Families living in Cantonment, Florida, need not look farther than their own community for affordable rental housing. Today’s unveiling of renovations and upgrades to Wild Oak Farm Apartments offered a glimpse inside the 107-unit property in Escambia County.
Built in 1984, the apartment community located at 850 U.S. Highway 29 North, features 26 one-bedroom and 81 two-bedroom units. A $10,094,221 financing package, which include a USDA Rural Development 515 loan for $800,000, made the renovations possible. Improvements included new roofs, windows, doors, HVAC systems, stoves, refrigerators, water heaters and kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The property features three new playgrounds and picnic areas, a new laundry room with energy star washers/dryers, a new community room area with library and computer area, and a car care cleaning area. The leasing office, parking and common areas are fully handicap accessible and sidewalks have been installed for fully accessible paths to all units. Additionally, a new video camera security system has been installed.
“A safe, affordable place to call home is vital to strengthening families and communities, and quality housing means peace of mind for residents as well,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Richard Machek at Tuesday’s dedication ceremony.
President Obama's historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.