"We wanted the residents to feel comfortable, like the homes they might have grown up in," said KTGY’s Jill Williams, AIA and Principal. "We incorporated a large living space for multiple activities, dining space for all the residents to congregate and a large kitchen with an island to allow multiple preparation areas and good flow.

“We have been very impressed by the enthusiasm, generosity and follow-through of the builder captains and their trade partners who adopted this project,” said Julie O’Connor, Executive Director of HomeAid Northern California. “They stayed the course through permit delays, weather issues, and the many challenges that come with coordinating dozens of separate companies to accomplish one goal.”

Approximately 50 percent of the cost of Village at Walpert Center Phase 1 came by way of donations with HEDCO Foundation donating $100,000 towards the foundations of the five homes.  Phase I, which is now ready for occupancy, consists of two 3,410-square-foot homes and is the culmination of four years of hard work by Builder Captains Pulte Group, Ponderosa Homes, Meritage Homes, and William Lyon Homes; with the assistance of Emerald Glen and The Walpert Center.

Some of the confirmed speakers include:

Dr. Aubrey de Grey

Chief Science Officer of the SENS Foundation

Dr. Gregory Stock

CEO of Signum Biosciences

Jose Colucci

Practice lead for IDEO’s Health group in Boston

Joseph F. Coughlin

Founder and Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab

Dr. William Thomas

Founder of the Eden Alternative

Professor Omar Akbar

Former director of the Bauhaus Foundation

Professor Victor Regnier, FAIA, ACSA Distinguished Professor

Professor, Researcher, and Author on housing and community planning for the elderly

“Our efforts in refurbishing and renovating Atria communities nationwide are designed to meet the demands of America’s aging population, as well as provide living and working environments appropriate for the next generation of seniors we’ll serve,” said Mark Alexander, Senior Vice President of Redevelopment for Atria Senior Living Group. “The renovation of Atria 86^th Street is part of our ongoing commitment to help residents retain their independence in the most comfortable and pleasant surroundings possible, while ensuring we offer the best amenities and lifestyle options available in senior living.”

The project’s green roof hold rainwater to prevent overcharging city sewer systems and helps absorb sunlight and provides insulation and cooling . Of equal importance, the green roof areas offer a beautiful stepback to the dwelling and common area windows.  Worn Jerabek PC architects, the firm that designed Mayor Daley’s green roof at City Hall, is proud of this green initiative, created in partnership with The Renaissance Companies.  Greenview Place, completed in February 2010, offers over 100 studio and one-bedroom apartment homes.

Designed by Harlem-based architect, Body Lawson Associates, Erbograph Apartments is 62,000 square feet and will be built in accordance with environmentally conscious development standards and include a terrace and planted green roof on the 7^th floor to provide open space for residents.  The project will utilize a rainwater harvesting system to funnel water from the roof into storage tanks to be used for irrigation and cooling-tower make-up, reducing utility costs and storm-water run-off.  The project exceeds the NYSERDA Green Affordable Housing Program and Enterprise Green Communities guidelines for environmental responsibility and is expected to achieve LEED® Silver designation.

"Thanks to leadership of HCCI, the Jonathan Rose Companies and their successful partnership with community leaders and elected officials, our community will have a new, multi-faceted, energy-efficient facility that will address the health, education and social service needs of our elderly," said Congressman Charles Rangel. "After so many years of hard work and contributions to society, our seniors deserve an affordable, supportive place that will provide the necessary resources to allow them to continue to be active, healthy members of our community.

“Nobody should have to choose between paying rent and paying for other critical needs such as food or healthcare, but unfortunately this is a choice faced by many seniors living on fixed incomes,” said HPD Commissioner Rafael E. Cestero. “At the Erbograph Apartments we are providing New York’s low-income seniors with a safe, affordable place to call home – one that offers a full compliment of healthcare and other services in a state of the art, sustainable development. I thank HCCI and Jonathan Rose Companies for their work in helping us continue to set the standard for green urban living.”

HPD contributed the land for the Erbograph Apartments to HCCI for $1, and also provided a repayable seed loan of $1.06 million to fund the asbestos abatement and demolition work on the old warehouse. Erbograph Apartments’ total development cost of $23.9 million comes from a variety of sources, including $9.7 million from the HUD Section 202 program, $4.4 million in Tax Credit Assistance Program funding from the New York State Housing Trust Fund, $8.3 million in low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) equity from Richman Housing Resources, $1.28 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank’s Affordable Housing Program through Carver Federal Savings Bank, $151,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), $50,000 from the Enterprise Green Communities Program, and $50,000 from the Home Depot Foundation.

“Erbograph, the first LEED and Green Communities designed affordable housing development for seniors in Harlem, is a tremendous investment in the future of the community,” said Jonathan F.P. Rose, President of Jonathan Rose Companies. “By integrating social services, affordable housing and green design, we’re modeling a powerful example of positive urban redevelopment through this collaboration with HCCI.”   

