Judging by the vacancy rate, Arbor Hill is filling every bit of the niche city of Pineville officials hoped it would. The senior apartment complex on Shamrock Street has leased 53 of its 56 units since opening earlier this year. A grand opening ceremony for the development was held Tuesday.

“It serves a great purpose and fills a great need for our senior citizens in Pineville,” said Mayor Clarence Fields. “You can see the need for it. It gives our seniors a community setting to live in where they can enjoy each other in a safe environment.”

Arbor Hill is the first Louisiana project for the Humanities Foundation, a nonprofit based in the Charleston, S.C., area that has been focused on developing affordable housing for two decades. In addition to the $6 million-plus Arbor Hill, Humanities Foundation has begun construction on a senior housing development in Baton Rouge.

“One of the things we pride ourselves on is our projects don’t look like what people think of as affordable housing,” said Tracy Doran, Humanities Foundation president.

Pineville was chosen largely by networking connections and word of mouth once Humanities Foundation decided to expand from its East Coast base, Doran said. She stressed the importance of community support in making the development work. Fields called the project “one of the smoothest we have had the opportunity to work on.”

In addition to filling a hole in the city’s housing portfolio, Pineville officials are hoping the presence of more residents on Shamrock Street will support local business and perhaps spur future development. The complex is near the city’s senior center, public library, a newly opened Dollar General and Louisiana Athletic Club.

“It’s just a great thing for the city of Pineville and in particular our senior population,” Fields said.

A Strong Presence

Residents at Daniel Island's Seven Farms Village, an affordable housing complex for seniors, enjoyed a reception last week sponsored by the Humanities Foundation and Mayor Joe Riley.

City of Charleston Mayor Joe Riley would like to see more tax credits given to developers of affordable housing communities in urban areas. On October 11, he used two low-income complexes on Daniel Island to make his case before a group of local leaders, developers, residents, and members of the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SCSHFDA). Standing at a podium on the third floor of Seven Farms Village, an award-winning apartment complex for seniors, he explained why.
“We worked hard on these two housing developments,” he said to the group, referencing Seven Farms Village and neighboring Seven Farms Apartments. “It was difficult. They’re all difficult. And it was controversial because…sometimes there is a stigma associated with affordable housing, which is wrong.”
Standing beside Mayor Riley during his remarks was Raye Chapman, a 73 year-old resident at Seven Farms Village. Chapman shared her thoughts with the group about what the complex has meant to her. Before moving in, she was looking for work to supplement her income and had already cashed in one of her 401K retirement plans.
“I was hurting and I was very depressed,” she said.
Chapman’s daughter, Pam Sweat, of Summerville, told her about Seven Farms Village.
“I said I’m not going to live with old people!” recalled Chapman with a chuckle. “She said, ‘Mom you’re 72!’ As a courtesy to her I came and looked, because I knew she was very concerned…. By the time she got here, I had already completed the application and wrote my check for the deposit. We picked out the apartment right then and there. I have been so happy here, and I have met the most wonderful people.”
“To have Ms. Chapman give her testimony is just so wonderful for all of us to have a face and a name and a story with why we do this,” added Riley. “Why we do this as a community. Why we do this as a state. And why we do this as a country, because we have to do it. It’s a right and just thing to do…We want to look in the mirror every morning…and feel good about what we see.”
Both affordable housing communities on Daniel Island were developed by the Humanities Foundation, which has created some 1400 apartments for lower income tenants across several states since its inception in 1992. As Mayor Riley explained, affordable housing developers like the Humanities Foundation are able to submit applications each year to the SCSHFDA for a share of the available low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC), which provide a dollar for dollar tax credit for housing developments in the United States. Created in 1986, the LIHTC program accounts for approximately 90 percent of all affordable housing rental housing in the country. In recent years, however, most LIHTC funding in South Carolina was directed to rural areas, and not to urban regions such as the City of Charleston, said Riley. According to the Humanities Foundation, no LIHTC developments were awarded in the city during 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, or 2010.
“Since every part of our state needs affordable housing, you can understand the quandary and challenge,” said Riley. “…(The SCSHFDA) has the difficult job of weighing the applications every year for the low income tax credits. It’s always a huge list of applications, and there is only enough money to fund a few.”
The Mayor asked that the SCSHFDA not overlook urban areas, as needs can be equally great there, he explained.
“In urban areas, where there is apparent affluence and economic activity, there is really a counter veiling pressure for affordable housing. Land becomes more expensive in urban areas. It’s more costly to produce affordable housing and we have a huge need. We have a huge need here in the City of Charleston.”
“We’re really pushing to get our message out there that we want to spread (affordable housing) out evenly across the state,” added Tracy Doran, president of the Humanities Foundation. “…We want to educate state legislators and federal legislators about the tax credit program, because it’s at risk…It’s a wonderful program that brings private dollars into affordable housing.”
Clayton Ingram, director of marketing and communication for SCSHFDA, was in attendance at the program and also spoke to those gathered.
“Every year, there are well over 100 good applications that come in,” he said, after his remarks to the crowd. “We only have the funding usually to fund 12 to 15. When they get funded, it’s usually the best of the best.”
Ingram called Seven Farms Apartments and Seven Farms Village the “vanguard of what affordable housing now means, which is beautiful, seamless developments.” When asked about the criteria the SCSHFDA uses to determine which developments deserve tax credit dollars, Ingram cited community need as one of the most important factors.
“(Mayor Riley) picked up on the fact that in urban areas, you have a huge need, and part of that is economically driven,” he added. “It’s all part of urbanism. The efficiency of living in an urban area is…balanced with the price of living in an urban area, so the people who need the services and who can benefit from having libraries, grocery stores, doctors’ offices nearby are very often the people who can’t afford to live near those services, so they are forced to live in outlying areas.”
Ingram pointed to Seven Farms Village as an example of a place that not only enhance quality of life for tenants, but can also boost the local economy as well. According to information provided by the Humanities Foundation, the LIHTC program has created 30,679 affordable apartments for South Carolinians, generating 35,587 jobs, $2.7 billion in local income, and $263 million in state and local revenue.
“The money comes back,” added Ingram. “It’s not an outlay. It’s not a handout. It’s a boost and sometimes it’s more important than others. Right now, it’s extremely important for the economy to build these places, to get the jobs, to get people who might otherwise be on the street, or, I hate to say, burdening their families, and into a place where they can be independent. It’s creating jobs everyday…all of this builds and generates economic impact.”
That is certainly welcome news, but for residents like Chapman, and others in the Seven Farms Village complex, the benefits are of course a bit more personal.
“It gave me a place to live,” said Victoria Todd, 82, who moved into her apartment in 2009. “I was living with my daughters, and it doesn’t always work out when you live with family. Somebody told me about this place and I came and looked. It’s close to everything. And my light bill doesn’t go over $42!”
“It’s a God-send,” added Chapman, who now works as a part-time nanny. “I feel very safe and secure. I have the necessities and a few extras. I don’t know of any place I’d rather be. It’s so important for us not to have to worry about where we’re gonna live.”

