Neighborhood Development Services has taken a novel approach for providing affordable housing for seniors 55 and older in Ravenna, Ohio.
After learning about the benefits of round homes, the developer created 45 individual permanent yurt-style homes and a community center surrounded by nature. The yurt design features an aerodynamic shape that allows the wind to flow around it rather than pushing against flat walls, providing significant energy-efficient benefits. In addition, the yurts have been designed to conserve water and energy, with an oculus or skylight to enhance the natural lighting and open floor plans to provide flexibility for the seniors.
“The seniors absolutely love not just the serenity and nature, but the yurt-inspired design,” says Theresa Gambatese, senior development manager. “It definitely is an innovative development, particularly for permanent housing, in Northeast Ohio.”
Completed in November 2019, The Wilds at Harvest Rose also strives to improve the quality of life for the seniors. The development targets households with incomes of up to 30%, 50%, and 60% of the area median income, and 23 units have project-based Section 8 vouchers through the Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority. Four to five units are grouped together on the heavily wooded site to foster a sense of community on a smaller scale. The community building can be accessed by walking paths or by car. In addition, local nonprofit Family & Community Services oversees services coordination, including on-site health screenings and transportation.
“The separate yurts are surrounded by protected wetlands. At night, you can sit on your porch and listen to the frogs or gaze at the wide-open skies,” says resident Della Carlile. “It feels like a piece of country living tucked away from the city life. I am very grateful to call this my home.”
The $11.5 million development was financed primarily with low-income housing tax credit equity.
