WinnDevelopment, the development wing of Boston-based WinnCompanies, has been selected by the Housing Authority of Plainfield to renovate two affordable housing communities. Both Richmond Towers, a 225-unit residential community providing low-income apartments for seniors and disabled individuals, and Joanne Hollis Gardens, a 128-unit family housing community, will be extensively updated under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, which gives housing authorities the power to modernize public housing properties.
“WinnDevelopment was selected as our preferred partner based on an open, competitive request for proposals that demonstrated that they have the financial resources, public housing experience, and development expertise for this important project,” offered Housing Authority of Plainfield Executive Director Randall Wood.
Both the housing authority and the developer have had monthly meetings with residents since January. KGW Building Consultants of Smithtown, NY, is currently overseeing a thorough needs assessment for both sites. The architect is Inglese Architecture & Engineering of Cedar Grove. During construction, all residents will be temporarily relocated by Boston’s Housing to Home.
Once renovations are complete, all residents will have the right to return to the updated apartments, and rents will be no more than 30% of adjusted income. Connected Communities, a non-profit, will provide housing-based supportive services.
“We look forward to working with the housing authority and the community to plan and execute these renovations in a way that delivers modern, high quality and safe apartments in sustainable, healthy communities that offer essential amenities for a diverse population of residents,” commented Keith Kinard, SVP of Public Housing and Affordable Partnerships for WinnDevelopment.
Richmond Towers was constructed more than 50 years ago and houses 90 one-bedroom units and 125 studio apartments in two 12-story towers. Joanne Hollis Gardens was completed in 1954 as West End Gardens. Renamed in 2015 to honor Joanne Hollis, who was both a Plainfield City Councilwoman and Housing Commissioner, the garden-style complex comprises 16 one-bedroom, 66 two-bedroom, 32 three-bedroom and 14 four-bedroom apartments.
“Every resident of Plainfield deserves to live in a home that is safe, dignified and built for the future. That’s the promise we’re working to fulfill, one building at a time,” noted Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp.