The $8,500,000 development was financed utilizing $4,000,000 of CDBG funds and $4,000,000 worth of bonds issued by the Louisiana Housing Corporation. Additional investors and financing partners include Boston Capital, CW Capital, LLC., Wells Fargo, Merchant Capital, LLC., Shelternet (a Humanities Foundation program), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Louisiana Office of Community Development-Disaster Recovery Unit. “There are a lot of moving parts involved with a complicated transaction like the Gardens,” said Doran. “But in the end, every one worked together to make this development successful.”

The Gardens will be built by Pinkerton and Laws of Georgia and will be developed as a joint venture with James Doran Company. Architectural services will be provided by Martin and Riley Associates Architects, P.C. and civil engineering services will be provided by Landtec. Construction of the Gardens should begin before year’s end and is expected to take 11 months.

The first awarded development, Edenbrook Park, is an 84 unit development for families located at the intersection of Golf Drive and Old Trail Drive in Crozet, Virginia. Edenbrook Park will be developed as part of the master - planned community of Timber Trail and its’ first class architecture and liberal use of brick will enable Edenbrook to blend seamlessly into this thriving, mixed - use development. Site amenities include on- site management, a central laundry facility, a playground, a clubhouse, a community room, a fitness center, a computer center and a picnic area.

The other awarded development, Puddleduck Place, is located in Prince George County, VA (Richmond MSA) at the northwest corner of Puddleduck Road and Fine Street. This development also consists of 84 units and will be located within minutes of Fort Lee, retail shopping and various services. It will enjoy the same amenities as Edenbrook Park and will benefit from a growing population in the surrounding area.

Edenbrook Park and Puddleduck place will create 184 local jobs for Virginians and will serve a vital need in both the Charlottesville and Richmond areas.

PINEVILLE -- If Main Street is the heart of Pineville, as Mayor Clarence Fields believes it is, then Shamrock Street must be a key part of the city's circulatory system.

Fields sees a large role for Shamrock Street -- which serves as a conduit to move people quickly to points all over the city and beyond through its connections to Main Street, Cottingham Expressway and U.S. Highway 165 -- in the revitalization of downtown Pineville.

"I think its going to be one of the driving forces as far as our Main Street development is concerned," Fields said. "As far as Shamrock and Main Street is concerned, I think that's the four-way centerpiece of our downtown area. I see restructuring that particular four way to take advantage of the avenues we have, out to 165, to downtown Alexandria to the expressway. I think we can make it such so that it's an attraction."

Shamrock Street has seen some recent development, particularly East Shamrock, which runs between Main Street and the Cottingham Expressway.

Most of the work on a much-needed overlay of the road has been completed. That's part of a $1.3 million project that also includes Donahue Ferry Road, Bragg Street, Jefferson Highway and Claiborne Street.

Construction has started and is expected to finish late in the year on a 56-unit senior housing development on the street.

Arbor Hill is expected to be finished in December. The $6.6 million project is the first foray into Louisiana for Humanities Foundation, a South Carolina-based nonprofit developer of affordable housing.

"We have been scouring the Southeast for opportunities," said Shane Doran, vice president of public relations for Humanities Foundation (www.HumanitiesFoundation.org). "Pineville is a growing community that fits our profile well. We felt like it was an area with a real need. We feel like (the Shamrock Street area) has a lot of potential to grow. The proximity to the senior center and Main Street certainly helped our decision."

"It's quite an addition," Fields said. "It's something we really need. I think it will be good for this particular area."

Fields referred to Arbor Hill as "a piece of the puzzle coming together," that includes the overlay project and continued business development on Main Street.

Another piece of that puzzle is Alexandria National Cemetery.

The cemetery, established in 1867, sits on more than eight acres off Shamrock Street and is the resting place of several hundred veterans of conflicts dating back to the Civil War. It is the site of annual Memorial Day ceremonies.

"When you see history like that, that's what appeals to me," said Carolyne Hoyt, who lives in one of the older homes in Pineville on Shamrock Street and runs her nonprofit NextSTEP of Central Louisiana from there. NextSTEP helps abused women get back on their feet after they leave emergency shelters.

"That's something Alexandria doesn't have," Hoyt said. "We need to embrace that. It kills me to see us whack these great old structures down because people think they've outlived their usefulness. I just hate to lose that sense of history."

Residents and business owners on Shamrock point to the responsiveness of city services as selling points for the area.

The negative to Fields is that the development of Main Street into something like the commercial corridor it was in the past has not progressed as swiftly as city officials hoped.

"My biggest concern with Main Street is there's not enough stop-and-shop traffic," said Lee McNaughton, who runs Red River Firearms at the corner of East Shamrock and Main Street. "I would love to see Shamrock Street and Main Street revitalized. I think it would be great for this area."

"The city of Pineville is so special," said Terry Miller, who shares space with McNaughton for her business, Red River Rarities. "There's a feeling of community, and you're proud to be a part of it. You don't find that just anywhere."

In addition to Main Street, development at Central Louisiana State Hospital could spur growth on Shamrock. State officials announced in February that Central State's operations will be moved to the grounds of Pinecrest Supports and Services Center, also in Pineville, potentially freeing up huge chunks of prime real estate for investment.

"Shamrock could eventually end up being like Edgewood [Drive]," Fields said, referring to another corridor in Pineville connected to the Cottingham Expressway. "Part of that corridor, particularly from [La. Highway] 28 East to the junior high school, will probably eventually be commercial. I see the same on Shamrock. I think the part from Main Street to Melrose could become just that."

---Editor's note: This story is part of a series that is profiling different neighborhoods in Pineville in 2012. A new story in the series runs on the last Sunday of each month. Each story looks at the specific neighborhood's strengths and weaknesses, its successes and challenges, and some of the people who help make the neighborhood unique.

link to article online

A “Spring Fling” was held in collaboration with JDC Management in order to celebrate the completion of Montague terrace and to show the new Earthcraft – certified apartments to local residents. The event was very well attended and several applications were submitted. Guests enjoyed the upbeat rock/country sounds of City Limits Band and enjoyed great food.

May 2, 2012, – Humanities Foundation, a Mount Pleasant, SC - based developer of affordable housing, has been selected by Affordable Housing Finance as one of the top 50 affordable housing developers in the US. “We are honored to be designated as one of the top 50 developers in the country by Affordable Housing Finance Magazine,” said Tracy Doran, President of Humanities Foundation. “This is a real milestone for us,” She continued

The designation is timely. Humanities Foundation, which was founded in 1992 by Tracy Doran and her husband Bob Doran, is currently celebrating its’ 20th year of operation. During that time, the foundation has developed nearly 1400 units and has helped more than 22,000 people stay in their homes through Shelternet, a direct assistance program. Humanities Foundation has recently expanded into Virginia and is targeting other southern states for expansion opportunities.

