Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA), a CIRI-affiliated nonprofit, has opened Eklutna Estates, a 59-unit facility dedicated to providing senior housing to Alaskans. On Tuesday, Aug. 3, community leaders gathered at CIHA’s existing senior community, Centennial Village, where the new homes are located to celebrate the grand opening of this unique residential property.
Speakers included Margie Brown, president and chief executive officer of CIRI; Carol Gore, president and chief executive officer of CIHA; Sandra Henriquez, assistant secretary for the Office of Public and Indian Housing, U.S Dept. Housing and Urban Development; Susanne Fleek, state director, Office of Senator Mark Begich; Mayor Dan Sullivan; Dan Fauske, chief executive officer and executive director, Alaska Housing Finance Corp.; Kevin Gardiner, vice president Investment Manager Wells Fargo Community Lending and Investment; and Pita Benz, senior vice president Wells Fargo Commercial Real Estate Group.
Self-guided tours of the property immediately followed the speaking program and ribbon-cutting celebration. Eklutna Estates consists of 46 one bedroom/one-bath units and 13 two-bedroom/two-bath units. Eklutna Estates is a mixed-income property and is open to Alaskans ages 55 and older. Most rental units are available based on income eligibility guidelines, and a limited number of units are available at market rates without income restrictions.
This is CIHA’s first smoke-free development and was designed using green sustainable building practices. The property exceeds the State of Alaska’s BEES (building energy efficiency standards) with a 5-Star energy rating. Eklutna Estates features Energy Star-certified appliances, in-floor radiant heat and exterior glazing and insulated windows, which allow for minimal heat loss during the winter while allowing maximum advantage of daylight.
Every unit in Eklutna Estates is handicap-accessible and is designed to meet the guidelines of the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. The building has many common spaces, including an arts and craft space, recreation/game room, library, and rooftop garden, which is accessible from the fourth floor gathering space and community kitchen.
CIHA has been providing senior housing to Alaskans since 1983, with five dedicated properties in Anchorage, Kenai, Seldovia and Ninilchik. With theaddition of Eklutna Estates to Centennial Village, CIHA’s total affordable senior housing portfolio will grow to 419 housing units. As of opening day, CIHA had 153 applicants for the 59 new apartments, and had approved 33 residents, of which 16 have already moved in to their units.
Shareholders interested in housing assistance can contact CIHA at (907) 793-3000, toll-free at 1-888-667-2442 or email at info@cookinlethousing.org.
