California Developer Improves Energy Efficiency by More than 25% with Building Rehab

By Lisa Iannucci, Green Building CorrespondentSan Jacinto, Calif.–LINC Housing Corp., a Long Beach, Calif.-based nonprofit developer of affordable housing for families and seniors, recently acquired the Terracina Apartments in San Jacinto, Calif. The 55-unit complex, originally built in 1992, is undergoing improvements that include general maintenance as well as several green upgrades and renovations.The energy-efficient renovations include cool-roof radiant shingles, additional insulation, energy-efficient water heaters, heating and cooling systems, exhaust fans and appliances, double-paned windows; CFL lighting, and weatherstripping. “LINC Housing is proud to add Terracina Apartments to our portfolio of affordable communities,” says Hunter L. Johnson, LINC Housing president and CEO.  “We’re looking forward to completing the renovations which will bring the property up to date as well as save the residents money with the increases in energy efficiency.”Additional renovations include repair and replacement of patio fencing with recycled materials and site improvements for greater handicap accessibility. The new community center features a computer lab, a sitting area with a big screen television, and a full kitchen. Terracina, located at 1825 South Santa Fe Ave. in San Jacinto, features two and three-bedroom apartment homes ranging from 1001 to 1102 sq. ft. All units are for families earning from 50 to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Riverside County, as established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Rents range from $443 to $725 per month depending on household income.    The rehab budget for Terracina is $1.5M and LINC is using a tax-exempt bond for the construction financing through Bank of America. The overall project was also financed with Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity, Redevelopment Agency of San Jacinto, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The total cost for acquisition and renovation was approximately $6.9 million.