South Lake Tahoe affordable housing complex receiving upgrades

The residents of a local affordable housing complex are looking forward to a facelift of the place they call home. The Sierra Garden Apartments, located at 1801 Lake Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe, are set to receive a $15 million renovation funded through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and tax-exempt bonds.

St. Joseph Community Land Trust, a local nonprofit organization, and Pacific Development Group, a Lodi-based affordable housing developer, are two of the apartments property owners. St. Joseph Community Land Trust was founded in 2002 in response to the rising housing costs and the negative impacts of these costs to the broad social fabric, well-being, and sustainability of communities around Lake Tahoe. Today, more than ever, solving the housing crisis at Lake Tahoe will take creative solutions and St. Joseph plays a critical role in increasing the supply of affordable and workforce housing in the community.

Starting this year, the interiors of all 76 units will be remodeled, including kitchens, bathrooms, floor coverings, fresh paint, new wall heaters and LED lighting fixtures. Eight of the existing units will become 100% ADA-accessible.

All buildings on the property will receive a new coat of paint and a roof overlay. The current, inefficient boiler system will be replaced with high-recovery hot water heaters resulting in a ten percent energy cost savings, which will benefit the residents.

Construction will continue in 2018 with a brand new resident activity center with computer stations, upgrades to the properties BMPs, drought-resistant landscaping, and new BBQ areas.

“It is the mission of St. Joseph Community Land Trust to provide quality and affordable housing for the community,” said Lyn Barnett, St. Joseph Community Land Trust board president. “This project improves the living conditions of the residents and the new activity center and common areas will help create a greater sense of community.”

Members of the community can support St. Joseph in their mission by becoming a member of the organization, donating cash or services, or placing a donation box in their business. To learn more about how you can get involved please visit the website saintjosephclt.org.