MODESTO – The first wave of Archway Commons residents are set to move into their new apartments on Carver Road in Modesto later this month on August 27. The 76 unit affordable housing community is a product of private and public partnerships between EAH Housing, the City of Modesto, former Modesto Redevelopment Agency and JPMorgan Chase and investor Hudson Housing Capital.
“Affordable housing and quality of community life go hand-in-hand at Archway Commons,” said Modesto Mayor Garrad Marsh. “This is a shining example of what can be accomplished through private-public partnerships; jobs have been created, homes have been built, and a true community will begin to thrive once the first units are filled. What a great place for working families in Modesto.”
More than a decade ago, the property was selected by the Redevelopment Agency as a Catalyst Site for improvement of Downtown Modesto. The ground breaking for Archway Commons occurred in June of 2012.
“Archway Commons is a true catalyst project – possible in part because of the former Modesto Redevelopment Agency,” said Brent Sinclair, AICP, Director of Community & Economic Development for the City of Modesto. “At its core Redevelopment was meant to eliminate blight, create jobs, spur economic development and improve and increase the supply of affordable housing – this project embodies all of those things.”
Archway Commons is an affordable rental community that provides one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in garden-style buildings. All energy-efficient apartments have full kitchens, and all ground level units will be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. The apartments feature private decks/balconies, Energy Star appliances and energy efficient dual-paned windows.
“Archway Commons is more than just a building; if you ask the future families living in these apartments they will tell you ‘It’s home,’” said Mary Murtagh, President and CEO of EAH Housing. “It’s where they’ll have the chance to make dinner for their children instead of working a second or third job. It’s where older adults living on a fixed income won’t have to choose between paying medicine or putting food on the table.”
A one-bedroom rents for $532, two-bedroom rents for $330 to $609 and three-bedroom rents for $377 to $800. Archway Commons serves a range of income levels at 30 percent to 60 percent of the area median income and rents are set accordingly to earned household income.
For some families set to call Archway Commons home, it’s an opportunity to renew the American Dream. After a string of layoffs the Bryant family found Archway Commons an ideal place to begin rebuilding their financial life in a familiar area of Modesto.
“It’s close to my son’s school and right next to my church,” said Kelly Bryant, a future resident of Archway Commons. “It’s amazing that we’re going to be able to live in Archway Commons and rent not costing a fortune, we couldn’t afford to live in such a nice place. Because of our financial situation, we don’t stand the ground to buy a house and pay for repairs, insurance, taxes and new appliances. I hope we can save money and eventually buy a house.”
Archway Commons is an income restricted community designed for households earning less than 60 percent of the area median income in Stanislaus County. As set by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to qualify for an apartment, a household’s gross income may not exceed the maximum income limit per household size and may not be lower than the income minimum per household size. In addition to meeting income requirements, residents must submit to background checks.
“Unique amenities like green construction, ample outdoor spaces, after-school programs and adult classes make this a true community,” said Modesto City Manager Greg Nyhoff. “We are grateful for our partnership with EAH and for their long-standing track record of quality construction and management principles for affordable housing.”
Archway Commons will feature a central clubhouse and community center, swimming pool, tot lot, barbeque area, resident garden area, open turf playing fields and a computer learning center. Upon completion, Modesto residents and businesses in the area will enjoy a beautifully landscaped and gorgeously designed community.
Development of Archway Commons would not have been possible without an award of 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The affordable rental community is also funded through the City of Modesto’s Redevelopment Agency’s low and moderate income housing set-aside funds and HOME funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Additional development financing is provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank and Hudson Housing Capital as the equity investor. The development is located between Carver and North Ninth Street.
When sufficient financing becomes available, a Phase II development will add an additional 74 units adjacent to this site, allowing EAH Housing to serve even more families in Modesto.
EAH Housing is also providing property management services to Archway Commons.
Established in 1968, EAH Housing is one of the oldest and most respected nonprofit developers and managers in the western United States. EAH has developed over 7,268 homes and manages 102 properties serving working families, students and seniors in 50 municipalities throughout California and Hawaii.
Visit www.eahhousing.org for more information.
