A gathering in Hazen today marked the successful redevelopment of a blighted Main Street property into an 18-unit apartment complex.
“Through the development of Hazen Pioneer Apartments, we are addressing three community goals – improvement of our Main Street, retention of our senior population and more housing options for the workforce,” said Buster Langowski, Hazen Community Development executive director.
HCD oversaw development and got the project moving forward by purchasing the site’s original building, a community hospital that later served as a nursing home, for $40,000. The City of Hazen supported the effort by providing land, a former city park that surrounds the site, a $60,000 value. The Hazen Housing Authority is the property owner.
“Hazen Pioneer Apartments is an excellent example of how a community can better link housing and supportive services allowing elderly community members to affordably and comfortably age in place,” said Jolene Kline, North Dakota Housing Finance Agency executive director. “The result is better quality of life for our seniors and significant healthcare savings for the community and state.”
The project received $2.1 million from the Housing Incentive Fund, a state program that supports the development of housing for essential service workers, main street employees and fixed-income households. NDHFA administers HIF accepting contributions from state taxpayers to capitalize the fund. The agency received 22 contributions that directly supported the project including large contributions by WRT Communications and U.S. Bank.
The Lewis & Clark Development Group provided a $50,000 pre-development loan and the North Dakota Department of Health provided a $17,000 Brownfield Grant for site cleanup. The remaining project financing was provided by Union State Bank and The Union Bank of Hazen. Other partners include Multifamily Capital Resources Inc., a development consultant; Williams Building Company Inc., the construction manager; JLG Architects; Retterath Management and Sales, property management and HJL Management Company, the eligibility agent.
The supportive services for seniors at Hazen Pioneer Apartments include meals, transportation, medical checks, and the local grocery store will make deliveries to tenants. Four of the units are fully accessible. The property is within walking distance of the public library, city hall and downtown businesses. Energy efficient appliances, in-unit laundry and window coverings are provided. Internet access, cable TV and off street parking are available. Individuals interested in learning more should contact Sandy Retterath at Retterath Management and Sales, (701) 748-5577.
HCD is charged with furthering the development of the City of Hazen and the surrounding area by promoting, encouraging and assisting in the development of new enterprises or the expansion or continuation of presently existing businesses.
NDHFA is a self-supporting state agency that finances the creation and rehabilitation of affordable housing across North Dakota. The North Dakota Industrial Commission, consisting of Governor Doug Burgum, as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, oversees the agency.