For more information please contact Shane Doran, VP of Public Relations sdoran@humanitiesfoundation.org 843.284.5101 Direct.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE • April/May 2012

2011 project starts slip for developers from 2010 levels, but still show gains from 2009 lows

link to article online

BY DONNA KIMURA

The nation’s top affordable housing developers continue to push projects through their pipelines despite a combination of new and lingering challenges.

The firms on Affordable Housing Finance’s latest Top 50 developers list broke ground on 232 new construction projects featuring 19,053 affordable housing units last year.

That’s a 17 percent drop from the 22,978 units started by the same developers in 2010, a big rebound year as a backlog of projects got under way with the help of federal stimulus funds.

However, the 2011 levels still show gains over the production lows seen in 2009 when many deals were crippled by a weak economy and sinking low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) prices. Affordable Housing Finance’s top developers from that year started just 182 projects with 16,711 units.

This year’s developers list features 53 companies because of several ties. There are 33 for-profit and 20 nonprofit companies. Eighteen firms are headquartered or have a significant presence in California.
In another good sign of their health, 44 of the 53 companies reported increasing their staffs in 2011. Together, they employ more than 19,000 people.

The only list of its kind, the AHF 50 reveals how many units are under development by the leading national and regional developers. The ranking is based on the number of new units started in 2011.

Separate lists reveal the top owners and the top firms involved in the preservation of existing affordable housing through acquisitions. Also, for the first time, Affordable Housing Finance is debuting a list of top developers who completed substantial rehabilitations of their own properties. This year’s Top 50 owners hold 5,605 projects with more than 536,000 affordable housing units. The Michaels Organization in Marlton, N.J., continues to be the nation’s largest affordable housing owner, with more than 300 properties and 45,000 units.  Although the lists present only the tip of the iceberg of all affordable housing activity, they still provide a vivid look into the health and mood of the industry.

The results are compiled from a voluntary survey. This year, 111 firms participated. All developers and owners with general partner interests are encouraged to take part in next year’s survey.

State of the industry

The NRP Group claimed the No. 1 spot on the developers list this year based on starting 2,278 units in 19 developments in 2011. The Cleveland-based company moved up from the second spot on last year’s list.
McCormack Baron Salazar, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, and Miami-based Carlisle Development Group were No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

The majority of developers surveyed (53 percent) feel the return of LIHTC capital was the most significant event in 2011. That was followed by the availability of low debt (19 percent) and the availability of federal stimulus money (15 percent).

The resurgence of the LIHTC market was key in 2011, agrees Tracy Doran, president of Humanities Foundation in Mount Pleasant, S.C. The nonprofit ranks No. 38 on the list.

“Last year was a stronger year,” she says. “We saw banks coming back into the equity market. Pricing was going up, and we saw a good demand for our credits.”

Overall, there was more confidence from investors, developers, and others in the industry, according to Doran.
The return of LIHTC capital can be seen in the higher prices being paid for housing credits. Developers reported receiving $0.87 per dollar of tax credit on their 2011 deals, an increase from the $0.77 average reported in last year’s poll.

Developers were also asked what changes they would like to see in LIHTC qualified allocation plans. Coming from many of the largest and most veteran affordable housing builders, it’s not surprising that the top answer was increased emphasis on developer experience followed by an increase in maximum award size. Also receiving strong support was the awarding of more credits to preservation projects.

The Top 50 developers expect to do even more work this year, projecting to start 301 projects with about 23,800 units. However, the outlook grows uncertain when looking further out.

A year ago, most developers were confident that finance conditions were improving. Today, they feel that conditions will remain about the same or be worse a year from now. These more measured expectations are fueled by a number of game-changing issues that loom over the industry.

Asked to select their biggest concern for 2012, 39 percent of all developers surveyed said fewer local and state resources. Many of these developers work in California, where the state recently killed hundreds of local redevelopment agencies that funded affordable housing development. A number of other states also face severe budget deficits or other significant housing-related battles.

The potential elimination or changes to the LIHTC program by Congress (27 percent) was the next biggest concern, followed by the potential elimination or changes to other housing programs by Congress (15 percent). Jim Grauley, president and COO of Columbia Residential in Atlanta, is among those who think finance conditions will remain about the same.

“Equity investors and constructions lenders are back in the market in a big way,” he says. “However, there is greater uncertainty about the Department of Housing and Urban Development and state and local resources for housing. These two effects balance out the position we were in in 2009 and 2010 with more stimulus resources but less private-sector appetite.”

Chris Dischinger, a principal of LDG Development in Louisville, Ky., says the issue that is concerning him the most is that the cost per tax credit unit as an industry has become high. “I worry about the reflection of that on the program as a whole,” he says.

While developers have their 2012 projects set to go, the outlook beyond this year gets hazy.

The real issue is going to be 2013, after the November elections have been determined and the direction of the new Congress comes into focus, says Richard Baron, co-founder and chairman of McCormack Baron Salazar.

“I think we are all concerned in the industry about the political environment and to what extent that environment leads to paralysis on the affordable housing development side because Congress doesn’t seem to be able to come to agreement,” adds Kevin McCormack, president of the firm. “Our concern is that could be disruptive. On the other side, there are a lot of opportunities out there.”

Construction is expected to take about 11 months.

"It does fill a niche here in our community," said Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields.

"We are thrilled to break ground on Arbor Hill," said Shane Doran, vice president of public relations for Humanities Foundation. "The city of Pineville has been great to work with, and we look forward to a successful development."

The 56-unit development will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments within one elevator-served building. The units are for residents 55 or older and are income-restricted.

Amenities include washer and dryer hookups in each unit, common areas with a central kitchen for entertaining, a gazebo and a nature preserve.

Fields noted the complex's proximity to Main Street can boost business in downtown and provide residents with convenient access to fill many of their needs.

"The senior center is only two blocks away, which is advantageous," he said. "Dollar General will be there (a location is under construction on Main Street). It gives them an opportunity to take care of their everyday business on Main Street. And the road improvements on Shamrock Street will be right in front of this complex. It's like a puzzle coming together."

Founded in 1992, Humanities Foundation has developed nearly 1,400 units of affordable housing in South Carolina and Virginia. This is its first Louisiana project.

Anyone interested in becoming a resident or an employee of Arbor Hill can call (843) 353-0771 and ask for Erin.

Sheila Frasier wants to move to a better neighborhood. Bonnie Barr needs help just to stay where she is. Lloyd Collins is trying to keep his bills manageable as he recovers from a stroke and heart surgery.

The three Charleston residents were among 225 people who lined up Thursday morning for a chance to join a long waiting list for federal housing assistance.

The crowd formed early outside the Kiawah Homes Community Center to apply for the Charleston Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly known as Section 8). The program gives families money so they can afford rent in the private market.

The problem is that there are no openings, and the waiting list already numbers around 400 people, officials said. The housing authority last opened up the waiting list to new applicants several months back, and some 300 people showed up to get a slot.

