Previously Published in Affordable Housing Finance, September 20, 2018

West Turner Residences—shows how communities can bring together healthcare and affordable housing to meet the needs of elderly residents—is the overall winner in Affordable Housing Finance’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards for the nation’s top developments.

The unique 61-unit development was created by a partnership of Pennrose Properties, an experienced affordable housing developer, and Sacred Heart Hospital (now St. Luke’s Hospital) in Allentown, PA.

The team built a development that provides one- and two-bedroom homes for seniors earning no more than 20 percent, 50 percent, and 60 percent of the area median income. In addition, the first floor of the building has approximately 6,000 square feet of space, which the hospital plans to use for geriatric, physical therapy and other senior-focused medical programs. The health center allows seniors to receive medical attention without going to the hospital. These services will be available to both building residents and others in the community.

For the hospital, the housing development is an opportunity to serve more people in the community. It was also a meaningful way to revitalize a blighted block and improve the neighborhood. To build West Turner Residences, the team acquired close to 45 parcels from absentee landlords and others through private purchases and eminent domain.

Formerly known as Sacred Heart Residences, the development is also innovative in its design. It’s one of the first developments in Pennsylvania designed to meet Passive House standards, rigorous criteria for energy efficiency that results in buildings that require little energy for heating and cooling. This keeps utility costs low and makes units more affordable to residents.

The $16.9 million project leveraged approximately $12 million in LIHTCs syndicated by Hudson Housing Capital. JPMorgan Chase provided permanent and bridge loans. Other partners include Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, American Bank, the city of Allentown, Allentown Housing Authority and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

This year’s 14th annual Readers’ Choice Awards competition drew 153 entries, from which 36 finalists were selected. Newsletter and magazine subscribers then voted for the winners in each category plus an overall winner. An Editors’ Choice winner was also selected.

Other winners include:

  • Family: Mercy Othello Plaza in Seattle by Mercy Housing Northwest
  • Green: Hillcrest Residences in Pittsburgh by The Community Builders
  • Historic Rehab: Bell Artspace Campus in New Orleans by Artspace Projects and Providence Community Housing
  • Mixed-Use: Sibley Square in Rochester, NY, by WinnCompanies
  • Preservation: Portner Flats in Washington, DC, by Jonathan Rose Cos. and Somerset Development Co.
  • Public Housing Redevelopment: Renaissance Square in San Juan, Puerto Rico, by McCormack Baron Salazar
  • Rural: Proctor’s Landing in Lawrence County, OH, by PIRHL and Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization
  • Special-Needs: Sheakley Center for Youth in Cincinnati by Model Group and Lighthouse Youth & Family Services
  • Urban: Woodlawn Station in Chicago by Preservation of Affordable Housing
  • Editors’ Choice: The Residences at Career Gateway in Columbus, OH, by The NRP Group and Community Development for All People

The winners will be recognized at AHF Live: The 2018 Affordable Housing Developers Summit, November 12-14, in Chicago.