On November 8th, Fairfield Mayor Harry Price joined other city and county leaders to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of Sunset Creek, an affordable rental apartment community developed by MidPen Housing.
Located in the heart of Fairfield next to a large park and minutes from downtown, Sunset Creek Apartments was originally developed by MidPen Housing in 1995 and has provided 76 affordable homes for families earning up to 60% of Area Median Income which is $51,420 for a family of four.
Through a common vision held by MidPen Housing, the City of Fairfield, and Bank of America to both preserve and deepen affordability, in 2018 Sunset Creek was refinanced and the community then underwent an extensive rehab which included exterior cosmetic improvements, and in each apartment: new kitchen and bathroom cabinets; updated flooring; and replacing all windows for improved insulation and sustainability.
“Quality housing that’s affordable for our residents at all income levels is integral to the health and vitality of our city,” said Fairfield Mayor Harry Price. “The preservation and renovation of Sunset Creek Apartments ensures that 76 hard working families have a beautiful community to call home for the long-term.”
Additionally, the Fairfield Housing Authority provided Project Based Vouchers for 20 units – eight of which are now reserved for those earning up to 30% of AMI and four provide permanent supportive housing for those who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness, one of which is now home to Lawfika Williams’ family:
“Despite having a steady job, as the sole provider for my family, I couldn’t find anything we could afford,” said Lawfika Williams, a single mother of three who found herself homeless after the place she’d been renting was foreclosed. “My children often stayed with friends and I was living in our car. We made it, but it was really tough. I am so grateful that we now have a beautiful apartment where we can be together and are proud to call home!”
The renovation of Sunset Creek Apartments also included transforming a 1,200 square foot portion of the parking lot into a community room to accommodate the expansion of an After School Program for youth residents, a services office and a laundry room. Other community amenities include a computer lab, two playgrounds, an open courtyard, and an onsite Head Start Center for early childhood education operated by Child Start Inc.
“We’re grateful for our partnership with the City of Fairfield and applaud their vision and leadership on affordable housing solutions,” said Matthew O. Franklin, President and CEO of MidPen Housing. “The investment that they’ve made to both preserve existing and build new affordable housing makes a clear statement as to their values.”
MidPen Services, an affiliate of MidPen Housing, provides a broad array of onsite programs to empower Sunset Creek residents to advance in key areas of their lives. For youth residents this includes academically-based After School and Summer Programs; career path engagement and college exploration programs; and leadership development. Adults have access to financial capability courses; vocational training; health and wellness programs; and connection to community resources. MidPen Property Management provides onsite professional property management.
Financing for the $26.4 million renovation was provided by the City of Fairfield, the Fairfield Housing Authority, the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee, and Bank of America, N.A.
“Bank of America’s purpose is to help make financial lives better, and one critical way we do this is by financing the preservation of quality, affordable housing for low-income residents who may be vulnerable to displacement or homelessness,” said Jason Foster, North Bay Market President, Bank of America. “Here in Solano County, we see housing costs rising along with the rest of the Bay Area. Reinvestment in developments like Sunset Creek is vital to preserving affordability, and quality of life, for the people who call this community home.”