Frasier, 39, said she just wanted to get her name on the list. She lives in the Gadsden Green housing complex downtown, which has been the site of shootings and other problems in recent years.

Frasier said she is eager to find a better place to raise her 4-year-old grandson, but needs some help to afford a new place.

Collins, who is on disability because of medical ailments, said he keeps a positive outlook as he tries to keep afloat in the down economy. But a voucher sure would help, he said.

"It's been kind of hectic for me, but I try to take it day-by-day," he said. "Things could be better. I just hope they don't get no worse."

Barr, 81, is one of 21 residents in another housing subsidy program that is ending. The program caters mainly to senior citizens, the disabled or mentally ill. Workers from the nonprofit Humanities Foundation, which owns the complexes where these folks live, got up before dawn Thursday to make sure the group was first in line to join the Section 8 voucher waiting list.

Barr said she doesn't want to lose her independence and have to move in with family, but she is concerned that she will lose her apartment in West Ashley without aid. "It's nice and clean. It's just wonderful," she said. "But if I don't get help, I am stuck."

Don Cameron, president of the housing authority, said the crowd that showed up was about 100 people short of what he had anticipated. That makes for a less crowded field of applicants, but it's still a waiting game for vouchers.

"But the first step has been taken," he said. "Now, they are at least in the game."

“Budget cuts to longstanding successful programs like TBRA affect real people. Humanities Foundation, the HACC and Crisis Ministries have worked closely together to try and keep 21 people from becoming homeless. We are hopeful that all the hard work, creativity and generosity shown by these organizations will pay off and keep these vulnerable residents in their homes.”-Tracy Doran, President

Loss of rent aid possible

Seniors, disabled among threatened

BY GLENN SMITH gsmith@postandcourier.com

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Dennis Ronald is very much at home in his Daniel Island apartment. It is clean, quiet, comfortable. But he has no idea how he will be able to hang on to the space when his government housing aid dries up in the coming months.

At age 61, the former auto mechanic is legally blind, unable to work and dependent on disability payments to get by. He counts on a little-known housing subsidy to pay a sizable chunk of the $499 monthly rent on his one-bedroom unit.

That subsidy -- known as the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program -- is expiring because of federal budget cuts. So Ronald and some 20 others who rely on the program are wondering what will happen if they can't find alternative aid.

Many of the recipients are seniors, disabled or mentally ill.

"It would be really tough without it. I would have to cut back on food to eat or pass on buying clothes or medicine," he said. "There are just not many options when you get into a boat like I am in."

The affected residents all live in affordable housing complexes owned by the nonprofit Humanities Foundation. The organization has worked closely with the Charleston Housing Authority and Crisis Ministries to try to keep the residents in their homes, but no long-term solution has emerged, officials said.

When early funding for the subsidy ran out in August, Crisis Ministries was able to use federal stimulus funds for preventing homelessness to keep the 21 residents in their apartments for two more months, Crisis Ministries' Executive Director Stacey Denaux said.

An additional $96,000 in rental subsidy money eventually came through, but it runs out for good in nine months, said Don Cameron, president of the Charleston Housing Authority. "Unfortunately, these families' economic situation is probably going to be no better off then than it is today," he said.

The residents plan to show up this morning at Kiawah Homes Community Center to apply for the authority's Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly known as Section 8). Like the expiring tenant-based program, it gives families money so they can afford rent in the private market.

The problem is there are no openings, and the waiting list already numbers around 400 people, Cameron said. The housing authority last opened up the waiting list to new applicants several months back and some 300 people showed up to get a slot, he said.

"Once they do apply, then they have a chance," Cameron said. "The issue is hope. But is it realistic hope? That is the big question mark."

Cameron said the economic doldrums mean far fewer people are giving up their Section 8 vouchers. Usually, about 25 leave the program each month. Lately, that number is down to five or six, he said.

About 1,300 people in the community depend on the vouchers, Cameron said. The $7 million program provides an average subsidy of $519 a month, he said.

Jennifer Robinson-McKnight knows it might be a long shot, but she still plans to apply for help. Like Ronald, she is facing the loss of her rental subsidy.

The 62-year-old former teacher's aide is on disability after two car accidents left her with leg problems. She can't stand up for any length of time and can't work. The subsidy pays for about half of the rent at her West Ashley apartment, she said.

"I'm very concerned by this," she said. "This place has really been a blessing for me."

Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or on Twitter at @glennsmith5.

link to full article: http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2011/nov/10/loss-of-rent-aid-possible/

Waterford Village Apartments is a 96 - unit, Earthcraft - certified housing community for seniors located in Fishersville, VA. The apartments were developed as a joint venture between the Humanities Foundation, and James Doran Company, a commercial real estate developer with extensive multi-family development experience.

The jump castle and the playground were in almost constant use as several children made the most of the comfortable fall weather while everyone enjoyed the crowd- pleasing sounds of the City Limits Band. The event was open to the public free of charge. Shane Doran, VP of Public Relations for Humanities Foundation, manned the grill all day. “We really strive to be members of the community, not just another Augusta County business,” said Doran.

Waterford Village Apartments boasts energy-efficient units, 9-foot ceilings, a pavilion, playground area, a state-of-the-art fitness center, clubhouse, first-class architecture and landscape design and, for some residents, spectacular views.

Montague Terrace, another 96-unit development in Stuart’s Draft, Va., is also a joint venture between JDC and the foundation and will be completed this Fall.

Two other developments also are under way. Regent Park, a 72-unit family development in Columbia, S.C., is slated for completion in the Fall and Arbor Hill, a 56-unit elderly community in Pineville, La., will break ground in late summer. Both of these developments are joint ventures between JDC and the Foundation.

link to online article

An apartment complex aimed at filling a need for affordable housing opened Wednesday in Fishersville.

Waterford Village Apartments off Imperial Drive is a development from the Mount Pleasant, S.C.-based Humanities Foundation. It contains 96 two- and three-bedroom units, and it was built in conjunction with the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program, which allows the Humanities Foundation to offer affordable rents.

“The tax credits help to pay for construction, making a smaller amount needed for a mortgage loan and enables a smaller rent to be charged,” said Jim Chandler, director of Low Income Housing Tax Credit Programs for the Virginia Housing Development Authority.

That’s important considering the lack of affordable housing in the Valley.

“We’re very needy in this area,” said Ophelia Kier-Johnson, a housing resource specialist with Total Action Against Poverty. “I’ve placed 200 people into homes since I began with this program, from January 2010 through now. There are lots of small families that cannot afford housing but don’t qualify for Section 8 vouchers.”

Waterford Village accepts vouchers, she said, but also is income-based.

Laura Kirkpatrick, the complex’s office manager, said that rents are the same for all tenants not subsidized: $604 for a two-bedroom apartment and $698 for a three-bedroom.

Anyone interested in leasing an apartment will need to qualify through a screening process that includes a check of the income of all persons who would occupy an apartment.

