Addressing the ongoing shortage of affordable housing in the Cedar Rapids area requires a concerted effort by a variety of entities, a point emphasized repeatedly as community leaders gathered April 19 for an open house and ribbon-cutting for The Heights affordable housing complex in southeast Cedar Rapids.
“This project takes collaboration and working with others,” city manager Jeff Pomeranz said at the ceremony. “It takes courage, enthusiasm, leadership, and the policies and direction that allowed us to move forward on this opportunity. A project like this doesn’t just happen. It’s about leadership, and we’re so proud of the work that all of us are doing together to build this community.”
The city purchased the vacant, blighted former Colonial Center building at 1500 Second Ave. SE, in December 2021, and has been at the forefront of an extensive $7 million project to rehabilitate the building for occupancy by low-income residents or those facing potential homelessness.
A combination of funds from four grants, including the federal government’s American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) and the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) department, were used to purchase and refurbish the building, which had sat empty for several years.
The property is now known as The Heights, a nod to its location on a high-profile corner in The Wellington Heights neighborhood.
The Heights comprises 25 affordable housing units – 22 one-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units.
Six of the units are also fully ADA compliant, and all are ADA convertible, officials said.
Of the 25 units, 15 will be reserved for those making 50% or less of the area median income (AMI), and the remaining 10 will be open to those making up to 80% of the AMI.
Rents will range from $550 for a one-bedroom unit up to $800 for a two-bedroom unit, depending on residents’ income.
The building incorporates several amenities, including office spaces, a computer lab, a meeting room, on-site laundry, tenant storage, and a gas-powered backup generator.
In November 2023, the city chose the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) from among four applicants to own and operate The Heights. Now that the building’s rehabilitation is complete, leasing of the units is expected to begin in early May, HACAP officials said, with possible occupancy later in May.
HACAP will provide on-site management services, and private rooms are available for HACAP staffers to meet with residents as needed.
At the November meeting, council member Dale Todd said The Heights project represents a new era for the city’s Wellington Heights and Mound View neighborhoods.
“We’re looking at this being a component of the revitalization of that block, that core part of the neighborhood,” Mr. Todd said. “This is the first step in helping to stabilize what was a really blighted building that probably came very close to the wrecking ball. We were able to save it, and I hope it will be the start of some other things in the area.”
Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said The Heights project helps address the affordable housing crisis, identified by the city council as a key development priority.
“Every citizen in our community, regardless of background, where they come from or where they want to go, deserves a safe, affordable place where they can not only find refuge, they can find strength and the resources to live their best lives,” she said. “This building represents all of that.”
She also said the project will serve as a “gateway” and contribute to the ongoing improvement of Wellington Heights, which she termed “a neighborhood on the move.”
“You don’t have to walk very far to see the tremendous energy and community that is here within the Wellington Heights neighborhood,” she said. “And none of that happens on accident. This community and neighborhood has been very intentional on that.”
John Brandt, who chairs HACAP’s board of directors, lauded the city and community leaders who brought The Heights to fruition.
“As many of us know, affordable housing is a great need in our community,” he said. “And one of the greatest things about our city is how nonprofit organizations and city officials can come together for the greater good.”
HUD regional administrator Ulysses “Deke” Clayborn said The Heights is a prime example of HUD’s mission to create sustainable communities and affordable homes.
“And we say homes, not just housing,” Mr. Clayborn said, “because a home is more than just a stick building – it’s where you learn to be who you are, where you go to remain safe, and where you learn the lessons that will propel you through life. We are just elated to be a part of this investment … in the lives of individuals that are going to be residents of The Heights, because their lives are going to be enhanced and their contribution to this community can continue when they see someone caring.”
The city council is expected to approve a formal agreement in May to transfer The Heights to HACAP’s ownership. Under that agreement, the city is expected to donate the property to HACAP for $1, with a property lien contingent on maintaining a 15-year affordability period for the property.
