September 21, 2010
New energy-efficient facility will provide job training, after school programs for residents
(LAKEWOOD, Colo.) – Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) has awarded Metro West Housing Solutions over $900,000 in Recovery Act funds to help build a new resident services facility at Maplewood Apartments, an affordable housing community in Lakewood, Colo. The facility will provide Maplewood’s more than 300 low and moderate income residents access to:
· Job training,
· Adult education classes,
· After school programs,
· A computer lab, and
· Fitness center.
The 2,600 square foot facility is part of Metro West Housing Solution’s over $15 million renovation to Maplewood Apartments, which began in September 2008 and also included design and energy efficiency improvements to Maplewood’s 132 resident units. The resident services facility is designed to use solar and thermal energy, with the goal of net-zero energy usage.
"The Recovery Act is all about creating jobs and investing in our communities. Construction of this facility will create jobs now that can’t be outsourced and will be a model of energy efficiency. In addition to saving money on utility costs this facility will help provide new opportunities for residents and strengthen our community," stated U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07).
Maplewood Apartments was purchased by Metro West Housing Solutions in 2008 to provide housing to families and individuals earning less than 60 percent Area Medium Income, or $45,540 annually for a family of four. The concept for the resident services facility was born out of Metro West Housing Solution’s desire to remove the property’s swimming pool and replace it with amenities and services that would provide year-round, meaningful benefits to residents.
Maplewood Apartments qualified for Recovery Act funding through the Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP). TCAP was created by Congress to support the construction and preservation of affordable housing and spur jobs. Colorado received $27.3 million in TCAP funding, which is administered by CHFA. To date, CHFA has allocated Colorado’s TCAP funds to 16 affordable housing developments across Colorado supporting 1,184 units.
"Metro West Housing Solutions has shown great innovation in their design of the new resident services facility at Maplewood Apartments," said Cris White, CHFA executive director and CEO. "We are very excited about the energy efficiency features they’ve incorporated, and believe the services provided will bring added benefit to the residents’ lives."
For more information about Maplewood Apartments, contact Metro West Housing Solutions at 303.987.7580.