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE: BKD) recently announced that the Company has obtained a $117.0 million first mortgage loan from Berkadia Commerical Mortgage and Fannie Mae. The mortgage debt has a 10 year term and bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.98%. The Company simultaneously repaid $119.0 million of mortgage debt which was scheduled to mature in 2011. The new mortgage debt is secured by four previously unencumbered communities and 15 of 22 communities that previously served as collateral for the loans that were repaid.

Bill Sheriff, Brookdale’s CEO, commented, "We are pleased to have taken the first step of several to come to address all of the Company’s 2011 debt maturities and a portion of the Company’s 2012 maturities in the near term.

Health Care REIT Prices $150 Million Note Offering

Health Care REIT, Inc. (NYSE:HCN) announced this week the pricing of its offering of an additional $152,009,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 3.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029. The notes will have the same terms as and form a single series with the 3.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 previously issued by Health Care REIT on March 15, 2010 and will be issued under the same CUSIP number. Following completion of this offering, the total aggregate principal amount outstanding of Health Care REIT’s 3.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 will be $494,403,000. Health Care REIT intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to repurchase a portion of its 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 and 2027. The offering is expected to close on June 18, 2010, subject to customary closing conditions.

For more information, visit the full release.

Toth Architecture Announces Engagement For Florida Renovation

James E. Toth, Architecture is pleased to announce that it has been engaged to design and is finalizing various project renovations and code upgrades for Bradenton Manor Retirement Center in Bradenton, Florida.  The retirement center a property of Westminster Communities of Florida based on Orlando.  The projects include new and upgraded essential power systems and new electrical emergency generator for the Skilled Nursing Facility and Campus currently under construction and regulated by the Office of Plans and Construction of the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) in Tallahassee.  Façade Renovations, architectural upgrades and modernization along with hurricane and impact rated window replacements for the Mid Rise Assisted Living component of the facility are also being designed for construction this year. Other project phases will include new architectural features, hurricane window upgrades and interior renovations for the commons area building, new pool and pool deck, Porte Cochere renovations and a general campus face lift to the general architectural feel to an updated style respectful of the Spanish heritage of the Bradenton area,  lacking in the original 1950’s and 1960’ era buildings.

“We offer elder adults high-quality accommodations, services and personal assistance in a manner designed to promote a dignified independent lifestyle,” said Merle Sampson, CEO of Spectrum Health Companies. “We enjoyed working with the Ryan team, and are thrilled to be able to bring our Carefree Living concept to the community of Cook, Minn.”

Ryan provided design-build construction services and assisted with the city approval process.  The project was funded in part by IRRR and Minnesota Department of Human Services grants and designed by DJR Architects.

Lakeview Hall, which serves as Morningside’s community center for major events, theatrical productions, musical entertainment and dances, will double in size after the expansion.  Currently at roughly 4,500 square feet, the new building will be approximately 9,000 square feet upon completion.  The renovated Lakeview Hall will feature a larger stage area, inlaid dance floor, upgraded audio/visual equipment and additional space for classes and small group sessions.  The expansion will create a new computer lab, dedicated arts and crafts center, a lounge-style meeting room with comfortable seating, large-screened television and other amenities.

In addition, Morningside’s Wellness and Fitness Center will be enlarged to accommodate a larger fitness area, a new spa relaxation area offering facials, steam room, relaxation/meditation room, and massage rooms.  The existing lake – one of Morningside’s most outstanding amenities – will also be redesigned to feature more natural-appearing boulders and plants, two new waterfalls and enhanced landscaping.

KTGY Group Inc. of Irvine, Calif., is the architect for the project, with INTERSPEC of San Diego providing interior design services.  Culp Construction Co., based in Irvine, is the general contractor for the building expansion.  Cook & Solis Inc. of Escondido, Calif., is the contractor for the lake renovation.

“This award program highlights the growing need for housing that is affordable to people who are essential to the economic vitality, strength, and well-being of our communities,” said J. Ronald Terwilliger, chairman and founder of the Washington-based ULI Terwilliger Center for Workforce Housing.

Accepting the award was Steven L. Aaron, Founder and Managing Member of Birchez Associates. In recognizing the award, Aaron said, “This award means so much to us because it comes from our peers – those involved in funding, designing and building affordable housing in the state.”

The competition, sponsored by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. and MetLife Foundation, will have four winning organizations that will receive $50,000 each in unrestricted funds, recognition at the annual conference of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, a commemorative plaque and more. Entries must be from recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and Tribes/Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs). Each entry will also need to include information on innovation in supportive services and green building technology.

"Decent affordable housing is needed in all sectors of our community, but housing for seniors is among the most urgent," said Melinda Pollack, director of vulnerable populations and rental conservation, Enterprise Community Partners. "Having a healthy, green environment and supportive services where the elderly can age in place and be well cared for are critical aspects for those who enter this competition. We thank MetLife Foundation for partnering with us to highlight the best examples in the field."

Visit the 15th Annual MetLife Foundation Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing