Founders Landing redeveloped with help from Fund program
HUNTINGTON – Kellie Weidenhammer hurt her back at work a few years ago and she will tell you life has not been easy since her accident.
“We pretty much lost everything,” she said.
As Weidenhammer struggles to get herself and her family back on their feet, she’s found a home at Founder’s Landing, a development on the city’s West Side that was recently rehabilitated, in part, through funding from the West Virginia Housing Development Fund’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program.
“We’re so very grateful that a place like this is available. It’s clean. It’s kept up. We have great neighbors,” she said.
The buildings were originally built in the early 1980s, but underwent serious and substantial renovations after new owners, Founder’s Landing Limited Partnership, took over the property in 2011.
Weidenhammer had lived in the area before. She sees the difference new ownership has made.
“I was here before and it wasn’t like this,” she said. “I’m very impressed with the way everything is.”
Listing the features she likes about her new home is an easy task for Weidenhammer. Modern amenities, responsive maintenance personnel, a sense of security for herself and her three daughters all make it easy to call Founder’s Landing home.
The development, which is tucked into a cozy corner along 5th Avenue West, is a tidy, well-appointed complex that features 66 units – 38 two-bedroom townhouses, 22 three bedroom townhouses and six two-bedroom flats. Amenities for residents include a modern work-out area, computer lab, sparkling laundry facilities, kitchen area and a common room. The property also features a new play ground and Union Station, a cozy covered picnic area perfect for cookouts and parties.
“Founder’s Landing is a great example of how the tax credit program positively impacts peoples’ lives,” said Erica Boggess, the Fund’s Executive Director. “This development works because management is committed to making it great.”
To better the property, the new owners applied for and received low-income housing tax credits. The tax credit program generates low-income residential rental units by encouraging private investment through federal tax credits. Since its inception, this program has produced more than 13,100 affordable rental units in the state.
Sherry Bossie, the Fund’s Senior Director of Tax Credits and Compliance, said Founder’s Landing is the kind of place that can make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
“This is more than just a roof over someone’s head,” Bossie said. “Staff at Founder’s Landing go the extra mile to ensure residents know that this is their home. We’re proud to partner with them.”
To learn more about the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, please visit www.wvhdf.comfor more information.
