The Eleanor and The Franklin

There’s a new upturn just outside of downtown Bridgeport: the $33 million redevelopment of the former Park City Hospital. Bridgeport Housing Authority and its partner, the Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development, are bringing new purpose to this long-empty building. The project will create 110 units of affordable housing in two distinct facilities: The Eleanor, an apartment complex for senior citizens; and The Franklin, a separate complex for low income and disabled households. Both facilities will provide on-site supportive services designed to meet the needs of the residents. As well, the site, just north of Interstate 95, offers immediate access to bus lines and is a short walk to the train station and a variety of amenities and shops in the downtown district.

As one of Bridgeport’s larger development projects in recent years, the $33 million redevelopment required significant cooperation. The project uses nine different funding sources, including a special $200,000 grant for environmental remediation on an adjacent parcel that will be transformed into a green space for the residents. The Park City redevelopment proves that, even when federal money is tight, creating affordable housing is still possible.

In addition to the revitalization benefits to Bridgeport, The Eleanor and The Franklin help satisfy three social priorities: housing for the elderly and disabled; helping to prevent homelessness; and, providing social, health, job-training, educational and other support services designed to keep people successfully housed.  The Franklin and The Eleanor represent one of the largest commitments to supportive housing in Connecticut. The 110 units also help BHA fulfill its obligation to replace housing from the former Father Panik Village. Construction started in late 2008 and is schduled for completion in September 2010.

Albion Street

In partnership with Southwest Community Health Center (SWCHC), BHA is developing a new mixed-use facility that will provide 35 units of housing and a full range of health services, including a dental clinic. Continuing BHA’s commitment to sustainable development, the building itself will feature a green roof that will  be LEED certified.

For 15 years SWCHS and BHA have collaborated as renter/landlord at the current health clinic on Bird Street, where size and accessibility concerns prompted the new Albion Street development.  The total estimated cost for the project is $26 million. Pending funding, construction and lease-up is anticipated to be complete in Fall 2011.

Presidential Village

New Pequonnock is the informal name for the 11 new apartments located in five new construction houses, built to replace former Pequonnock Apartment units. Not only do these new constructions provide quality affordable housing, but they have also helped neighborhoods by revitalizing vacant lots that had become dumping grounds and eyesores.

The properties are owned by BHA’s nonprofit affiliate Baldwin Holdings Inc. with operating funds received through project-based Section 8 vouchers.

Merton House

Merton House will help homeless families whose head-of-household is disabled by mental illness or substance abuse. The 22-unit two-building project is being developed by Mutual Housing Association of Southwestern Connecticut, Inc. Catholic Charities of Fairfield County will provide supportive services to the residents.

One of the Merton House buildings will be located on BHA land on Catherine Street and the other at the Thomas Merton Center, home to Connecticut’s largest soup kitchen. Eighteen of Merton House’s twenty-two units will be filled by applicants from BHA’s public housing waiting list, and thus those units will count towards the Father Panik Village replacement requirement.

New Pequonnock

New Pequonnock is the informal name for the 11 new apartments located in five new construction houses, built to replace former Pequonnock Apartment units. Not only do these new constructions provide quality affordable housing, but they have also helped neighborhoods by revitalizing vacant lots that had become dumping grounds and eyesores.

The properties are owned by BHA’s nonprofit affiliate Baldwin Holdings Inc. with operating funds received through project-based Section 8 vouchers.