An affordable housing project in Iowa City’s historic northside neighborhood is underway, thanks to the efforts of The Housing Fellowship (THF) partnership with local student builders and organizations.
THF is a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide long-term, affordable housing to income-qualified residents in urban Iowa City. The current housing project, located at 724 Ronalds St., will be a two-bedroom, energy efficient home that will adhere to Iowa City’s historic housing standards and employ highschool student trainees. The building project is a supplement to the students’ curriculum.
Challenges
Adding housing to existing neighborhoods is tricky, since current zoning requirements limit options and building costs can keep conveniently located neighborhoods out of reach for individuals and families with limited incomes.
To make the project a possibility, THF partnered with the Iowa City Community School District’s Student Built House Program, the Iowa City Home Builders Association, the City of Iowa City and the Vocational Training Council.
Construction efforts began Sep. 6. Assuming success of the current project, a second home will be built next door the following year to further opportunities for the Student Built Home Program. The site was formerly home to a dilapidated, dangerous structure that has since been demolished.
Additional partners involved in this project are Sueppel’s Building and Remodeling, C-Wise Design and Consulting, The Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County, Axiom Consultants, and First Interstate Bank.
Funding for this Student Built Affordable Housing Project is being provided by Iowa City’s Affordable Housing Fund and loans from the Housing Trust Fund and First Interstate Bank. Grant funds and donations are also being sought.
