dba Housing Catalyst (formerly Fort Collins Housing Authority) has completely transformed one of its properties when it embarked upon a major rehabilitation project for Village on Plum. This community of 95 apartments was built in 1970, and it needed some work.
The buildings were dated, the grounds were worn-out, spaces were disconnected and there was limited access throughout the property. The rehabilitation included significant building updating and repairs, but it was the renovation of the grounds that was remarkable, turning a community that was once drab into one that is truly vibrant and beautiful.
The renovation completely revitalized the community in more than a physical sense. The project brought a new sense of pride to the people living there. Before the renovation, people didn’t feel a strong connection to the community and didn’t seek it out as a place to live. Since the renovation, it’s become a highly desirable place to live.
The property manager says people from other properties regularly ask to move to there. She sees more people out of their homes enjoying the space, community bonds have been formed, and people are more active because of the beautiful green space, exercise equipment, new playground, clubhouse and connected walkways throughout the property. The overall self-esteem of residents is higher; they are outwardly proud to live there. During the summer, when this property usually experiences its highest vacancy rate, there are almost no vacancies.
Project Summary:
The vision for the Village on Plum rehabilitation began in 2012. The development was identified as an asset in need of updating at that time. The actual construction began in mid-2014 and was completed in August 2015.
Village on Plum provides 95 apartment homes within eight buildings located on about four acres. The homes are a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments. The community is located in a desirable moderate-income neighborhood within a brief walking distance to a major grocery store, schools, bus stops, gas stations, restaurants and other community amenities.
Revitalization Goals:
- Create a more welcoming housing community with high quality amenities
- Improve homes and building structures to serve residents for many years to come
- Design common areas for resident enjoyment and to create a stronger sense of community
- Make improvements energy efficient and sustainable
Improvements included:
- Buildings: Replaced roofs, sewer lines, lighting and painted all buildings.
- Interiors: Replaced countertops, baseboard heating systems, dishwashers, toilets, faucets, etc.
- Site:
- New playground, outdoor exercise equipment and dog park
- Expanded community garden
- New walkways, lighting and fencing
- Covered bicycle parking area
- Replaced parking lots
- Improved landscaping, site lighting and walkways
- Installed new fencing
- Community Building: new laundry room and fitness center; expanded community center
- Pool: resurfaced pool; replaced pool plumbing; replaced and expanded pool deck & fencing; added landscaping and new furnishings
Photos courtesy dba Housing Catalyst