|
 On Monday, August 29, VCDC and longtime development partner Community Housing Partners Corporation (CHPC) celebrated the renovation of Dolly Ann Apartments at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Covington, Virginia. VHDA, Dolly Ann residents, and members of the community were also in attendance.
VCDC's Housing Equity Funds provided $2,960,000 to Dolly Ann. Total construction rehabilitation cost was over $5,500,000. Originally constructed in 1972, the 108 apartments at Dolly Ann now feature energy-efficient appliances, modern flooring, a new playground, basketball court and a sun-drenched community center.
VCDC and CHPC have worked together since 1995; the first partnership was the Warwick SRO in Newport News. Since then, VCDC and CHPC have partnered in over 30 affordable housing developments from Tidewater to Southwest Virginia to Kentucky.
VCDC's Graham Driver and Mia Whybrow spoke at the ribbon cutting. Graham remarked, "When I think of Community Housing Partners, I am reminded of Robert Kennedy's quote: "There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why? I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?" This is the attitude CHPC takes when tackling the mission of affordable housing.
Mia added, "VCDC seeks to invest in housing communities that provide not just affordability, but high quality affordable housing-an investment in housing that people can be proud to live in, an investment in changing lives, not just improving buildings. The Covington area remains disinvested; there are few rental housing options. The modern design standards and features here at Dolly Ann are unmatched in the area. We applaud our partner CHPC for their work in this community." Alongside Susan Dewey, Executive Director of VHDA, CHPC President & CEO Janaka Casper and CHPC staff, Mia was invited to cut the ribbon.
See video coverage of the Dolly Ann ribbon cutting on
Roanoke's Channel 7 and Channel 10 news:
 | | WDBJ 7 News - Roanoke, Virginia |
 | | WSLS 10 News - Roanoke, Virginia |
For more details about Dolly Ann Apartments in Covington, visit Community Housing Partners' website, www.chpc2.org.
|
