Senator Bond helps first Universal Design multifamily development

U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond joined local dignitaries in opening what could be the nation's first "universally designed" large-scale multifamily developments recently opened in St. Louis. The $13 million, 80- unit, three-story development, called 6 North, was officially opened March 21 by McCormack Baron Salazar.

“As a staunch supporter of universal design in affordable housing, MHDC is very pleased to be a part of this development,” said David Bryan, MHDC Public Information Officer.  The Starkloff Disability Institute also recognized MHDC for a commitment to universal design in its funding programs.

The development was financed with a $4 million U.S. Bank loan and with MHDC financing including a $540,000 federal HOME loan, a $693,000 AHAP credit and $463,000 in federal and state Rental Housing Tax Credits.  Affordable Housing Commission of the City of St. Louis also participated in the financing of the 82-unit development that includes a mix of tax-credit, HOME and market-rate units.

Representatives of the Center for Universal Design at Northern Carolina State University believe the development is the first multifamily development to use universal design for every segment of the building.

The project also included a $1.5 million HUD grant to include universal design features such as an accessible route to the front door, adjustable-height countertop kitchen island, adjustable height closet shelving and rods, front loading washer and dryer and easily accessible power outlets.  The money also helped construct a community room, fitness center, coffee shop and work/live market-rate spaces.

Richard D. Baron, chairman and chief executive officer of McCormack Baron Salazar, said, "I believe universal design will become a standard form of architectural design for future housing developments. McCormack Baron Salazar is pleased to be the developer of such a facility which will serve as a model nationwide for universal design."

Steve Kramer, vice president of U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation, said that U.S. Bank was also honored to be a part of such a "forward thinking" development and the continued revitalization of the Central West End and the City of St. Louis. "The successful completion of innovative projects like the 6 North Development is a shining example of why we so strongly value our long standing relationship with McCormack Baron Salazar," Kramer added.

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MHDC is the state's housing finance agency. The Commission is dedicated to strengthening communities and the lives of Missourians through the financing, development and preservation of affordable housing. Since 1969, MHDC has encouraged and assisted in the production of affordable rental housing and provided homeownership opportunities for thousands of families while investing almost $4 billion in Missouri housing for rental housing developments, home mortgages, home improvement loans, loans to landlords for renovations, grants to neighborhood housing groups and other programs.  MHDC does not build or renovate housing itself; rather, it functions as a bank, providing financing directly to borrowers or through a network of private lending institutions. Most of MHDC's programs operate as a public-private partnership.