2014 Winners
NAHMA Announces 2014 National Communities of Quality® Award Winners
Alexandria, Va., Jan. 16, 2015 – For the 22nd consecutive year, the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) announces the winners of its annual Communities of Quality® (COQ) Awards program. These awards honor the best multifamily affordable housing communities across the country.
Entrants are judged on how they manage the physical, financial and social conditions of their properties, and on how well they convey their success in offering the highest quality of life for their residents.
The 2014 COQ Awards will be presented at NAHMA’s annual Federal Affairs Issues Meeting, March 8-10, 2015, in Washington, D.C. For details on the NAHMA meeting, visit www.nahma.org/meetings.
“This year, we had more than 30 entrants, all of which prove that the Communities of Quality Awards program continues to thrive and to be a point of pride for all the contenders,” NAHMA President Ken Pagano, SHCM, NAHP-e, said. “There is no other award that focuses so comprehensively on the everyday life and management expertise of affordable housing properties.”
NAHMA’s 2014 COQ Awards program is jointly sponsored by HD Supply Multifamily Solutions, a leading supplier of maintenance and renovation products to the multihousing industry, and Navigate Affordable Housing Partners, a leading provider of consulting and development services to public housing authorities and HUD’s Section 8 PBCA for Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia and Connecticut.
The four 2014 COQ categories and winners are:
EXEMPLARY FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
Canterbury Place, Roslindale, Mass.
Owner: Cummins Towers Company Limited Partnership
Management: First Realty Management Inc.
AHMA: NEAHMA
Canterbury Place was built before Section 8 or housing for the elderly programs existed, so founding residents were mostly elderly and middle-aged singles and couples. Now, its 238 apartments are home to a growing population of single-parent and custodial grandparent households that include children and teens, as well as young professionals. As the population of younger residents expanded, on-site activities and services evolved into programs to address their needs, not just for entertainment but to help them learn, grow and prepare themselves for a successful future. The community offers a community center and computer room, various sports, an after-school program and educational opportunities, among other activities and programs.
EXEMPLARY DEVELOPMENT FOR THE ELDERLY
Little Neck Village, Marion, Mass.
Owner: EAF Little Neck Village LLC
Management Company: Peabody Properties Inc.
AHMA: NEAHMA
In 1978, a 12-unit affordable housing development was created for seniors living in Marion, Massachusetts. More than three decades later, the property was physically obsolete and needed significant capital improvements. In 2008, EA Fish Developers, with Peabody Properties Inc. as management agent, partnered with the Town of Marion to develop a low-income community for seniors. Along with the substantial changes to the individual apartments and grounds, the supportive services, and social and physical coordinated activities at Little Neck Village provide its residents with an affordable aging-in-place model that will serve as an alternative to more costly assisted-living facilities.
EXEMPLARY DEVELOPMENT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
Pear Tree Place, I, II and III, Yakima, Wash.
Owner: Next Step Housing
Management Company: Next Step Housing
AHMA: AHMA of Washington
Pear Tree Place has 62 apartment homes developed in three phases over the last seven years; its residents include people in long-term sobriety from substance abuse, the previously homeless and those with developmental disabilities. Next Step Housing provides a comprehensive approach to housing distinct populations in service-enriched, quality apartments, including case management services, wheel-chair accessible living spaces and partnerships with Yakima’s Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Department of Social and Health Services. All three phases of development enjoyed creative financing strategies through a collaboration of public, private and nonprofit funders. Each also addresses unique needs for multiple target populations starting with initial design right through to service partners providing care.
OUTSTANDING TURNAROUND OF A TROUBLED PROPERTY
Blackstone Terrace, Woonsocket, R.I.
Owner: Atlantic Development Corp.
Management Company: Housing Management Resources Inc.
AHMA: NEAHMA
Blackstone Terrace is a 122-unit property that had a reputation for both its physical deterioration and criminal activity. Once known as Woonsocket Village, it was the financially and physically distressed housing of last resort, where families were forced to live in deteriorated units and criminal activity left residents in fear of their safety and security. The buildings were 35 years old and required significant rehabilitation. The impact of the $4.5 million revitalization has resulted in both a financial and physical transformation as well as a notable enhancement to its standing in the community. Blackstone Terrace is now a cost-effective property providing safe, affordable housing for the residents. The target population remains family households with incomes below 60 percent of median income, though the Section 8 contract allows the development to serve residents with much lower incomes.
About NAHMA
NAHMA is the leading voice for affordable housing management, advocating on behalf of multifamily property managers and owners whose mission is to provide quality affordable housing. NAHMA supports legislative and regulatory policy that promotes the development and preservation of decent and safe affordable housing, is a vital resource for technical education and information, fosters strategic relations between government and industry and recognizes those who exemplify the best in affordable housing. Founded in 1990, NAHMA’s membership today includes the industry’s most distinguished multifamily owners and management companies.
About HD Supply Multifamily Solutions
With 22,000+ items and free, next-day delivery on most items to most areas, HD Supply Multifamily Solutions is your source for maintenance supplies, fabrication, installation, and renovation services. Our 500+ account representatives serve more than 130 markets, providing personalized service backed by the strength of a national company. To order call 1-800-431-3000 or at http://hdsupplysolutions.com/.
About Navigate Affordable Housing Partners
As a Joint Venture Partner with theJefferson County Housing Authority in Birmingham, Alabama, Navigate is HUD’s Section 8 PBCA for Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia and Connecticut. With a strong reputation for customer service and training, Navigate oversees a portfolio of over 70,000 units. Navigate has a history of developing, owning and managing HUD assisted properties in Alabama and has recently begun providing consulting and development services to public housing authorities. For further information, see www.navigatehousing.com.
Past Award Winners:
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Disclaimer: Properties that meet the COQ National Recognition criteria may hold themselves forth to the public as such. However, NAHMA and the AHMAs do not assume and hereby disclaim any and all liability to any person or entity for any claims, damages, liability or other loss including, without limitation, any liability for injury or other damage resulting from any use of or reliance on the information provided through the COQ National Recognition and Awards Program. NAHMA and the AHMAs do not make any express or implied warranties, representations or endorsements whatsoever, or in any way, regarding the properties listed as COQ National Recognition or Award Winners.
