HOME Dollars Support Sustainable Living Standards


Woodcrest Commons' inviting lobby

In May 2011, HUD recognized the Allegheny County Consortium with its coveted "Doorknocker Award" for the Consortium's work in creating affordable housing at the Woodcrest Retirement Residence. The affordable housing complex, known as Woodcrest Commons, provides 59 units of senior housing through rehabilitation of a former nuns' residence on the campus of the Felician Sisters Convent and School in Coraopolis, PA, a suburban community outside of Pittsburgh.

The complex was redeveloped using green building techniques, including day lighting strategies, right-sized ventilation systems and super insulation. In addition, the use of low-volatile organic compounds in carpeting, resilient flooring, glue, foam furniture, paints and other materials was intended to improve air quality for seniors who may have respiratory or allergy problems. The project received a LEED Gold rating.


The residence's library provides seniors with meeting space
Woodcrest Commons' apartment complex in Coraopolis, PA

Services at the residence include optional meals, library/computer area, craft room, hair salon, fitness center, multi-purpose room and van service. A covered bridge connects the residence to a high school, promoting intergenerational activities and access to the school's facilities. An internal rent subsidy ensures affordability for qualified tenants. Woodcrest Commons is an Affordable Housing Tax Credit project with a total development cost of $10,106,482 consisting of HOME program funding from the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development, funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and equity funding from John Hancock Realty.
 
Content Archived: January 23, 2013