84-Unit Workforce Housing Project Completed

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorAlton, Ill.–Gundaker Commercial Group and the Illinois Housing Development Authority recently completed a $12.4 million workforce housing project located in Alton, Ill.“Alton Pointe replaces a blighted apartment complex that for years was the center of gang-related activities and drug deals,” says Andrew Koenig, AIA, and the project’s architect. “The fact that unit applications were pouring in during the first week of the project being on the market is proof that this is a long-awaited and needed project for the community.”Alton Pointe Apartments fills a much-needed demand for affordable housing in Madison County, according to Koenig. The project team includes the Madison County Housing Authority, design firm, Rosemann & Associates P.C., Stock & Associates, KPFF and Tao & Associates.Each building consists of three units: two apartments and one townhome. Overall, the project includes a total of 84 units featuring 10 one-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom garden apartments, 20 three-bedroom apartments and 28 two-bedroom townhomes with five accessible units and two units for the visually or hearing impaired. 13 of the units will be available at market rate.”The buildings in this community are designed like to have the look and feel of a home, rather than just a place you live,” Jarrett R. Cooper, AIA, principal-in-charge of Rosemann & Associates, tells MHN.The community also offers a new clubhouse with administration offices, computer room, community area and outdoor playground.“It was evident that something different and innovative needed to be done,” says Koenig. “We wanted to create a design that Madison County can be proud of and point to as an example of positive change in their community.” “This project marks a new beginning for a struggling neighborhood in Alton,” says Koenig. “Residents have been extremely appreciative of the work that’s going on, thankful that change is happening in their backyards.”Alton Pointe is located close to several small industrial and manufacturing plants, two hospitals and a casino.