Whispering Hills
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2015Year Built |
72Total Units |
Affordable Housing Renovation on the Mississippi River
Originally constructed as “Port Byron Apartments” in the mid 1970’s, this 72-unit rural development experienced physical degradation and vacancy over time. General Capital acquired the property in 2010 using affordable housing tax credits allocated by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). The project has gone through a major transformation including significant exterior site improvement such as accessibility enhancements, a new playground, walking paths and significant landscaping improvements. The buildings have new windows, roofs, siding and doors. Unit interiors are fully renovated including new HVAC, kitchens, flooring and bathrooms. Together, these improvements represent a significant improvement to the property that will enhance the lives of low-income residents served by the property.
Renamed “Whispering Hills Apartments” due to its bucolic location, the property is located in the small rural hamlet of Port Byron (pop. 1,500) on the Mississippi. The project is located on a beautiful rolling hillside surrounded by a wooded public park and stable residential properties. A public park, bank and public library are within three blocks of the development.
KEY THEMES
- Affordable housing preservation transformed an aging rural apartment community into a substantially renovated, long-term housing resource
- Comprehensive rehabilitation addressed apartment interiors, building exteriors, accessibility, landscaping, recreation, and community amenities
- LIHTC financing supported the preservation and modernization of 72 affordable homes serving families in the Port Byron community
- Resident-focused improvements enhanced comfort, accessibility, energy performance, recreation, and overall quality of life
- Rebranding from Port Byron Apartments to Whispering Hills established a renewed identity reflecting the property's scenic Mississippi River setting and extensive transformation
RESULTS
- Preserved and substantially renovated 72 affordable apartment homes following General Capital's acquisition of the property in 2010
- Modernized residences with new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, HVAC systems, doors, hardware, and interior finishes
- Upgraded buildings and grounds with new windows, roofs, siding, accessibility improvements, walking paths, landscaping, and a new playground
- Enhanced resident services through improvements to the community building, offices, business center, library/lounge, and outdoor gathering areas
- Successfully repositioned a deteriorating and vacancy-challenged property into an improved affordable housing community, with 2015 serving as the strongest supported portfolio project year
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