State Agency Recognizes achievements in Affordable Housing at Statewide Conference

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority honored two organizations for their impact on affordable housing at a Statewide Conference on Affordable Housing and Community Economic Development last Friday, September 21. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing were presented to the Villages at Mill Crossing by The Community Builders, Inc. and to Hoosier Place by Quality Housing Development, Inc.

Quality Housing Development, Inc. received the Rural Project Excellence Award for Hoosier Place, an affordable housing development located in Union City.  The Community Builders, Inc. received the Urban Project Excellence Award for their Villages at Mill Crossings redevelopment project located in Indianapolis.

“This statewide conference is about growing Indiana’s economy through affordable housing anchored in stable communities,” said Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, who gave the keynote address at the awards luncheon.  “Both of these organizations have made exceptional contributions to the communities they serve and we are pleased to honor them.”

Hoosier Place is a beautifully rehabilitated historic school building built in 1920.  It contains more than thirty energy-efficient housing units for seniors. The local area agency on aging provides care management services to the project, giving seniors the option to age in their own community. The development not only benefits the senior population, but the community as a whole. Throughout the rehabilitation process, the Quality Housing Development Inc. was able to preserve the auditorium and gymnasium.  The space serves as the local senior center, as well as a community center for the school and the local theatre group.

“We are very very proud to be honored with this award. It not only represents our hard work but also the hard work and support of our community,” said Sally Harker, Vice President of Housing for Quality Housing Development Inc. “This project would not have been possible without the support of the Randolph Eastern School Corp. and Union City, as well as our partners in the project – Old National Bank, IHCDA, Federal Home Loan Bank, and Maxwell Construction.”

Villages at Mill Crossing is a $36 million combined development of both renovated and new housing.  This project consists of almost 400 affordable rental units.  The renovations included demolishing a deteriorated unit and replacing it with new affordable units.  These additional apartment buildings in the neighborhood also were redeveloped. Through this project, neglected and poorly operated properties were updated and replaced with new brick buildings. The newly renovated communities were created with individual entrances opening onto attractive streetscapes and walkable sidewalks as a way of encouraging tenants to take ownership of their neighborhoods.

“This project is bringing mixed-income families back to the Meadows neighborhood and will have a significant impact on the community that lives there for years to come,” said Tim Schalk, Senior Project Manager. “We are thrilled that it has been recognized statewide and are honored to receive this award.”

The winners were selected by a panel of judges with expertise in the housing and community economic development fields. Nominees were judged based upon their impact, initiative, collaboration, and financial soundness and creativity in furthering the community economic development movement in Indiana. The Indiana Builders’ Association sponsors the Rural Award, and the Indiana Association of Realtors sponsors the Urban Award.

Source: Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority Press Release