA WaterSense awards for powerful performance, minimal maintenance, and water conservation and has saved the world over 308 billion gallons of water and more than $3.7 billion in utility bills. Today, Niagara continues to lead the way in water conservation, partnering with municipalities and multifamily facilities to implement programs that save billions of gallons of water annually.

The Oaks’ team selected the Niagara Shadow, a line of toilets with 0.8 gallons/flush (gpf) with Stealth technology. Engineered to deliver optimal performance while minimizing water usage, these toilets earned a MaP Premium rating and WaterSense certification. 

Moreover, ADA-compliant options ensure comfort and accessibility for all residents: different side handle locations, an ADA-compliant height and an elongated bowl for comfort. 

The Oaks had originally specified toilets using 30% more water than Niagara’s Shadow 0.8 gpf model and initially budgeted for water and sewer costs of $600/unit ($156,000 a year). By specifying the Shadow, the property saw a remarkable reduction to $415/unit ($108,000 a year) post-implementation and reports that it will reduce water consumption by 65% and save more than $48,000 annually. 

These significant savings empower The Oaks to reallocate its budgeted funds to more important expenses that serve its residents, such as outfitting the on-site clinic, upgrading the Bark Parks (its on-site, fenced-in dog parks) and creating a community garden. 

Beyond financial gains, The Oaks’ collaboration with Niagara underscores a broader commitment to affordable housing and environmental stewardship. By installing water- and cost-efficient products, The Oaks exemplifies how conscientious choices can create a ripple effect, benefitting both residents and the planet for generations to come, not only reducing its ecological footprint but also enhancing the quality of life for many residents. 

Free Toilets for Affordable Housing

As the cost of housing continues to rise, Niagara will extend its mission to reduce water consumption and utility bills and to support affordable housing property developers throughout the United States with solutions that can help them reduce costs, allowing them to keep rents low and invest that money in meaningful services for their residents. 

In celebration of its 50th anniversary this year, Niagara launched a new program to donate 100 toilets to select affordable housing developers for their next U.S. projects. The new program will help affordable housing projects redirect their saved water expenses to improve the lives of their communities like The Oaks. 

The program encourages U.S. property developers to fill out an application on Niagara’s website (https://bit.ly/3QRscp6), asking them to share information about their new property. Niagara will then review applications and reward select property developers with donated Niagara water-conserving toilets. 

Jenni Steele is the vice president of marketing at Niagara and has more than 20 years of experience. Under her guidance, Niagara has earned national awards for innovation and water conservation. Steele inspires the next generation to prioritize water-efficient solutions and works to develop cutting-edge technology that is transforming bathrooms into eco-conscious spaces.