May 10 2010
Representatives from federal, state and local government joined Enterprise Homes, Inc. and partners Wayland Baptist Church CDC and Bon Secours Baltimore Health System to break ground for Wayland Village Senior Apartments in West Baltimore. Wayland Village will feature 89 affordable rental apartments for low- and moderate-income seniors and for disabled adults.
The new senior building, located one block from the Wayland Baptist Church on Garrison Boulevard, will be designed and built to meet the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria, the first national standard in green affordable housing. Wayland Village Senior Apartments will also meet the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ standards.
"Wayland Village Senior Apartments is a $14.2 million facility that will be home to 89 seniors and disabled individuals," said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. "Today, as we break ground for this new housing development, we should take pride in the fact that we are taking care of our seniors and at the same time making sure that their new homes are built using the newest green technology."
Green features at Wayland Village Senior Apartments include energy-efficient appliances, lighting and HVAC systems; water-saving fixtures; a reflective roof; and healthy building materials such as low-VOC paint and "green" label carpet. The transit-oriented development is located steps from public transportation, allowing residents to shop and travel without a car.
"We are proud to partner with two faith-based organizations -- Bon Secours and Wayland Baptist Church -- to meet the critical need for affordable senior housing in West Baltimore," said Christine Madigan, senior vice president, Enterprise Homes, Inc. "These green homes are healthy for residents and the environment, and will improve residents' quality of life while reducing operating and utility expenses. We truly appreciate the commitment of our partners in bringing quality housing to people who need it most in these challenging economic times."
Financing for Wayland Village Senior Apartments is provided by JP Morgan, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development. Enterprise Community Investment, Inc. provided a low-income housing tax credit equity investment and permanent debt financing. The Enterprise Community Loan Fund provided a predevelopment loan. Enterprise Community Partners provided an Enterprise Green Communities grant for the development.
The four-story building will consist of 72 one-bedroom and 17 two-bedroom units, plus one apartment for a live-in maintenance staff person. Wayland Village will feature a brick exterior that fits within the context of the neighborhood and compliments the facade of the library across the street. Its overall design was inspired by the former Woodland Hall Hotel that once occupied the site.
"Wayland Village continues a long tradition of Bon Secours' mission of providing 'Good Help' to those in need," said Dr. Samuel Ross, CEO of Bon Secours Baltimore Health System, a sponsor and developer of the building. "We are thrilled to continue this important work with our long-standing partner, Enterprise Homes, and to establish a new partnership with Wayland Baptist Church."
The Wayland Village Senior Apartments contains a wide array of features: two elevators, controlled access entry, an activity room with a kitchen, a computer center with free internet access, laundry facilities, lounges and a hospitality suite. The apartments range in size from 673 to 1,100 square feet. Each apartment includes a fully-equipped kitchen with a pass through to the open living and dining room area, a large walk-in closet, ceramic tile-surround bath enclosure, carpeting and vinyl flooring.
"Wayland Village Senior Apartments is the God-given vision of the members of Wayland Baptist Church conceptualized more than 50 years past," said Dr. Hoffman F. Brown, III, chair WBC Community Development Corporation. "Having an affordable, attractive and safe place to live for our 'seasoned saints' is the cornerstone to what I believe will be a renaissance for the northwest corridor of our city. We are appreciative to every official and every agency that supported this project, but we stand in awe of the potent providence of God for this manifested blessing."
The property manager for Wayland Senior Village will be the Whetstone Company. In conjunction with Bon Secours, Wayland Baptist Church and WBC Community Development Corporation, the Whetstone Company will coordinate referrals for seniors to service organizations, including health care facilities, the local senior center, social and activity clubs, churches and educational institutions.
Source: http://www.enterprisecommunity.org/