Tubman housing work to start in spring

A senior living facility on the citys south side will be renovated this spring and could see more renovations in the future.

The city has extended the completion date of a renovation project using federal HOME loan funds at Tubman Towers, 17 W. Johnson Ave.

The renovations will be completed this spring, according to Lutheran Social Services, which owns the property.

The city agreed to the approximately $216,000 loan last May but extended the completion date of the project until the end of the year. City commissioners unanimously approved the amendment as part of an emergency ordinance Tuesday.

The money will be used to install a new roof, gutters, replacement windows and exterior siding in designated areas at the 99-unit senior living facility. Four of the units will be designated as HOME floating units.

Lutheran Social Services applied for federal housing tax credits through the Ohio Housing Financial Agency to serve low- to moderate-income families each of the last two years but were turned down both times. They plan to submit another application this spring, according to Rick Davis, the vice president for operations for Lutheran Social Services.

Although we fell a few points short last year, we continue to receive incredible local support from the city of Springfield and the residents of Tubman Towers moving forward, and we anticipate a successful outcome this funding cycle, Davis said in an e-mail.

The organization is planning a $4 million renovation, including updating all 32 studio apartments in the four-story building as well as updates to the community room and laundry areas. If approved, those renovations will begin in 2015.

It will be beneficial to the entire community, said Shannon Meadows, the citys community development director. Capital investment within neighborhoods is always beneficial.

The HOME installment loan will be repaid over a 25-year period with a two-percent interest rate. Lutheran Social Services must also comply with all U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations during the 15-year affordability period.

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Tubman housing work to start in spring