Kirkpatrick said the income levels change depending upon the number of people in a household, but the base numbers are $20,150 for one person to $34,000 for a family of six. Yearly and monthly income levels must be at least $1,500 for a two-bedroom, and $1,725 for a three-bedroom.

What impressed Kirkpatrick about Waterford Village was the Humanities Foundation’s attitude towards people.

“They’re not just building apartment buildings,” she said, “they are building communities bringing in other resources its [residents] might need like tutoring, social services and more.”

The Humanities Foundation and the VHDA have another 96-unit development under construction that would help low-income families in Stuarts Draft. It’s called Montague Terrace and is slated for completion this fall.

An affordable housing development also is under construction in Weyers Cave by William Park of Pinnacle Construction in Charlottesville, said the VHDA’s Chandler.

Dennis Burnette, Augusta County’s director of economic development, figures the projects are an indication that the times are changing.

“I do think it’s a sign of the economy turning around,” Burnette said. “We have a quality structure here. It’s a huge investment by Humanities Foundation.”

He noted that many people are having to regroup after being laid off and/or losing their homes. So they need more housing options.

“Now we’re able to offer it to the people,” Burnette said. “We’ve had some holes there in the past, and there are still some homes for sale. But people can get a new start with a new job and be able to afford a place to live.”

A non-profit developer plans to bring hundreds of affordable-housing units to Augusta County. The first step came Wednesday, with the ribbon-cutting of "Waterford Village" near Staunton.

Wednesday, the Humanities Foundation opened Waterford Village just off Route 250 east of Staunton. It's a 96-unit complex with two- and three-bedroom apartments starting at $475 a month.

The Humanities Foundation has applied for LEED Gold certification. It's an efficiency rating that translates to lower utility bills for tenants.

 The non-profit plans to open a similar complex in Stuarts Draft this fall and is also eying two more possible locations in Augusta County.

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FISHERSVILLE — Augusta County officials and local business leaders Wednesday introduced the first housing complex in the county built with a special tax credit program to make rents affordable.

Waterford's owners emphasize quality housing and lower-income rents in equal parts. As with many of its other properties, the Charleston, S.C.-based Humanities Foundation uses a specialized tax-incentive system that makes construction loans cheaper and rents lower.

Speakers for the opening ceremony included Foundation President Tracy Doran, county Supervisor Wendell Coleman, Chamber President and CEO Linda Hershey and Jim Chandler, with the Virginia Housing Development Authority.

The Foundation is among several developers who have proposed building rental complexes using the credits, and they're the latest having to convince local governments and residents that their apartments won't soon be run-down sites that originate too many calls for police.

"All of our applicants are very rigorously screened," said Shane Doran, a foundation board member.

Waterford isn't Section 8 or subsidized like the large, urban complexes in which residents pay little or no rent, Doran said.

The 96-unit complex does accept rent vouchers, but is not obligated to accept any applicant. Monthly rents at Waterford start at $472.

"It's still enough rent for people to take pride in where they live," said Doran, who is also the foundation's vice president of public relations. "You still have to have enough income to pay the rent."

The state housing authority awards on a competitive basis federal tax credits for developers who build or rehabilitate housing to be made available to lower-income residents. Builders sell the credits to banks or investors, and use the money from sales to make higher down payments to finance construction. With less money to pay back on their mortgages, developers like the Humanities Foundation can charge residents lower rents. 

Several complexes in Staunton and Waynesboro were built or renovated using the credits. What will be the second, third and fourth developments have already been approved for Augusta County.

Quality and affordable housing are important factors in the decisions of businesses to locate or expand in the area, said Dennis Burnett, the county's director of Economic Development.

Several potential expansions Burnett is lobbying to get involve entry-level positions whose workers would need affordable rents to re-locate, he said.

"We now have a new asset in our portfolio of housing options," said Burnett, adding that companies often like to ask about the range of available housing.

The partially brick-sided complex at Waterford offers 9-feet ceilings and a full range of appliances. The apartments are applying for certification for environment-friendly building, Doran said.

Kim Dumler, 46, and her elderly mother occupy one of the eight apartments already rented out. Dumler cares for her mother, Joan Vest, who lives on disability income and needed to move out of the lower-standard apartment they were in because of her mold sensitivity, she said.

"It's been great," said Dumler, who was especially complimentary of the better air quality. "We have our own washer and dryer, and that's very convenient." 

May 17, 2011 – Mayor Samuel Murray, Mayor of Port Royal, will dedicate a new pavilion at Laurel Hill Apartments on Wednesday, May 18 at 3pm. Additional town officials are also expected to attend. Laurel Hill is a 72- unit senior community located at 1640 Ribaut Road in Port Royal, SC. The development is a LIHTC affordable housing development for seniors and was developed by the Humanities Foundation in 2005. Resident Manager Ira Bacon will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies.

The pavilion is open air to let breezes flow through and features a vaulted ceiling, paver brick accents, a fan and two grills. “We are thrilled to have a shady place to gather and socialize,“ said one resident. “We really needed this. We are a very tight knit community here at Laurel Hill.”

The pavilion will be dedicated to the developments’ first and oldest resident, Ms. Laura Bengert. She is 96 years old. Entertainment will be provided by The Earl Williams Jazz Band and food will be provided by An Eye for Catering. Shane Doran, VP of Public Relations for Humanities Foundation, will be on hand to help dedicate the new facility. “Many residents of Laurel Hill have been clamoring for this for years,“ said Doran. “ We are glad to be able to accommodate them.”

Humanities Foundation is a Charleston, SC – based developer of affordable housing with more than 1000 completed units in South Carolina. In addition to development activity in South Carolina, the Foundation continues to expand in other states. Waterford Village, a 96 – unit family community in Staunton, Virginia is nearly complete. Montague Terrace, another 96 – unit development located in Stuart’s Draft, Virginia is also underway and will be completed this fall.

Two other developments are also under way. The Foundation is currently building Regent Park, a 72-unit family development in Columbia, South Carolina which is slated for completion in the fall and Arbor Hill, a 56 unit elderly community in Pineville, Louisiana that will break ground in late summer.

For more information please contact Shane Doran, VP of Public Relations sdoran@humanitiesfoundation.org 843.284.5101 Direct.

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. will be the keynote speaker Friday at the dedication of Grandview Apartments, the newest affordable housing community for elderly residents built on time and under budget by the Humanities Foundation.

The 11 a.m. ceremony will be held at the site of the 72-unit building at 1850 Magwood Road. It is near Grand Oaks Apartments, another senior community constructed by the foundation.

Riley said the City of Charleston is pleased with its collaboration with the foundation and other partners in creating “sustainable, well-designed housing that answers the demand for rental housing in our community.”

Many years ago, the mayor said, the city partnered with the Mount Pleasant-based foundation to construct the nearby Grand Oaks Apartments. “We are pleased that we can serve as a catalyst to build an additional seventy-two rental homes that will have a positive impact on the Magwood corridor,” Riley said. “We commend Humanities Foundation for their vision and hard work to make this development a reality.

