Regina Caeli environmental Housing

OVERVIEW

Located in the older Lower Greenville neighborhood with sidewalk cafés, just north of downtown Dallas, is a peaceful oasis for people with MCS. Tucked away on a quiet side street, Earl and Vickie Remmel created a haven with 15 units that are near the EHCD and Johnson Medical Associates. The official name is Regina Caeli Environmental Housing, but everybody simply knows it as “Earl’s Place.”

The building has 15 one-bed, one-bath, environmentally furnished units designed specifically for those with MCS. The building is located close to the Environmental Health Center of Dallas and Johnson Medical Associates. The building is also located close to several biocompatible (MCS) dentists.

Daily, weekly, and monthly rentals are available, and long-term residents are welcome.

HISTORY AND DETAILS

Features: All units come furnished with all electric appliances, ceramic tile floors, a fully equipped kitchen with range, a full bath with tub and shower filter, Austin air filters, 100% cotton futons and linens, fragrance free laundry facilities, streaming TV service, cable internet, in-room phones, fax, and on-site infrared sauna and exercise room.

The building is located within one mile of Whole Foods and is within walking distance to Sprouts Market and Trader Joe’s.

Common Facilities: The building has a shared laundry room with four washers and four dryers available for guests. Guests are given a brochure that lists acceptable laundry products to avoid contamination of the equipment and toxic dryer fumes. One of the original units was converted to a recreation room, with a large Heavenly Heat sauna and a treadmill. There is also a computer, printer and a fax machine available for use.

House Rules: A set of specific house rules protects the units from becoming contaminated. The building has its own homeowner’s association, which is required by local ordinance and makes house rules legally enforceable. House rules may seem unnecessary, but sensitivities can vary greatly among people with MCS. People who are new to the illness very often still use toxic products, so management works diligently to keep conditions predictable.

Experiences: The property has been a complete success, with basically full occupancy since the renovation in 2001. There are many repeat customers who come back again and again. A few people live at the property permanently, with a handful of guests staying for longer than five years. Some guests do better in one room than in another, so guests may move around between units a bit initially. Some guests request a specific room when they book their stay.