Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Affordable Senior Housing Development: Cherry Orchard Place

Harrisburg, PA (June 13, 2019) – Affordable Housing Associates of Dauphin County (AHADC), an affiliate of the Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin, in a joint venture with the NRP Group and the Vartan Group, held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, June 13, 2019 for Cherry Orchard Place, a 49-unit senior apartment community in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This new development will be affordable housing set aside for seniors with income at or below the 60% area median income.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by a representative of US Congressman Scott Perry, and Pennsylvania House Representative Sue Helm, along with Dauphin County Commissioners. Dauphin County Economic Development Director George Connor and Township Manager David Kratzer were also in attendance. Additionally, representatives from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and Chase were on hand.

“Dauphin County has a tremendous immediate need for clean, safe and affordable housing for its senior population and it is so gratifying to be able to provide exactly what we need for those members of our community,” said AHADC President Leah Eppinger, AICP. “This development will open the door to future multifamily affordable housing, and we are so proud to be able to take part in such an important project which will provide these newly built apartments to the deserving citizens of Dauphin County.

“The NRP Group is pleased to be delivering this innovative independent living senior development through its partnership with Affordable Housing Associates of Dauphin County, the Lebanon County Housing Authority, The Vartan Group, Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County and the Dauphin County Commissioners, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency,” said P. Christopher Dirr, Vice President of Development for the NRP Group. “Finance partners Hudson Housing Capital, M&T Bank, and Chase Bank are investing significant equity and debt into the continued development of Dauphin County. We especially commend Ralph Vartan of The Vartan Group for his vision, patience, and commitment to encouraging complementary mixed-use developments of distinction in Susquehanna Township and Dauphin County. We look forward to expeditious construction of this development to provide new homes for seniors.”

“Senior citizens represent one of the fastest-growing populations in PA,” said Dauphin County Board of Commissioners’ Chairman Jeff Haste. “We’re proud to support this much-needed affordable housing for seniors with a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant, $200,000 Local Share Gaming Grant and $100,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.”

“We’re excited to work with the NRP Group and the Affordable Housing Associates of Dauphin County to help bring needed affordable housing to the local senior community,” said Chet Shedloski, Vice President of Community Development Banking, Chase. “Cherry Orchard Place will provide Harrisburg area senior residents with high-quality and energy efficient affordable housing.”

Cherry Orchard Place will be developed on a site previously owned by the Vartan Group. Its location near an urgent care facility, dental care facility and grocery store will provide residents with immediate and easy access to everyday needs. The building will be constructed to Passive House (PHIUS) guidelines to achieve high energy efficiency, increase indoor air quality and offer safety and comfort for resident in extreme weather conditions.

“This project not only meets the need for more affordable senior housing in Dauphin County but also complements economic growth along the Rt. 39 corridor,” said Dauphin County Commissioner Mike Pries, who oversees the county’s Community and Economic Development Department.

“This new, 49-unit community will help meet the need for high quality housing for older adults,” said Dauphin County commissioner George P. Hartwick, III. “It also means job creation, tax revenue and improved quality of life in this region.”

AHADC acquired the property for $658,000. Financing sources include $10,776,787 in 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity, invested by Hudson Financial; Dauphin County funding of $800,000 from Community Development Block Grant, Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Local Share Municipal Grant; permanent financing from Chase of $1,780,000; and a $9,400,000 construction loan from Chase. Construction commenced in the second quarter of 2019 and is expected to be completed by May 2020.

The general contractor on this project is NRP Construction, a leading provider and builder of construction services nationwide. KSM Architects is the architect on the project and K&W are the consulting engineer for the construction of Cherry Orchard Place.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about living at Cherry Orchard Place should call Brick Property Services at 717-274-2577.
AHADC recently partnered to build Sunflower Fields, a 35-unit single family development, also located in Susquehanna Township. AHADC will continue to find opportunity to expand the affordable housing stock in Dauphin County.

###

About AHADC:
Affordable Housing Associates of Dauphin County (AHADC) is a non-profit associated with the Housing Authority of Dauphin County. Its mission is to develop and expand affordable housing opportunities for the residents of Dauphin County. Through partnerships with developers, AHADC will continue to provide long term affordable housing solutions to ensure housing availability to all.

About NRP Construction:
Our mission is to build quality communities with experienced contractors around the nation; where our work will enhance the lives of the residents that choose to call these communities home. We carefully build relationships with our contractors and suppliers to provide favorable pricing, quality construction and timely completion of every project. We take pride in our work as a General Contractor and we understand it is only possible because of our team. We commit to stand behind our work and our contractors as we build across the nation.