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Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) of Duluth Receives National Merit Award for Fairmont Homes Make-Over
DULUTH - The Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) of Duluth has received a national award for the exterior renovations to Fairmont Homes, a family housing development of four single-family homes and 18 duplexes in west Duluth.
The 2004 Award of Merit was bestowed by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), a membership organization of housing and community development agencies and professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low-and-moderate income. HRA Executive Director Rick Ball and Board Chair Janet Carter were recently presented with the award at the association's summer conference in Detroit, Michigan. Said NAHRO President James M. Inglis, "Programs like this one raise the bar for those in both the public and private sectors seeking to rivitalize communities across America. We salute the Duluth HRA for going beyond what has been done before."
The Fairmont Homes, owned and managed by the HRA were nearly 40 years old and in need of modernization; the buildings were dated with a barrack-style appearance that did not fit in with the other housing in the neighborhood and were showing signs of age. Care was taken to ensure that the newly redeveloped homes were assimilated to the neighborhood's aesthetics, with great attention to detail. Working with Stanius Johnson Architects of Duluth, the HRA's renovations included steepening roof pitches, adding dormers, enhancing the design of the front porches and installing landscaping, along with upgraded window installation and added insulation to attics for increased energy efficiency.
In Addition to the national recognition, the renovations were featured in Architecture Minnesota magazine as an exemplary treatment in upgrading affordable housing and revitalizing older urban neighborhoods. Funded by the agency's capital grant program and completed in 2003, the make-over has turned Fairmont Homes into an asset that enhances the existing neighborhood while also increasing resident pride.
DULUTH HRA DESIGNATED AS "HIGH PERFORMER" BY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HUD FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AND SECTION 8 PROGRAMS
The Duluth Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) has received designation as a "High Performer" for the third year in a row by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) measurement of four indicators - Physical Conditions, Financial Condition, Management Operations, Assessment Program (SEMAP), which was the result of the measurement of 15 different indicators in the areas of program utilzation, accuracy and timeliness of eligibility and benefit determinations, and the adequacy of housing quality standards monitoring.
HRA Executive Director Rick Ball couldn't be more proud of his staff. "They consistently demonstrate impressive teamwork and dedication, day in and day out, and these high performer designations are a fitting tribuite to their hard work and exemplary service."
The Duluth HRA owns and manages over 1,200 units of public housing located throughout the city and administers over 1,400 Section 8 housing choice vouchers. Both programs provide affordable housing to low and moderate income individuals and families. For more information about these programs, please call the HRA office at (218) 529-6300 or visit the HRA website at www.duluthhousing.com.
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