Valacia Apartments in Gering, Nebraska was today announced as the 2016 Most Improved Project of the Year by the Multi-Family Housing Program at USDA Rural Development. Scottsbluff Housing Authority owns and manages the apartments.
USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul presented the Scottsbluff Housing Authority with a plaque at the apartments and offered her personal congratulations to the award recipients. Helping to honor the Scottsbluff Housing Authority for Valacia Apartments at the presentation were board members, family, tenants, and others.
Valacia Apartments is a 24 unit elderly housing project. The property was approved for a Multi-Family Housing Preservation and Revitalization Program (MPR) rehabilitation/repair loan and debt deferral. This funding was combined with Nebraska Department Economic Development funds to make the needed improvements to the apartments.
Valacia Apartments received new windows, siding, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, all new appliances, water heaters, flooring, exterior and interior doors, electrical updates and smoke alarms. The community and laundry rooms were also remodeled. The community room received new kitchen cabinets, furniture, and flooring along with remodeled bathrooms. The complex has a new exterior sign and exterior lighting. With all these upgrades made, the apartments are much more marketable.
“During the rehabilitation of the apartments, the tenants were not displaced and the rehabilitation work was completed very timely,” said Multi-Family Housing Specialist Cindy Ross. “The tenants were very thankful that they did not have to move out during the rehabilitation of their apartments and they really enjoy their new upgraded units. They cannot believe the difference in the property since their units have been remodeled as well as the community and laundry rooms.”
Nancy Bentley is the Executive Director of Scottsbluff Housing Authority. Susan Schmidt is the manager of Valacia Apartments. They have a great relationship with the tenants. Scottsbluff Housing Authority has maintained 100% occupancy during the last several years at Valacia Apartments. Their management always provides reports and information in a prompt manner.
For more information on the Multi-Family Housing programs, contact Cindy Ross at (308) 534-2360 ext. 131 or at Cynthia.Ross@ne.usda.gov.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s 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. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.