Bona Vista to build new $1.23 million housing development

July 24--Bona Vista Programs has announced it plans to build a new $1.23 million housing development in downtown Kokomo to accommodate people with disabilities.

The new 6,500-square-foot housing unit called Elmwood Trails will be located at 1101 N. Buckeye St. and have 11 units that serve clients in Bona Vista's supported-living program.

Inside the building, three pods will be surrounded by three to four separate living spaces and have a common kitchen, living, dining and laundry room. Each apartment will have its own bedroom and bathroom.

The project will also have a new community room that can be used by the public to host recreational activities, educational sessions, health and wellness programs and social gatherings.

The non-profit decided to build the new complex after the success of a similar housing project completed in January 2014 on South Plate Street called the Vistas, said Brianne Boruff, vice president of development and vocational services at Bona Vista.

"That was such a successful project, so we're doing it again to serve people in the community with disabilities," she said. "There's a great need in this community for housing like this."

Boruff said the housing development will be custom built to accommodate resident's special needs. Staff from Bona Vista will be on hand at all times to assist tenants.

The downtown location of the new housing unit will be especially convenient for residents, she said, since it will be close to stores for shopping and public transportation. It's also a good location for adults seeking employment in town.

"This is allowing a better quality of life for people with disabilities," Boruff said. "It's allowing us to provide some very affordable housing."

She said they hope to break ground on the project in November and have tenants moving in by July 2015.

The housing unit is being paid for through a $500,000 grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, a $500,000 Affordable Housing Program grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis with assistance from Community First Bank, and a $100,000 loan from Community First Bank.

The building site was donated by Doug Bray and Robert Hodupp of Bray and Hodupp Properties in Kokomo.

Carson Gerber can be reached at 765-854-6739, carson.gerber@kokomotribune.com or on Twitter @carsongerber1.

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