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By Patrick Webb
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — Sixty affordable housing units will soon be available in Warsaw on Durbin Street.
According to Community and Economic Development Director Jeremy Skinner, the project started when developer RealAmerica was planning an affordable housing project in Warsaw.
“Shortly prior (the city of Warsaw) had acquired the Arnolt property,” said Skinner. Skinner said Warsaw suggested the Arnolt site to RealAmerica for a partnership. RealAmerica then proposed designs that became the 2525 Apartments.
“(Warsaw) consistently works with certain developers and the state to create affordable housing options within Warsaw,” Skinner said. He added that the project helps Warsaw to cover housing needs, ranging from market rate, such as single family housing and affordable housing, designed for people in lower income brackets.
“It’s very important that we create those housing opportunities for people in our community,” said Skinner.
In 2021, the 2525 Apartments received a $1.1 million Low Income Housing Tax Credit to assist with the development. Groundbreaking happened in 2022.
“Like any project its had its challenges, in terms of construction, timing, weather and materials,” said Skinner. He said one challenge was the supply of electrical equipment, such as meters, for multifamily developments, and said that orders are six months out.
Skinner said RealAmerica hopes to move in 15 residents in the next few weeks. Building two on the site is almost complete, Skinner said, with the first building behind it completed.
Skinner said the 2525 Apartments are part of Warsaw’s plan to improve the area through the Argonne Corridor Project plan, established seven years ago through a Stellar Project. The project aims to revitalize older industrial properties, either for housing or low key industrial use.
Skinner said additional projects along the Argonne Corridor include the former Gatke site, which will be redeveloped into the market rate Reuben Williams apartments; and improvements to the railroad underpass connecting to Winona Lake.
Skinner said the completion date will depend on inspections and any needed follow up. He estimated the 2525 Apartments would be finished in around one to two months.
