'Patriot Place' to Provide 50 Veterans' Housing Units

Des Moines, Iowa architects ASK Studio has previously designed other patriotic-themed buildings, including the Iowa Gold Star Museum, located on Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa. PHOTO: ASK Studio

Editor's note: The following is a news release issued by Healing Our Heroes, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It is presented here for news purposes only. No endorsement by the Red Bull Rising blog or author of the blog is necessarily implied.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA—Healing Our Heroes, in partnership with Seldin Company, is holding news conference and reception to introduce the "Patriot Place" veterans' permanent supportive housing project. The announcement will take place 12 noon Fri., Dec. 11 at the historic Veterans Memorial Building in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The approximately $9 million, veteran-specific, low-income housing facility will provide 48-50 apartment units with an additional approximate 10,000 square feet for veteran supportive services. Ten percent of the units will be set aside specifically for homeless prevention.

The project will be funded by a non-competitive Iowa Finance Authority (I.F.A.) tax-credit award. Additionally, the Cedar Rapids City Council has already passed a resolution of support granting a 10-year tax abatement. A capital campaign to raise $1.5 million to cover the funding gap is already underway.

In addition to unveiling the architectural rendering provided by architect Brent Schipper of ASK Studio, Des Moines, several area agencies will also be present to highlight a few supportive services that will be available to residents. The facility will be located directly behind the VA Outpatient Clinic located on the corner of Wiley Blvd. and Wilson Ave.

Founded by Executive Director Kelly Ridenour, the non-profit Healing Our Heroes is located at the Veterans Memorial Building, a facility managed by the Veterans Memorial Commission. Ridenour thanked the commission for its support. "As the wife, daughter and granddaughter of men who all raised their hand in service of God and country, I am proud to have the opportunity to be of service as well. The Veterans Memorial Commission has provided us with the resources needed to serve our veterans and we look forward to continuing that service with this exciting new endeavor,"
says Ridenour.

Seldin Company is multi-family management organization headquartered in Omaha, Neb. The company manages and leases more than 17,000 apartment homes across seven states, focusing on innovative, locally integrated projects that promote sustainability and community growth. "This project was a natural partnership," says Jim Rieker, executive vice president of Seldin Company. "Homelessness and helping veterans is a soft spot for us and, when approached, it was something we wanted to be a part of and feel honored to help."

The Healing our Heroes board will also be involved in making sure the community engages with the project going forward. "I'm so pleased to be involved with a project that will enhance the services provided in our community by serving those who have served our country," says Ashley Hinson, Healing our Heroes board member. "It's great that the community can get on board with supporting this project's ultimate goal of keeping our veterans engaged and off the street. We as an organization will continue our work to make sure we repay those debts to our vets."