Choking back tears, Robert "Red" Garrett could not say enough to express his gratitude for the new beginning he is getting at Renaissance Square, a 50-unit senior housing project dedicated on December 15, 2006.

Mark Brezina, Knoxville Field Office HUD Director, and Tom Rone, Director of Knoxville HUD's Multifamiy Housing Division.

Ray McElhaney, Executive Director of Douglas Cherokee, opened the program that was attended by a number of local politicians including COunty Mayor Larry Waters. HUD was represented by Mark Brezina, Knoxville Field Office HUD Director, and Tom Rone, Director of Knoxville HUD's Multifamiy Housing Division, along with a number of Knoxville HUD Office staff.

Garrett waited three years for an opportunity to move to affordable housing in Seymour, where his friends, his church and his church family have always been. His dream was realized with the Dec. 1 opening of Renaissance Square, which in Old English literally means "new beginning."

Joanna Johnson, property manager, Ray McElhaney, and Tom Rone

The $3.3 million project sponsored and managed by Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority Inc. was achieved through funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The complex is owned by Trinity Homes of Morristown. The financing was provided by a capital advance under HUD's Section 202. The sponsor also received a grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank Board for $100,000 for site work and landscaping.

Joanna Johnson, site manager for the low-income senior housing, said ground was broken on the project in September 2005, but added, "this is something we've been working hard to bring to Seymour for about 10 years."

The housing benefits seniors who, like Garrett, have lived all their lives in the Seymour area but due to age, health conditions and low income have had to find affordable housing in other places. Residents must be more than 62 years of age and rent is based on income with maximum income guidelines.

"When we broke ground we already had 80 people on a list wanting to rent. We had 150 names on that list when we opened Dec. 1," said Johnson.

Renaissance Square

Twenty units are now rented and Johnson said the other 30 units will be filled within the a month. Johnson said ground should be broken in late January on another 20 units that will be ready by fall of 2007.

On hand for the ribbon cutting, Rep. Richard Montgomery, R-Sevierville, said, "I think it's extremely exciting to have an opportunity for seniors to stay in their own community. It's also conveniently located within walking distance of shopping, doctors, dentists, and banks."

The location of the complex was the reason Julia Crumley and Joy Williams wanted to live there.

"It's the most convenient place to live. I'm a cancer patient, and this is great for me - it's happy, fresh, and beautiful," Williams said.

County Mayor Larry Waters said, "I'm extremely pleased - this is a great facility. .. This is a great day for Seymour and Sevier County, and I'm thankful to be able to participate in the dedication."

The complex is located in Seymour, Tennessee and has 50 one bedroom units with an office, laundry room and community room. Residents must be more than 62 years of age and rent is based on income with maximum income guidelines.