Community Matters: Groundbreakings and Dedications (Spring 2013)

Mercy Housing California improves affordable housing options for seniors and individuals in San Francisco

Mercy Housing California partnered with St. Anthony’s Foundation to break ground on the corner of Jones Street and Golden Gate Avenue to commemorate the start of construction on the Tenderloin’s historic dining hall and the newest affordable housing for low-income seniors in San Francisco. The event hosted national and local officials; and Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. Attendees were greeted by the San Francisco Giants’ mascot and enjoyed a performance from the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. The site will feature a ground-floor community dining hall and nine stories of affordable apartments for seniors.

In February, Mercy Housing California completed the major renovation of The Arlington, a historic former hotel in San Francisco, and The Madonna Residence. Among one of the first buildings to be constructed after the 1906 earthquake and fire in the Uptown Tenderloin neighborhood, the Arlington now features 154 affordable rental homes for formerly homeless individuals. The Madonna Residence renovation included the addition of 19 units to the five-story building to bring the building total to 70 studio apartments for low-income individuals.

Mercy Housing Lakefront opens new senior housing in Grayslake

In November 2012, Mercy Housing Lakefront opened Lakefront Residences of Grayslake located north of Chicago in the town of Grayslake, Ill. The new affordable rental property features 70 apartments for low-income seniors over the age of 55. The property also features a community center, fitness center, library, and will host a variety of resident activities to promote healthy and independent senior lifestyles. The event was attended by local affordable housing advocates and representatives including Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor.

Mercy Housing Southeast creates new affordable housing for seniors

Mercy Housing Southeast and the South Rome Redevelopment Corporation celebrated the grand opening of Etowah Terrace Senior Residences. The property features 77 affordable rental homes for seniors in Rome, Ga. Seventy apartments are affordable to households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income. Seven apartments are open to market-rate households. Etowah Terrace is part of a larger effort to revitalize the surrounding community. The ribboncutting event was sponsored by SunTrust.

Mercy Housing Southeast also celebrated the opening of the Arbors at Ellington in Pleasant Grove, Ala. The property features 40 affordable rental homes for seniors age 62 and older. The community includes one- and two-bedroom apartments with a community building and outdoor recreation areas. This property is Mercy Housing’s first development in Alabama. The celebration was sponsored by the Community Affordable Housing Equity Corporation.

Mercy Housing Northwest makes major improvements to senior properties in Washington

Mercy Housing Northwest (MHNW) has completed the first phase of a multi-stage plan to modernize our rural development portfolio in Washington State. The modernization and rehabilitation is directed at upgrading building systems, enhancing energy efficiency and improving unit interiors and accessibility. MHNW is currently rehabilitating a scattered site senior rural development comprised of three properties: Allegre Villa, Cambridge, and Sandstone Apartments. Rehab includes replacing windows, doors, roofs and siding; new cabinets in kitchens and baths; ENERGY STAR appliances; new flooring throughout; and much more. MHNW is also making improvements to units, common spaces and walkways to make them more accessible for residents. Sandstone Apartments and Allegre Villa are complete and residents have moved back into their homes. Cambridge Apartments will be completed in two phases starting in March and finishing in May 2013.