Morgan Hill, California – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and Mayor Steve Tate joined EAH Housing, guests, and colleagues from the City of Morgan Hill and the County of Santa Clara for the groundbreaking of a new affordable housing community on Tuesday, April 18, 2017.
This development is a public/private venture between the City of Morgan Hill and nonprofit developer EAH Housing. It marks the fifth affordable housing community developed by EAH in the City of Morgan Hill, with the two organizations coming together again to continue to address the dire need for more affordable housing in the region.
The apartment homes are located on three distinct infill sites (Site A – Tobiano at Orchard Ranch, Site B – Overo at Orchard Ranch, and Site C – Palomino at Orchard Ranch), in close proximity to each other.
“This is the type of development our city needs. We are looking forward to seeing the growth of this vibrant community. In these challenging times, affordable homes for hardworking families are more important than ever,” says Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate.
The properties will provide permanent housing for low-income families at or below 60% of area median income (AMI). Two commercial lease spaces are planned: one at Tobiano at Orchard Ranch and the other at Palomino at Orchard Ranch.
“The apartments help to fill a void at a time of extreme need in the affordable housing market by offering high-quality rental housing for families in Santa Clara County. EAH feels very fortunate to undertake this project in collaboration with a partner as dedicated to affordable housing as the City of Morgan Hill,” says Mary Murtagh, President and CEO of EAH Housing.
Residents will have access to a community center, technology lounge, bicycle and vehicle parking, and barbeque and picnic areas. Construction is expected to be completed by April 2018.
The development will highlight green features, including drought-tolerant landscaping, solar photovoltaic panels, and Energy Star appliances. Once completed, it is expected to receive Build It Green Certification.
The development team consists of: EAH Housing, Chris Lamen + Associates, and L & D Construction. Key financial partners include: City of Morgan Hill; County of Santa Clara (Affordable Housing Fund and HOME Funds); Wells Fargo, N.A. (construction lender); California Community Reinvestment Corporation (permanent lender); Wells Fargo Affordable Housing Community Development Corporation (Tax Credit Investor); California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC), and the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara.
“The new apartments support the working families that make up the fabric of our communities. At Wells Fargo, we are proud to take part in this important investment in the future of Morgan Hill,” says Eric Leimbach, Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo.
About EAH Housing
Established in 1968, EAH Housing is one of the largest and most respected nonprofit housing development and management organizations in the western United States. EAH develops low-income housing, manages over 110 properties in California and Hawaii, and plays a leadership role in local, regional and national housing advocacy efforts. For more information on EAH Housing visit www.eahhousing.org.
