The only thing left was to cut the ribbon. So, Housing Visions Unlimited Inc. celebrated the completion of its 28-unit development with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon on East Fayette Street. The $7.5 million Loguen Homes project will offer affordable apartment housing for low- and moderate-income families in Syracuse, said Mary Ann Winters, chair of Housing Visions' board of...
View full sizeSpectators gather to watch the ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday for Loguen Homes in the 1200 block of East Fayette Street, Syracuse. Housing Visions, a not-for-profit organization, developed 28 units of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income families.The only thing left was to cut the ribbon.
So, Housing Visions Unlimited Inc. celebrated the completion of its 28-unit development with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon on East Fayette Street.
The $7.5 million Loguen Homes project will offer affordable apartment housing for low- and moderate-income families in Syracuse, said Mary Ann Winters, chair of Housing Visions' board of directors.
All of the units are expected to be leased by the end of the month, and some already have tenants.
The development includes 11 properties on Lexington Avenue, Columbus Street, South Beech Street, Pine Street and East Fayette. All are new or rehabilitated and have environmentally friendly equipment, Winters said, noting the appliances and lighting are Energy Star labeled.
The landscaping includes native trees and plants chosen to minimize water usage and maximize energy efficiency, and there are daylight sensors or timers on the outdoor lighting.
Construction began in early 2009 in response to the closing of the Kennedy Square Complex, said Benjamin Lockwood, director of development for Housing Visions. Official ribbon cutters Veronica Milton and Mary Griswold already live in the homes on the 300 block of Pine Street.
"I've always wanted some place safe, clean and beautiful to live," said Milton, who felt unsafe living on the city's South Side and recalled the first time she saw her new apartment.
"I told the office my situation and that I wanted a better life; they opened up the doors for me," she said. "And when I first opened that door, I ran in there and I fell on my knees and I cried. I was so happy. I was given the opportunity to change my life for me and my children."
The one- to four-bedroom apartments cost $430 to $665 a month, without utilities. Leases are for one year, Lockwood said.
Money for the development came from the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corp., New York Housing Finance Agency, Key Community Development Corp. and the city of Syracuse.
"Nothing could be more sacred or better than sharing in the accomplishment of building homes for families, particularly in our city," said Mayor Stephanie Miner.
The homes are named after the African-American abolitionist Jermain Loguen, who lived in the city's northeast section.
Contact Fernando Alfonso at falfonso@syracuse.com.