The following is an article from the Des Moines Register, by Jared Strong; May 27,2010:
Church Plans Senior Housing Complex
Christ the King will use a federal low-income housing tax credit to build apartment building.
Christ the King parish on Des Moines' south side plans to build an apartment complex for low-income senior citizens this fall, a project that church officials say is somewhat unique in Iowa.
The three-story building at the corner of Southwest Ninth Street and Porter Avenue on the church's campus, will have 28 one and two-bedroom apartments and a community, computer and exercise room, among others, said Christ Aldinger, the church's business manager.
The total cost of the project, which includes the demolition of a building that sits at the site now, is estimated to be about $5.5 million. It will be mostly paid for with the help of a federal low-income housing tax credit awarded to the church this year.
"In recent years, I am not aware of any church that has done this," said Monsignor Frank Bognanno, the church's pastor. "The parishioners are very excited. I've heard nothing but excitement and support and questions about when they can sign up."
He said at least two other Des Moines churches have housing for senior citizens, but that they were built decades ago.
The project started in 2006 after church leaders surveyed their congregation and found a demand for affordable apartments close to the church. Church leaders have worked in the past few years to design an apartment building that fits with the gable style of the church and to apply for federal money for the project. The tax credit is worth more that $5 million over 10 years, a guarantee that the church will use to borrow money up front for the project.
The apartments will rent for between $450 and $650 depending on income, Aldinger said. Potential residents must be 55 years or older.
"They are open to general public," he said, "but mostly our parishioners."
The project is expected to break ground late this summer or early fall. It could be complete and ready for residents as early as summer 2011.
Bognanno said Christ the King has more than 3,000 members, and that roughly 1,500 attend one of four masses held each weekend.
He said the new building will be eye-pleasing for the church campus and Southwest Ninth street"
"It really does clean up that corner." Bognanno said.
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