Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA) held a grand opening celebration for its newest family housing development, Ch’anikna Commons, on Sept. 24, 2019. The development features 21 townhouse-style apartments and is located and in the heart of Anchorage’s Mountain View neighborhood, which holds the distinction of being the most diverse census tract in the entire U.S. Ch’anikna Commons represents CIHA’s most recent revitalization effort in this northeast Anchorage neighborhood.
Ch’anikna (pronounced cha-NEEK-nuh) is the Dena’ina Athabascan word for “my children.” Ch’anikna Commons will be home to many children and their families in the coming years.
The development encompassed a complete renovation of two structures formerly known as the Marina Karina apartments. Along with aesthetic upgrades, the renovations provide for greater energy efficiency and safety.
Residents will enjoy onsite landscaped courtyards and easy access to William B. Lyons Park and the Mountain View Community Center, home to the Mountain View Boys and Girls Club. The Mountain View Boys and Girls Club plays a critical role in supporting the working families in the neighborhood by providing safe, constructive afterschool and weekend programming for children.
Partners with CIHA in the redevelopment effort included Alaska Housing Finance Corp., Anchorage Community Land Trust, Federal Home Loan Bank Des Moines, Mountain View Boys and Girls Club, Mountain View Community Council, Municipality of Anchorage, Northrim Bank, R4 Capital, Rasmuson Foundation, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Wells Fargo.
“This block-long revitalization work is the result of the tremendous vision and collaboration among all our partners,” said original CIRI shareholder and CIHA CEO Carol Gore. “It includes renovations and upgrades to the Mountain View Community Center and the adjacent William B. Lyons Park. When we come together like this to support and stabilize families, the neighborhood of Mountain View and the community of Anchorage also benefit.”
