Renovation of Jackson Woods Apartments in Louisville

Congressman John Yarmuth provides remarks to the public and private partners and residents of the Jackson Woods redevelopment in the Smoketown and Shelby Park neighborhoods.

On Monday August 30, 2010, Congressman John Yarmuth was joined by HUD Louisville Field Office Director Krista Mills in presenting federal dollars to New Directions Housing Corporation for the rejuvenation of Jackson Woods Apartments.

More than $3 million in federal funding was provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which included over $2.2 million from the HUD Tax Credit Assistance Program. The renovations at Jackson Woods are expected to directly create up to 80 new jobs in Louisville.

Krista Mills said, "With the Tax Credit Assistance Program, necessary gap funding is provided for housing renewal to making it possible to transform neighborhoods. In turn, residents have the safe, decent, affordable housing they deserve."

Attending the gala were Mrs. Louise Steinbock, who, with her family, provided private funding for the community learning center. With her is Ms. Marian Seng Kelty who was the first manager of Jackson Woods Apartments when it opened 40 years ago.

More than $7.7 million in funding for the Jackson Woods redevelopment is being provided by both private and public sources to undertake the needed repairs of the 60-unit complex that is located in the Smoketown and Shelby Park neighborhoods. The complex consists of six buildings that were built by New Directions in 1972. Extensive improvements include multiple energy efficiency upgrades, unit expansions and weatherization. Environmental site enhancements will preserve large oak trees and add four rain gardens to control drainage.

Private support from volunteers and donors, including Louisville's Steinbock family, sponsored an on-site learning center christened The Kelty-Steinbock Idea Center, which contains the housing community's Neighborhood Network Center.

"New Directions is committed to the Shelby Park and Smoketown neighborhood revitalization, starting with Jackson Woods, literally the first housing site we created nearly 40 years ago," said Joe Gliessner, Executive Director of New Directions. New Directions is also heading up Neighborhood Stabilization Program activities in Shelby Park in close proximity to Jackson Woods.

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