Income eligible families living in three Central Florida communities need not look far to find affordable rental housing. Today’s unveiling of renovations and upgrades to three apartment complexes offered glimpses of improvements both inside the units and the common areas as well. With original construction dating back to the early and mid-1980’s, Rolling Hills and Hillside apartments in Dunnellon, Oakbrook Villas in Belleview, and Pearl Lane Apartments in Umatilla are sporting a new look today thanks to renovations made possible through financing by USDA Rural Development, Florida Housing Finance Corporation and Fifth Third Community Development Corporation.
On hand for ribbon cutting ceremonies at all three sites were local community and elected leaders, apartment residents and USDA Rural Development officials including USDA Deputy Administrator, Multi-Family Housing, Bryan Hooper and Rural Development Florida State Director Richard A. Machek. “A safe, affordable place to call home is the foundation for strengthening families and communities,” said Deputy Administrator Hooper. “All individuals, from the very youngest to our most elderly, deserve quality housing that brings means peace of mind and a sense of community.”
Improvements to all complexes include Green Building Features and Energy Star products, new roofs, windows, doors, HVAC systems, stoves, refrigerators, water heaters and kitchen cabinets. The properties feature picnic areas, a new laundry room with energy star washers/dryers and a new community room area with library and computer 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.
Rolling Hills and Hillside apartments feature 10 one-bedroom and 57 two-bedroom units. Renovations were made possible by a $6,007,173 financing package, which includes a USDA Rural Development 515 Loan for $690,000. Oakbrook Villas features 11 one-bedroom, 23 two-bedroom, and 8 three-bedroom units. A $3,890,848 financing package, which includes a USDA Rural Development 515 Loan for $1,111,000 made the renovations possible. Pearl Lane Apartments, an elderly community, features 30 one-bedroom units and 4 two-bedroom units. Renovations were made possible through a $3,704,927 financing package, which includes a $425,000 USDA Rural Development 515 Loan.
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.