McCall, Idaho, a resort town on the shores of Payette Lake, has gotten a boost of 36 new units of affordable housing to help meet the needs of the region’s workforce.
Developed by Boise-based The Housing Co., the second phase of The Springs affordable housing community has added three two-story garden apartment buildings with a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units to the 36 units that previously were built in 2011.
McCall, a popular vacation destination in the winter and the summer, has seen housing prices continue to rise, which has made it difficult for employers to hire and retain workers in the region.
Recognizing that need, Valley County worked with The Housing Co. and the Idaho Housing Finance Association (IHFA) to donate the land at no cost for the project.
“Quality affordable housing for individuals and families who work in this region is so important,” said Valley County commissioner Bill Willey in a statement. “The Springs II not only brings that to McCall, but through this innovative public-private partnership, we have been able to deliver so much more that truly makes a positive difference in this community, our state, and in the lives of those who will benefit from this beautiful new community.”
IHFA awarded low-income housing tax credits for the $7.2 million second phase, which celebrated its grand opening in July. Optum Idaho, a leading information and technology-enabled health services business, was the largest investor, providing $5.5 million through a partnership with Enterprise Community Investment. Additional financing was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development through Bonneville Multifamily Capital.
In addition to the equity investment, Optum Idaho employees donated welcome baskets filled with household supplies to all the residents of The Springs community.
The Springs II includes a central courtyard with a gazebo, built-in barbecues, a half-sized basketball court, and 54 parking spaces. A municipal bus stop and a bike path have been added to the community to connect it to nearby jobs, services, and schools.
“We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from so many partners whose passion helped create this beautiful, high-quality affordable housing community that benefits individuals and families, and serves as a stabilizing presence in Idaho,” said Douglas Peterson, director of The Housing Co.
