Governor Doyle Announces $385,059 to Washington Apartments in Superior

Contacts: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

SUPERIOR–Governor Jim Doyle today announced a grant award of $385,059 in Rental Housing Development Grants from the Department of Commerce (Commerce) for development of the Washington Apartments in Superior, Douglas County. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Aaron D. Olver made the award on behalf of the Governor during the Northern Tour, Aug. 10-18.

“It is important to invest in affordable housing for our citizens,” said Gov. Jim Doyle. “I am pleased that we could help ensure new rental housing opportunities for seniors, persons with disabilities and low-income families.

The project will combine historic preservation and housing by renovating a three-story turn-of-the-century building, which will then be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The building, long a fixture in the downtown, will be completely renovated into 11 units – keeping the best of the historic architectural integrity and combining it with all new mechanical, plumbing and electrical, sprinkling and life safety code systems. Directly adjacent to the senior center, the building will provide residents with direct access to the center

The HOME Rental Housing Development Program helps local developers increase the stock of affordable rental units. The rental units are leased to persons who have low and very low incomes. The awards allow rental property owners to cover a portion of the construction costs and other development expenses.

For further information about this program, contact Jim Frymark, Commerce at 608/266-2742, or jfrymark@commerce.state.wi.us