R.I. Pilot Housing Preservation and Production Program to fund renovations on senior housing complexes

JOHNSTON – Rhode Island state officials, representatives from Rhode Island Housing and Boston-based Preservation of Affordable Housing held a celebration to kick off renovations at Cherry Hill Apartments and Aaron Briggs Manor in Providence, two housing developments for low-income seniors.
Located just four miles apart, “Cherry Briggs,” as the project is known, has been awarded funding from the Rhode Island Pilot Housing Preservation and Production Program and is the first housing in the state to begin renovations under this new funding.
Both properties were originally constructed during the late 1970s. POAH acquired Cherry Hill in 2005 and Aaron Briggs in 2015. The nonprofit was looking for a way to formulate a long-term recapitalization for Cherry Hill, and its purchase of Aaron Briggs provided an opportunity by combining both properties into a single bond/ tax credit transaction.
The renovations will include new energy-efficient windows and siding, new roofing at Cherry Hill, improved ventilation systems, upgraded life-safety systems, common-area improvements, handicap accessibility modifications and the modernization of many original apartment kitchens and bathrooms.
“Today’s event highlights the success of another critical investment in Rhode Island’s housing landscape,” said Gov. Gina M. Raimondo. “Ensuring that our state offers housing options within financial reach of every household is an essential component of Rhode Island’s economic comeback. Investments like Cherry Briggs create jobs, boost the state economy and improve the quality of life for residents from childhood through retirement.”
“In our efforts to create jobs and boost Rhode Island’s economy, we are excited to be able to launch construction on this project using funding that the Governor and the legislature worked together to provide,” said Barbara Fields, executive director of Rhode Island Housing. “We will continue to leverage federal, state and private sector resources to put Rhode Islanders back to work preserving and improving our housing stock. This is a win-win-win for everyone.”
Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena and Marc Paulhus of Citizens Bank Rhode Island spoke at the event attended by residents of both Aaron Briggs and Cherry Hill Apartments.