Tracy Doran, the foundation’s president, said Grandview, in addition to being architecturally attractive and environmentally sensitive, is near transportation routes, shopping centers and healthcare services in the West Ashley community. “Humanities Foundation looks forward to coordinating with service providers such as Roper St. Francis Hospital to ensure that our senior residents receive social services that will enhance their lives,” she said.

Grandview apartments sit on top of the parking area. As a result, Grandview residents will enjoy covered parking and spectacular views in a pristine area. “We know of no other affordable housing in the area with covered parking,” said Shane Doran, the foundation’s vice president of public relations. “We look forward to presenting this unique development to the community.”

Grandview has been designed with the environment in mind. The foundation has applied for LEED Silver status from the Green Building Council and anticipates that confirmation of LEED Silver status will be granted soon. The LEED certification takes site sustainability, energy and water efficiency, materials, resources, indoor environmental quality, design innovation and other factors into account to make sure a building is built in an environmentally responsible way and is the most popular green building rating system in the world.

In addition to development activity in South Carolina, the foundation continues to expand in other states.

The foundation is currently building Regent Park, a 72-unit family development in Columbia. It is scheduled for completion in the fall.

In other states, the foundation will break ground later this summer for Arbor Hill, a 56-unit elderly community in Pineville, Louisiana. Waterford Village, a 96-unit family community in Staunton, Virginia, is under construction and will be completed this month. Montague Terrace, another 96-unit development in Stuarts Draft, Virginia, will be completed this fall.

“We strive to bring quality and creativity into everything we do, and we are proud to bring high-quality development to a thriving area of Virginia,” Shane Doran said. “Affordable housing is a key component to the health of a growing community, and we are confident that our affordable developments will be well received.”

Affordable-home developer takes state award
Three years after being honored for developing apartments on Daniel Island, a local group has received a top award for its senior housing nearby.

The Mount Pleasant-based Humanities Foundation, which specializes in affordable housing, brought home the 2010 South Carolina Housing Achievement award for Housing Development.

Bestowing the award was the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority. The presentation took place Feb. 17 in Columbia at the 16th annual Palmetto Affordable Housing Forum.

The foundation was singled out for Seven Farms Village, a 42-unit affordable housing community for seniors. The village is located on Daniel Island, which is in the city of Charleston. Seven Farms Village is also a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified community.

“We are very grateful to receive this prestigious award,” says Tracy Doran, the foundation’s executive director. “We are very proud of Seven Farms Village.”

The foundation won the Housing Development of the Year award once before, in 2007 for 72-unit Seven Farms apartments, also on Daniel Island.

Seven Farms Village is the latest development completed by the Humanities Foundation.

The foundation has developed a number of other projects in the Charleston area, elsewhere in South Carolina and in other states.

It is currently involved in Regent Park, a 72-unit family development in Columbia, which is slated for completion in the fall.

The foundation is developing Waterford Village, a 96-unit family community in Staunton, Va., that should be completed by July. Montague Terrace, also 96 units, is being built in Stuart’s Draft, Va., and is expected to be wrapped up this fall.

And Arbor Hill, a 56-unit community for the elderly in Pineville, La., should break ground in late summer.

“Affordable housing is a key component to the health of a growing community and we are confident that our affordable developments will be well received,” says Shane Doran, vice president of public relations.

For more information, contact Shane Doran at sdoran@humanitiesfoundation.org or at (843) 284-5101.

The Foundation has won the Award previously. Seven Farms Apartments, a sister development of Seven Farms Village, won the award in 2007.

Wide Open – Elevators, covered parking spotlight affordable new seniors complex in West Ashley

By Jim Parker jparker@postandcourier.com

Saturday, March 5, 2011

It’s one of the first things you notice at Grandview Apartments.
The mid-rise has a ground-floor parking garage, so residents can get in and out of their cars in dry comfort.
“You don’t have to get wet,” says Gloria Ricoma, property manager.

The 72-unit Grandview Apartments opened recently off Magwood Road. The complex provides affordable housing for seniors.

A nice perk, for sure. But covered parking is by no means the sole convenience in the affordable, 72-apartment-home village for seniors, located off Magwood Road west of the Ashley.

Developed by the non-profit Humanities Foundation, the new complex is geared toward residents ages 55 and older with incomes of no more than 50 to 60 percent of the median figure in metro Charleston.

Roomy elevators carry people up and down flights in the complex, which has three occupied stories. Screened-in porches are found at the ends of the halls on each floor. Seniors can spend time in a community room with big-screen TV, crafts room, exercise center, workout room, parlor and card room.

“I think they are going to be well-used” as places to socialize, says Shane Doran, vice president of public relations for Charleston-based Humanities Foundation.

Grandview offers both one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Grandview offers one-bedroom, one bath and two-bedroom, two bath floor plans. The 48 single-bedroom apartments are 716 square feet each; and the 24 two-bedroom designs are each 922 square feet. Rents start at $500 per month for the one-bedroom models and $598 for the two-bedroom styles.

Each of the apartment homes is crafted with attractive features, such as balconies, sunrooms, large living rooms and refrigerator, stove and dishwasher in the open kitchens.

Doran says the property’s chief allures are “the views and the walk-ability of the site.”

The apartments’ wide windows overlook woods, neighboring green spaces and Magwood Road. As a result of the ground level garage, all of the units are a floor higher than they ordinarily would be. In other words, the third floor is really four stories up in the air.

Well-placed elevators and a “good, efficient design” by Columbia-based Connelly Builders make it easy to move around the complex, Doran says.

Grandview has drawn interest right off. Completed just last month, the $9 million complex has secured tenants for about 60 percent of the units, Ricoma says.

Refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers and hardwood cabinets are standard in the kitchens.

“We moved in 15 people over the weekend,” Doran says.

Leases are typically one year and can include a $35 application fee, security deposit of $250 and up and a $100 deposit to reserve an apartment. The property has an on-site leasing agent, Crystal Rivers.

The location is well-suited for seniors, less than a mile from Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital off Glenn McConnell Parkway and close to shops, eateries and stores, Doran says.

Grandview Apartments is situated a few hundred yards from a sister property, the existing 42-unit Grand Oak Apartments -– which likewise is an affordable rental complex for seniors.

The Humanities Foundation has grown over the years to where it has more than 1,000 rental units under ownership in 17 properties.

In the Charleston area, the foundation developed The Shires, Shady Grove, Grand Oak and Grandview in West Ashley; Rutledge Place and North Central downtown; Sea Island on Johns Island; and Seven Farms Apartments and Seven Farms Village on Daniel Island.

The new 72-unit Seven Farms Village has 709-square-foot garden apartment homes starting at $500 a month. It’s energy efficient: the complex is the first LEED for Homes Gold multi-family development in South Carolina, Doran says.

The foundation has also branched out to Port Royal and Orangeburg and more recently out-of-state to Staunton, Va., and Pineview, La.

