A new 60-unit, LEED certified building for low-income residents and veterans in Willimantic, Conn., that was designed by famed architect Robert Stern, opened last week.
The $14 million Cedarwoods is the second Connecticut project by affordable housing developer, Common Ground, and it is the first LEED certified affordable housing development in eastern Connecticut.
Common Ground was joined by Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy and other partners at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Cedarwoods.
“At Common Ground, our work mainly focuses on New York City, but we were thrilled to expand our efforts in Connecticut when officials approached us with a need for greater affordablehousing resources within the state. We are delighted to bring this sustainable and attractive building to the Willimantic community,” said Brenda Rosen, executive director of Common Ground.
“Cedarwoods fills an important need for low-income housing for families in Willimantic, as well as offering the supportive services that can be life-changing for veterans andpeople who might otherwise be homeless,” said Eric Chatman, president & executive director of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.
Cedarwoods, located on Cameo Drive two miles outside of downtown Willimantic, has 60 one-bedroom units for low-income working adults, veterans and households at risk of homelessness. The units are approximately 700 s/f and rents are affordable for individuals with incomes ranging from 25% to 60% of the Area Median Income.
To promote energy efficiency, Cedarwoods has an ultra-insulated building envelope, high-performance boilers, efficient light and plumbing fixtures and Energy Star appliances in all units.
Cedarwoods sits on a 19-acre wooded site overlooking 10 acres of wetlands that have been protected in perpetuity as part of this project.
The building features support services from United Services and amenities, including a fitness room, multipurpose room, laundry room, 24-hour security, bike storage, on-site parking and a computer lab. The general contractor for Cedarwoods was the Larosa Building Group.
Financing for the project was provided by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, the Connecticut Department of Housing, Common Ground and the National Equity Fund. Financing and subsidies also came from the allocation of Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Tax Credits Assistance Program (part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) and the Housing Tax Credit Contribution Program. Equity investments were also made by Connecticut Light & Power.
