FAIRFIELD — Solano County Supervisor Jim Spering dubbed the future Fair Havens Commons “not just a house but a home.”
County and city officials joined other local leaders to break ground for Fair Haven Commons, an affordable rental apartment community under construction that was developed by MidPen Housing.
The $40.4 million project is expected to be completed by the spring of 2023 and located at 1695 Sunset Ave. in Fairfield.
“You should be very proud of this project,” Spering said. “These projects make a difference, these projects change lives, these projects help families, and these projects make people feel a part of the community.”
The project is a result of a partnership between the city, county and MidPen Housing, and a partnership of funders. Fair Haven Commons is believed to be aiding the city’s vision to transform a previously underutilized, vacant site into supportive and family housing for those most in need, including individuals and families who are extremely low income, homeless, or at risk of homelessness.
“This really is a monumental occasion for all of us,” Fairfield Mayor Harry Price said. “This is the first new construction of an all-affordable housing development assisted by the city in 10 years. I’m looking forward to the ribbon cutting next year and I’ll be the first to say, ‘Welcome, home.’ ”
Fair Haven will provide 72 affordable rental apartments for families, including 44 units with set-aside preference for households who are at risk or experiencing homelessness and have other supportive housing needs.
The idea for Fair Haven began in 2017. Input from the neighborhood was made in 2019 and construction began last fall. The project backs Dover Park and is close to area schools for children.
“This has been a long time in coming, but what really is exciting is the collaborative partnership that made it happen, and the families that will be able to afford quality housing in Fairfield,” said Dawn La Bar, who works for the city in homeless services, special projects and neighborhood revitalization.
Fair Haven Commons demonstrates a responsive solution to address housing instability and supports the Regional Action Plan, which aims to reduce homelessness in the Bay Area by 75% within three years, the city reports. It also furthers the city’s Homeless Strategy goal.
Also utilized is the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s No Place Like Home funding and Solano County’s Whole Person Care program for the 44 units with preference for homeless and supportive needs households. Fifty-one households utilize Housing Choice Vouchers, administered by the Fairfield Housing Authority.
“There is nothing more important that we could be doing with our time than making this happen,” said Jan M. Lindenthal, chief real estate development officer for MidPen. “We’re celebrating this significant accomplishment.”
Fair Haven Commons will provide six studios, 30 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom (including manager’s unit), and six three-bedroom apartment homes for households earning up to 60% of area median income. Community amenities include a multipurpose community room, secured bicycle parking, and passive and active outdoor recreation areas.
MidPen Services, an affiliate of MidPen Housing, coordinates a broad array of onsite programming designed to empower residents to seek economic mobility, educational opportunity, and mentally and physically healthy lives, the city reports. Case management for Supportive Housing residents is delivered by the Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Behavioral Health Division. MidPen Property Management also provides onsite professional property management.
Financing for the development is provided by the city, Fairfield Housing Authority, Wells Fargo Bank, California Community Reinvestment Corporation, the state Department of Housing and Community Development, Solano County, Community Action Partnership of Solano Joint Powers Authority, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee.
Fair Haven Commons was designed by Mogavero Architects. The general contractor is Deacon Construction LLC.
Wells Fargo provided some $20 million in investment to the project.
“This is our first investment in Solano County and we’d like to have more opportunities,” said Daniel Perl, managing director of community lending and investment for Wells Fargo.
The collaborative approach to the project was key to MidPen.
“This is what can happen when cities, counties and community work together with a common goal in mind,” said Sarah B. McIntire, the senior project manager for MidPen.
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Source: dailyrepublic.com