The exercise and activity room is an amenity at Grandview Apartments, which is about 60 percent leased.

Throughout its holdings, the Humanities Foundation prides itself on constructing high-quality apartments that nonetheless are affordable. For instance, the foundation chose to include covered parking at Grandview even though it is unusual locally outside of the flood-prone city peninsula.

“I think it turned out great,” Doran says.

To reach Grandview Apartments from downtown Charleston, cross the Ashley River Bridge and steer right onto St. Andrews Boulevard (S.C. Highway 61). Follow the highway, which becomes Ashley River Road, across Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. Stay right, past the Glenn McConnell Highway turn off. A couple of blocks after the Interstate 526 overpass, take a left on Magwood Road. Pass by Grand Oak. On the right is Grandview Apartments.

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2011/mar/05/gndviewapt/

Community: Grandview Apartments
Location: Charleston County
Phone: (843) 571-5225
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday
Website: www.humanitiesfoundation.org
Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542.

Copyright © 1995 - 2011 Evening Post Publishing Co..

The newly opened Seven Farms Village, an affordable housing complex for seniors on Daniel Island, is now an award-winning community. The Humanities Foundation facility has earned the first LEED gold certification for a multi-family development in the history of the state of South Carolina. The designation, the highest offered by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building certification system, recognizes the property’s site sustainability, energy and water efficiency, eco-friendly materials and resources, indoor environmental air quality, design innovation, and more.

"Everything really came together on this one," said Shane Doran, vice president of public relations for the Humanities Foundation. "We are very proud of this development. It may well be our best yet."

The complex has 42 apartments, each offering a number of "green" features. For example, all light fixtures are Energy Star rated or include the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs, stale air within units is exhausted throughout the day to allow fresh air to enter, low flow faucets and showerheads reduce water waste, and cabinets are made from bamboo, a rapidly renewable product by LEED standards. Residents, who began moving into the facility last December, are expected to save about $400 a year in utility costs.

"The energy efficiency is a real plus," added Doran. "It is really exciting to see concrete results so soon. I’ve had more than one resident comment about how low their first electric bill is. It makes a big difference to someone on a fixed income. The utility savings will really enhance the lives of our residents."
In addition, each unit is expected to save 4,000 gallons of water per year, or 168,000 gallons of water per year for the entire building. For the Humanities Foundation, that means savings on utilities for common areas, as well as for the cost of water it provides to residents.

"I can’t wait to have a full year of data on our utility costs to compare Seven Farms to other developments," added Pete Harper, chief financial officer for the Humanities Foundation. "We remain confident that we will see significant savings that will go right to the bottom line."

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED rating system is the internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. Seven Farms Village is located adjacent to Seven Farms Apartments, another Humanities Foundation affordable housing complex, at the intersection of Seven Farms Drive and Daniel Island Drive. For additional information, visit the Humanities Foundation website at www.humanitiesfoundation.org.

Expansion into Louisiana fits the long term goals of the Foundation. “This is an important step toward our goal to become a regional affordable housing developer throughout the South,” said Tracy Doran, President of Humanities Foundation. “We are very excited about this opportunity.” Pineville Louisiana is home to Louisiana College and is part of the Alexandria MSA; the town has 45,000 people and serves as a hub for Central Louisiana. Construction of Arbor Hill should begin within six months.

Elizabeth Bush - The Daniel Island News

Humanities Foundation project receives warm reviews

As Edwina Stanley walked into the gleaming new kitchen with recycled glass countertops and bamboo cabinets, her eyes lit up like a child on Christmas morning.

"It’s overwhelming!" said the 69 year-old from North Carolina, who was among the first to sign and complete her paperwork to move into a unit in the recently completed Seven Farms Village, a Daniel Island affordable housing complex for senior citizens. "…It is absolutely awesome! I have never been so thrilled."

"I am proud that we are able to provide 42 sustainable apartments to senior citizens in our community, and that they will be able to enjoy them this holiday season," said Tracy Doran, president of the Humanities Foundation, in her opening remarks.

Doran thanked several partners who worked with the Humanities Foundation to see the project through to its completion. Funding for the $5.5 million project came from City of Charleston HOME Funds, the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program and the Tax Credit Assistance Program), the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, The Richman Group Affordable Housing Corporation, and the Lowcountry Housing Trust.

"These are challenging times in the affordable housing industry," added Dale Saunders, executive director of the Lowcountry Housing Trust, of the difficulty in obtaining funding for projects like Seven Farms Village. "Not only does it take time and money and dedication to successfully develop affordable housing, it takes a vision, tenacity and a clear sense of purpose…The Humanities Foundation has once again demonstrated leadership, commitment and character in addressing the needs of senior citizens…A job well done!"

"Some of the finest home sites in the region are here on Daniel Island…and we have some smaller homes for smaller families and their children," said Riley. "But we wanted to make sure that people of modest resources have the ability to live on Daniel Island, too…What you want in the community is a sense of sharing and togetherness…Today is continued wonderful progress and evolution of this great neighborhood."

One of the most highly touted features of the complex is its environmental sustainability. The apartments feature energy-efficient doors, windows, kitchen appliances and plumbing fixtures – all of which could save tenants some $400 a year in utility costs. Seven Farms Village anticipates being the highest ranking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Homes Gold Certified multi-family development in North and South Carolina.

"It is a triumphant day," said Valerie Williams, executive director of the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Corporation. "With this project, they will not only have a great design, but it is energy-efficient. What person could not use some extra dollars in their pocket that they can use towards another need that they might have? This is a great thing that the (Humanities Foundation) has done."

"It really is unlike most affordable housing that we see these days," said McCauley, who traveled from Connecticut to take part in the dedication ceremony. "….It’s just a beautiful project. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, in this case, it takes a village to raise a village. There are lots of folks in this room and elsewhere that contributed a lot of hard time and lots of funds to make this project happen….We’re just thrilled to be a part of it."

"So far so good," he said. "Everything is so well done!"

"…For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn."

Apartments in Seven Farms Village are still available. For more information, stop by the leasing office at 305 Seven Farms Apartments, or call the Property Manager at (843) 856-1436.

Marilyn Price, 71, was looking forward to an affordable place of her own after living with her daughter for the last two years.

Mary Broderick, 70, of Huger, just wanted to find a smaller home without a yard to take care of.

Larry Salley, 65, of West Ashley, needed a handicapped-accessible and updated space.

All of them plan to move into Seven Farms Village Apartments, an affordable senior citizens community, by the first of the year.

Larry Salley, 65, of West Ashley attends the dedication of Seven Farms, a 42-unit senior apartment complex, on Wednesday. Salley plans to move to the Daniel Island complex after Christmas.

Price planned to move into the 42-unit community just a day after the Humanities Foundation dedicated the new complex on Daniel Island Dec. 8. The Daniel Island complex was scheduled to open in the fall of 2011, said Don Cameron, president of Charleston Housing Authority, but contractor Connelly Builders completed the project in just nine months.

