Affordable apartments. Priceless views.

The Story

An imperative piece of both Ketchum’s Comprehensive Plan and the KCDC’s mission, affordable workforce housing has been long-standing priority to ensure the city remains a sustainable community.

With the construction of Northwood Place, Ketchum’s first rental-only affordable workforce housing development, the KCDC scored a huge success in its first step toward this goal.

What

A 32-unit, rental-only affordable workforce housing development comprised of one, two and three bedroom units designed to meet the needs of a variety of household sizes.

The total square footage of the five buildings is approximately 32,000 square feet, with unit sizes ranging from 617 s.f. to 1,234 s.f., with external entrances to all units. Outside amenities include decks/patios, a covered carport and generous storage lockers. Internal unit amenities include energy efficient appliances, garbage disposals, microwaves, washers and dryers.

A manager’s office is staffed throughout the day and a community room is available to all residents. Northwood Place also boasts the largest non-commercial solar installation in the state, which help abate the need for any homeowner’s association fees.

Where

101 Park Circle, Ketchum. Adjacent to the Wood River Community YMCA on Saddle Road.

When

Northwood Place was completed in the fall of 2010 after planning for the development began in 2008.

The development became fully occupied in February 2011, demonstrating the demand for affordable housing in Ketchum.

How

Northwood Place was funded through an $8.8 million low-income housing tax credit allocation from the Idaho Housing and Finance Association. Ketchum also made a critical contribution to the development in the form of a low-cost long-term lease for the piece of city-owned property.

The five-building development was conceived by KCDC Board Member Michael Carpenter and development partner Greg Dunfield, then working for Seattle-based Vitus Development. Local architect Dale Bates designed the project and building was led by Okland Construction.

Why

Northwood Place is the initial step in the KCDC’s and city’s commitment to providing affordable housing for the local workforce within Ketchum. Known to be a critical piece of a sustainable community and a strong economy, affordable housing keeps families residing within the city and increases the amount of money spent in local shops and restaurants.

The need for affordable workforce housing has been clearly outlined in Ketchum’s Comprehensive Plan, which notes, “Due to high land costs, the market is unable to respond to the shortage of affordably priced housing. Therefore, the trend in Ketchum is defined by the replacement of small, older housing units with high end and moderate market rate commercial and residential development…It has become apparent that the City must take the lead to facilitate the development of affordable housing.”

“The City of Ketchum recognizes the need for a balanced and sustainable housing supply for residents, employees and visitors. An adequate and diverse housing supply in Ketchum is needed to ensure the viability of town life and businesses.”

- Ketchum Comprehensive Plan

Features

(w/photos):

- The largest non-commercial solar installation in Idaho.
- Garden Beds
- Decks & Patios
- Communal Space

Contact

www.ketchumnorthwood.com
Syringa Property Management, 208.726.7358

Special Thanks: IHFA, Michael Carpenter, Vitus, Okland Construction, KCDC Workforce Housing Team