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The goal of the Mary Phillips Senior Housing Project was to renovate
a vacant building into 25 one- and two-bedroom apartments for low-to-moderate
income seniors (age 55 and older). The building, constructed in
1936, was formerly an elementary school until its doors were closed
in 1999. The vacant building faced an uncertain future – one
option considered for the building was demolition.
Responding to the neighborhood appeal for preservation and Mishawaka’s
documented need for affordable senior housing, in 2002 the Redevelopment
Department prepared a plan to convert the building into senior apartments.
The project focused on preserving the interior and exterior architectural
details of the building, surrounding it with a greenbelt of landscaping,
and creating a parking lot on the former playground.
Construction began in October of 2003 and was completed in early
fall of 2004. Leasing of units followed soon after, and the building
currently boasts over 90% occupancy.
The development epitomized the concept of a true community project.
From the beginning, the City Redevelopment Department relied upon
input from residents in the vicinity of Mary Phillips School. Local
business owners, service organizations and individual citizens offered
their enthusiastic support for the undertaking.
As an added benefit to the community, the $3.275 million cost
for the project was paid entirely from federal funds and with the
help of a $325,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis’s
Affordable Housing Program. No property taxes were used to pay for
the development.
The facility features the following amenities:
- Community room/library
- Courtyards and paths for passive recreation
- Indoor recreation area
- Laundry facility for residents on each floor
- Each unit includes: refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher,
and garbage disposal
- All units are ADA adaptable
The Mishawaka Housing Authority manages the apartments for the
City. Eligibility is determined by age (55 or older) and income.
Anyone interested in learning more about qualifying for residency
may call the Mishawaka Housing Authority at 258-1658.
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