RIVER FALLS – The 1300 Residences, one of West CAP’s newest auordable housing properties, was nationa lly recognized on Tuesda y, Sept. 20 as a 28

th Annual Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award (Edson Award) recipient. Winning in the Green and Healthy Housing category, this award recogni zes auordable housing and organizations that have demonstrated impactful use of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit).

The project’s co-developers were invited to Washington D.C. to accept the award at the Auordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition’s annua l Edson Awards. U.S. Representative from Wisconsin’s 3

rd Congressional District, Ron Kind, presented the award to West CAP Executi ve Director, Peter Kilde, Gerrard Companies’ Vice President, Paul Gerrard, and Cornerstone Architects owne r, Brad Kortbein. The Edson Awards honor Low Income Housing Tax Credit developments that strengthen communities, improve resident opportunities and support economies in urban, suburban and rural areas across the country.

“This project took a great deal of collaboration, ingenuit y, and a deep commitment to the cause of environmenta l responsibility,” said Kilde. “The design goal was not only to build high quality, auordable housing in a community that needs it, but also to meaningfully address climate change and contribute to the sustainability of a future we all share. I want to extend a sincere thank you to Corinne Hyzny of Cinnaire, the project syndicator, for nominating 1300 Residences, to the project developers Peter and Paul Gerrard of Gerrard Companies, to the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) who awarded the tax credits in the first place, the WI Department of Administration federal HOME program, the City of River Falls, and to all those involved in making this great project possible.” 1300 Residences in River Falls was co-developed by West CAP and Gerrard Companies and provides 50 affo rdable homes to workforce residents as well as seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans. The 4 percent Housing Credit was used to finance development of the property, with syndication provided by Cinnaire and architectural services provided by Cornerstone Architects.

The property’s design inc ludes 580 rooftop solar pane ls, three large solar flowers encompassing 36 additional solar panels, and state-ofthe- art air source heat pumps for heating and cooling. These green features result not only in annual carbon dioxide emission savings of around 300 tons per year, but also significantly reduce utility and energy costs for residents . Residents also benefit from onsite educational and financial literacy services, amenities such as a communit y room, picnic area, playground, and library, and close proximity to downtown River Falls’ grocery stores, green spaces, education opportunities, and business dist rict.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin reached out to recognize the achievement by stating, “The cost of housing remains a challenge for so many in our state and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit is an important tool that can be used to make it more auordable. The development of 1300 Residences in River Falls is well deserving of this year’s Edson Award for providing auordable homes that serve working families as well as seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans in Wisconsin .” The project was also recognized in the 2020 Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity Report, was the 2021 WI Environmental Initiati ve’s highest-scoring Green Built Certified Auordable Housing Project, and won the 24th Annual Governor’s Excellence in Community Action Award.

Submitted by West CAP

Pictured at the 1300 Residences Edson Award presentation on Sept. 20 are (from left): Brad Kortbein of Cornerstone Architects, Paul Gerrard of Gerrard Companies, Peter Kilde of West CAP and U.S. Rep. Ron Kind. Photo courtesy of West CAP