Today Knox Housing Partnership officials, Mayor Madeline Rogero and community leaders gathered for a ceremony to officially open its latest affordable housing, high performance apartment complex. In conjunction with the event, City of Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero kicked off Community Development Week.
The Dutch Valley View apartment complex is Knox Housing Partnership's eleventh Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes project and was designed by Elizabeth Eason Architects. Energy, lighting, water, and materials efficiency were optimized to reduce maintenance costs and utility bills, and the lights, fans, and refrigerators in the apartments are all Energy Star certified. Two of the units are universal design units which will accommodate those with audio/visual and mobility disabilities; special features in these units include a roll-in shower, custom kitchen cabinetry adjusted for ease of use, and safety alarms with horns to sound and lights to flash.
"Dutch Valley View is a key addition to our inventory of affordable rental units here in Knoxville," said Knox Housing Partnership's Executive Director, Jackie Mayo. "These units have been designed for high efficiency to minimize utility and maintenance costs which also contributes to their affordability. We are very proud of the sustainable design and anticipate that we will receive a LEED for Homes Gold certification for Dutch Valley View."
The Dutch Valley View complex replaces a foreclosed dilapidated four-unit apartment complex and was made possible through City of Knoxville Community Development Department HUD funds (Neighborhood Stabilization Program and HOME), which is part of the City's ongoing pledge to support access to affordable housing.
"This is a solid example, again, of how well government and private partnerships can work together," said Community Development Director Becky Wade. "We know families who will call this home are excited about moving in and becoming part of this community."
The ribbon-cutting at Dutch Valley kicked off National Community Development Week with the theme "Community Development: Partnering to Build Strong Neighborhoods." The City of Knoxville will hold several events, including a Community Development Fair from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Green Space adjacent to Ashley Nicole Playground. The fair will feature children's activities, food and an opportunity to learn about CD programs.
For additional information about renting a Dutch Valley View apartment, please contact LaShawn Hall at KHP at 865-637-1679, extension 228.