Local housing development wins award Local housing development wins award (April 02, 2004)

Exhibit of winners is on display in DC

Charities Housing Development's Stoney Pine Villa in Mountain View has been selected as one of 18 projects nationwide to be displayed in an exhibit at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C.

According to the development agency, Stoney Pine Villa was selected because it demonstrated design excellence in affordable housing.

"We are tremendously honored to have our project represented in this exhibit,'' said Chris Block, executive director of Charities Housing. "Only 18 projects were chosen out of the nearly 200 that were considered. We are hoping the exposure will help all affordable housing projects nationwide.''

Stoney Pine Villa, designed specifically for developmentally disabled people, is featured along with a history of affordable housing in an exhibition called "Affordable Housing: Designing an American Asset.''

Charities Housing Development is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary as a developer of affordable housing. It solicited extensive community involvement to ensure this project's success.

"The award validates our design process,'' Block said. "We researched carefully the needs of developmentally disabled people and designed the project to meet those needs. Some people believe that good design is a luxury reserved only for market-rate housing. The entire exhibit shows that belief to be a myth.''

Block said he hopes the national recognition will help pry new financing for more housing projects, adding that Charities Housing recently received $49 million from the state to develop a 120-studio development, also in Mountain View.

"Obviously federal, state and local funding is being squeezed,'' he noted. "We must be able to show we utilize our resources well. A little national recognition doesn't hurt either.''

-- Bay City News

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