Cinnaire is pleased to announce that next week development partners will accept the prestigious Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award at the Affordable Tax Credit Coalition’s Annual Meeting in Washington D.C.
Presented to the most outstanding Low Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) properties in seven categories, this national awards program celebrates the best in affordable housing rental housing development. Hamilton Crossing Phase 1 was selected amongst hundreds of developments across the nation in the Preservation of Affordable Housing category of the 20th Annual Edson Awards.
Hamilton Crossing is the redevelopment of the former Parkview Apartments located at an important entryway into Ypsilanti, Michigan. This long troubled property was foreclosed on by HUD in 2010 and ownership of the property was transferred to the Ypsilanti Housing Commission (YHC). The YHC and its developer, Chesapeake Community Advisors, Inc. (CCA), brought together a team including Rohde Construction, Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas Architects and Millennia Housing Management to return these seventy units of housing to the market. The property offers a mix of 1-, 2- and 3- bedroom unit townhouses and flats, all with project-based Section 8 rental subsidy.
The project renovation began in the summer of 2012 and was completed in May of 2013. Financing for the substantial rehabilitation was provided by Michigan State Housing Development Authority, a HUD Upfront Grant, a HUD EDI grant, HOME and NSP funds from Washtenaw County and tax credit equity through Cinnaire. The project is fully occupied and offers a community building with a computer lab and community space, tot lots and community gardens.
An important aspect of the development is the on-site Family Empowerment Program (FEP). This highly successful program is a collaboration led by Eastern Michigan University, with partnership with the United Way of Washtenaw County, the YHC, Alpha House, SOS, Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, Washtenaw County Community College, CCA and the City of Ypsilanti. The Kresge Foundation has provided essential program funding. This truly collaborative effort has brought services and activities to the residents including employment connections, health care, healthy eating, Zumba and yoga classes, computer training, after-school programs and summer camp opportunities for resident children. FEP was also successful in securing funding to provide a match for Individual Development Accounts (IDA) so that residents can begin a savings program.
