Construction Begins on Gini’s House – a $7.2 Million Development That Will Bring 18 Supportive Housing Units to Norwalk
Community leaders and project partners joined today to celebrate the
start of construction on Gini’s House, an affordable supportive housing
development in Norwalk that will bring 18 quality one-and two-bedroom
apartments to the Norwalk community.
The $7.2 million project is a substantial rehabilitation of a vacant
four-story building previously used as a skilled nursing facility. The
building will be completely redesigned to incorporate a new interior
layout including an elevator, all new mechanical and electrical systems,
roof replacement, new windows and exterior siding.
Once construction is complete in spring of 2014, Gini’s House will
consist of 17 two-bedroom and 1 one-bedroom residential units. Amenities
include central air conditioning, refrigerators, ranges, furnished
units, security cameras, security staffing, an exercise room and a
community room with computers and Internet access.
The property will also house on-site case management offices and support
services for the residents that include education, job training and
employment assistance. Additional support services will be provided to
residents with special needs who are formerly homeless or at risk of
becoming homeless.
“Safe and affordable housing for our workforce, the elderly, and our
most vulnerable individuals and families is crucial to a healthy state
economy and specifically to a diverse, stable workforce,” said
Connecticut Commissioner of Housing Evonne M. Klein. “And when combined
with the on-site services that are integral to Gini’s House, this
project promises to provide an example of what truly supportive housing
looks like.”
New Neighborhoods, Inc. (NNI), a Stamford-based nonprofit developer, is
general co-partner and property manager for the project. Liberation
Programs, a Norwalk-based behavioral health organization, is also a
general partner and will be the service provider for the project.
Enterprise Builders is the general contractor.
“Gini’s House will help provide affordable housing and critical support
services for people with some of the greatest needs in our community,”
said Ross Burkhardt, president and CEO of New Neighborhoods Inc. “We are
so grateful for the support from our partners and the community in
making this project a reality.”
“This project is an important part of a larger revitalization effort in
Norwalk designed to create more affordable housing opportunities,” said
State Senator Bob Duff, who also attended the ceremony along with
Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia and State Representatives Chris Perone and
Gail Lavielle. “We are appreciative to all the partners for their
commitment to our community and willingness to help people have a place
they can call home.”
UnitedHealthcare, through a partnership with Enterprise Community
Investment, Inc. (Enterprise) has committed to provide $5.2 million in
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity for the project. The
investment brings together one of the nation’s top health and well-being
companies and a leader in the affordable housing and
community-development industry to provide innovative financing solutions
for community development projects. UnitedHealthcare, through its
Affordable Housing Investment Program, has provided more than $100
million in financing for community development projects throughout the
United States, $54 million of which is in partnership with Enterprise.
“Gini’s House will create new opportunities, hope and a foundation of
support for the families who will make this their home,” said Jim
Bedard, CFO and COO of UnitedHealthcare’s Northeast Region, which
employs more than 4,000 people in Connecticut. “We are grateful for the
opportunity to partner with the many public and private organizations in
developing this affordable-housing project for the people of Norwalk.”
“Enterprise is proud to partner with UnitedHealthcare to provide
critical Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity that will turn this
formerly abandoned property into Gini’s House,” said Charlie Werhane,
president and CEO of Enterprise Community Investment. “For more than 30
years, Enterprise has been transforming underserved neighborhoods into
thriving communities while providing low- and moderate-income families
access to decent, affordable homes and the opportunity for success.”
Additional funding partners include the Connecticut Department of
Economic and Community Development (DECD), which is providing a $2
million loan; Liberation Programs, which is contributing $343,000 in
private support; the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through a
$49,000 housing grant; and GE Capital, which is providing funds to
purchase all of the appliances for the project.
Alan Mathis, president and CEO of Liberation Programs said, “Today we
move a giant step closer to our dream of creating Gini’s House and honor
all those who have been part of our efforts to expand housing
opportunities and provide valuable resources to help lift families out
of poverty. This is an exciting day and we are so thankful to all who
are involved in this project.”
The development is named Gini’s House for Virginia Bantle, wife of Lou
Bantle who passed away two years ago. His investment towards the project
included the purchase of the building at 4 Elmcrest Terrace in Norwalk
as well as making a sizable contribution, which enabled the agency to
begin the project groundwork. Lou Bantle, along with his wife Gini, were
the first to receive Liberation Programs’ Spirit of Hope Award for their
extraordinary devotion and understanding of the disease of addiction and
the possibility of recovery. Mr. Bantle’s staunch support of recovery
services inspired the agency to allocate proceeds from the yearly
benefit dinner towards the creation of Gini’s House.
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