After several delays, renovations have been completed on a low-income housing property in Jefferson City.
With 15 of 44 units empty, the Capital City Apartments complex is filling rapidly, with hopes it will be full in the next next month or so, Jefferson City Housing Authority Director Cynthia Quetsch said Tuesday during a JCHA board meeting.
"There is a wait list, and people have to meet certain qualifications," Quetsch said. "They must be considered low income, and they have to pass background checks."
The apartments on East Elm and East Dunklin streets were hit by the May 2019 tornado, causing significant damage to many of the units in the complex. Flooding occurred in February 2020 creating more necessary renovations. Work was also delayed as the COVID-19 pandemic kept some workers from doing repair work.
"These are two- and three-bedroom apartments, and the most openings are for three-bedroom units," Quetsch said. "They have dishwashers, microwaves, and washers and dryers."
For more information about Capital City Apartments or to join the wait list, visit the Jefferson City Housing Authority website, jchamo.org, or call 573-635-6163.
East Capitol urban renewal continues
The Housing Authority has had two inquiries in the past month about the last property remaining for development in relation to the ongoing East Capitol Avenue Urban Renewal Plan, Questch said.
The building at 101 Jackson St., at the corner of Jackson and East State streets, is a multi-family home. The three-story house was built as a duplex but has previously been used as a four-apartment complex and includes two covered porches, four bedrooms and four bathrooms, according to county records.
One interested group is not ready at this time to move forward with their plan for the property, but if it is still available when they are ready, then they may be interested, Quetsch said. Another person who inquired about the property was pursuing financing and working on a proposal.
The JCHA acts as the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority as part of its mission to fight blighted areas in the city. The East Capitol Avenue plan was approved in 2016 by the Jefferson City Council.
Proposals for redevelopment should include goals for the redevelopment of the property in compliance with the overlay district requirements, city code and zoning restrictions; use of the existing building or buildings as residential or commercial; start of the renovation within four months of the award and completion within 18 months; and occupancy within three months of completion of construction.
Development plans have moved forward on five properties in the 500 block of East Capitol Avenue, and Quetsch said the Housing Authority may have an announcement soon on a third phase of development in the area, as they are trying to acquire a property.