Staff report written from press release:
Bloomington, Indiana – November 17, 2023
The Bloomington Housing Authority (BHA) and Brinshore Development, L.L.C. (Brinshore) have received approval from the State of Indiana Housing Community Development Authority for a significant project aimed at transforming the historic Kohr Administrative Building into an affordable housing community, according to the City of Bloomington. The state has awarded 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits, funneling over $10 million in additional financing toward the anticipated $18.6 million endeavor.
Situated in the City of Bloomington’s Hopewell neighborhood, a revitalization initiative in the former IU Health Bloomington Hospital locale led by the City and the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission, the Kohr Community Flats is set to become a pivotal structure in the area’s reimagined landscape.
The reformation of the 1947-built Kohr Administrative Building will yield nine Permanent Supportive Housing apartments, a joint effort in collaboration with Centerstone. An additional 29 apartments will cater to individuals on the BHA waitlist whose earnings fall below 50% of the area median income (AMI). Brinshore’s expertise in historic adaptive reuse and development of affordable housing targeting homeless or low-income families solidifies their role in this transformative initiative.
Kate Gazunis, Executive Director of Bloomington Housing Authority, emphasized, “Bloomington Housing Authority’s conversion of the Kohr building will create homes for homeless and other hard-to-house individuals, not a shelter.” This shift is expected to alleviate pressures on Bloomington’s intricate shelter system, providing stable housing solutions.
Mayor John Hamilton said, “Through this supportive housing community, with Centerstone just across the street, Bloomington is adding another important component of our shared efforts to address homelessness in our community by creating permanent housing opportunities.”
The Kohr Community Flats aim to modernize the structure while preserving its historic features. Plans include an expansion to maximize housing capacity, resulting in 38 one- and two-bedroom apartments, each equipped with modern amenities. Renovation blueprints encompass communal spaces, property management offices, case management facilities, and recreational areas such as a fitness center and outdoor spaces.
John Zody, Director of Housing and Neighborhood Development Department (HAND) at the City of Bloomington, expressed the City’s commitment to the redevelopment, calling it a “once in a generation opportunity for Bloomington.”
Karly Brinla, Vice President Development Manager at Brinshore Development, acknowledged the collaborative effort required to address housing needs, highlighting the critical role of community partners in such initiatives.
The $18.6 million development secures funding from various sources, including contributions from the City of Bloomington, tax equity credits, and loans from different entities. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2026.
For further details about the project, inquiries can be directed to Karly Brinla, Vice President Development Manager at Brinshore Development, LLC, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 847-363-5202.