"This is a national model of how you do it," said Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, adding that the affordable building project was a complicated process.

Eight entities were involved in funding its construction, including the Daniel Island Development group that sold the property, Riley said during a dedication of the Daniel Island complex.

The complex is one of two new senior complexes the Humanities Foundation is building in Charleston where rent will be based on income. The second, the 72-unit Grandview Apartments in West Ashley is expected to open in February. The Humanities Foundation received $3.5 million through a Tax Credit Assistance Program as part of the federal stimulus package and garnered funds from the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority, Charleston Home Program, the city Housing Authority, the Lowcountry Housing Trust, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and The Richman Group.

Rich McCauley, vice president of The Richman Group, said people say it takes a village to raise a child. "It takes a village to raise a village," he said.

Construction was Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified, meaning the apartments are green and energy efficient, so seniors should find the cost of utilities affordable due to energy-saving appliances and construction, Riley said.

Those features should save residents about $400 a year when compared with traditional construction, said Michael Mansson, Humanities Foundation LEED AP Development & Sustainability Manager. He said the project will be registered with the U.S. Green Building Council as the highest-ranking LEED Gold multifamily homes in South or North Carolina.

The Daniel Island project was $5.5 million, and about 6 percent of that cost went toward making it LEED compliant, Mansson said. Energy cost savings would pay for the upgraded features in one year, he said.

The complex, just steps away from Seven Farms Apartments, a low- income apartment complex and also a Humanities Foundation project, would also give the island a wider array of housing, Riley said.

Managers expected the building to be full by the end of the month. For more information on the application process, contact Gary Scott at: 284-5140.

Reach Jessica Miller at 937-5921.

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/dec/13/moving-to-seven-farms/

Humanities Foundation Announces Completion of Environmentally Sustainable Housing on Daniel Island 

A dedication ceremony will held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, for Seven Farms Village, a 42-unit affordable community for senior citizens on Daniel Island. The new development is near the Foundation’s existing Seven Farms Apartments.

Seven Farms Village is one of two apartment communities for seniors the Foundation is building in the Charleston area. The second development, the 72-unit Grandview Apartments on Magwood Road, adjacent to the Foundation’s existing Grand Oak Apartments in West Ashley, is expected to open February 2011.

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. will give the keynote address. “The City of Charleston is proud to support the Humanities Foundation in their continuing effort to provide well-designed, safe, decent and affordable housing for senior residents in our community,” Riley said. “We commend the Humanities Foundation for their tireless efforts to provide housing and are especially proud of this development as Humanities Foundation seeks LEED Gold Certification in the construction and design of this property.”

The two developments, which total more than $14 million in development cost, have received more than $3.5 million in Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP) funding. The TCAP program is administered by the South Carolina State Housing, Finance and Development Authority and was financed through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, enacted by Congress to create jobs and promote investment.

Since 1992, the Foundation has constructed more than 1,200 apartment units to meet the growing need for affordable housing. The developments have added more than $125 million in new construction to the economies of South Carolina and Virginia.

 Construction also is expected to start this winter on Regent Park Apartments, a 72-unit family development in Columbia, S.C. This project, combined with the Virginia developments, comprise a total cost of approximately $31 million.

Press Release

The Humanities Foundation, a builder for the past two decades of affordable housing for families in the South, has expanded into Virginia with plans to provide 192 energy-efficient apartments at two sites in the Shenandoah Valley by the end of next year.

Construction of Waterford Village in Staunton, Va., which began earlier this summer, is expected to be completed by April 2011. In the winter, work is expected to begin on Montague Terrace in Augusta County, Va., Montague Terrace is slated to open in late 2011.

Both apartment communities with a total cost of $22.8 million are being financed through tax credits. This financing method is a common way of funding affordable housing developments. Typically, corporate investors buy the tax credits at a discount to face value, and the money gained from selling the credits is used to fund construction.

While the construction industry across the nation has been slowed by the recession, the Humanities Foundation is in a unique position. It is building two affordable housing communities in Virginia where both projects are expected to create about 120 construction jobs in Staunton and Augusta County.

Tracy Doran, the foundation’s president, said “We have targeted Virginia as an excellent growth opportunity that fits our overall strategy for a regional presence in the South.

“Augusta County is a growing, business-friendly community with a relatively low unemployment rate,” she said. “We are pleased to be able to provide first-class workforce housing to help the Staunton area continue to thrive even in these difficult times.”

Dennis Burnett, economic development director for Augusta County, said, “Waterford Village brings a welcome boost to the Augusta County economy. Construction projects of this magnitude create an upshot for local employment including our skilled trades. Sustainable construction creates new opportunities for the workforce to demonstrate our ability to contribute to the overall success of affordable housing.

“With both Waterford Village and Montague Terrace receiving the green light to proceed, we welcome the Humanities Foundation to Augusta County,” he said. “The addition of affordable housing remains complimentary to the county’s comprehensive plan, and we have found the development team committed to both detail and meeting the evolving needs of County residents.”

Both communities in Virginia will have energy efficient appliances, doors, windows and heating and cooling systems. Waterford Village, Doran said, “will be first class in every way and will be the most energy-efficient multi-family community in Augusta County. Additionally, the architectural features and landscaping are quite compelling. We are confident that many folks will want to make Waterford Village their home.”

The foundation is seeking to expand beyond the Carolinas and Virginia with housing projects in Louisiana and Texas.
Since 1992, the Charleston, S.C.-based foundation has built more than 1,000 apartment units valued at more than $100 million. The foundation also has constructed affordable housing projects in Port Royal in Beaufort County, South Carolina, and Orangeburg, South Carolina.

In addition to building affording housing in South Carolina, the foundation also offers a program called ShelterNet. It helps families and individuals who have suffered a crisis or setback by providing emergency financial assistance to enable them to stay in their homes or to prevent the loss of essential utility services such as gas, power or water.

Waterford Village at a glance
Staunton, Va.
· 96 Units
· 48 - 2 bedroom/2 bathroom (1,090 sq ft each)
· 48 - 3 bedroom/2 bathroom (1,206 sq ft each)
· Sustainable Initiatives: Eartchcraft Certified
· Property Size: 12 Acres
· Overall Project Cost: $12,274,866
Funding Sources
Equity: Boston Capital
Construction: Bank of America
Architect: Winks Snowa Architects
Civil Engineer: Perkins & Orrison
Contractor: HK Jordan

Montague Terrace at a glance
Augusta County, Va.
· 96 Units
· 56 - 2 bedroom/2 bathroom (1,084 sq ft each)
· 40 - 3 bedroom/2 bathroom (1200 sq ft each)
· Sustainable Initiatives: Eartchcraft Certified
· Property Size: 4.8 acres
· Overall Project Cost: $10,490,935
Funding Sources
Equity: TBD
Construction/Perm: Not yet determined
Architect: Winks Snowa Architects
Civil Engineer: Perkins & Orrison
Contractor: Not yet determined