(POCATELLO) The Housing Company (THC), a non-profit entity created by Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), will celebrate the completion of the Whitman with an open house at 11:30 a.m. on April 8. Gerald Hunter—IHFA president and executive director, Bessie Katsilometes—THC board member, Roger Chase—the mayor of Pocatello, and Suzanne Ramos—Wells Fargo region president, will discuss the project on site at the Whitman, located at 122 S. Main St. in Old Town.

The mixed-use development features retail space on the first floor with 25 affordable apartments on the three floors above, including 21 one-bedroom and four studio apartments for individuals and families who meet income eligibility requirements. Amenities include a community lounge, laundry facilities, exercise room, and storage units. New residents began moving in on April 1. Those interested in renting an apartment can call (208) 478-1664.

The Housing Company, a nonprofit group created by IHFA in 1990 to provide rental-housing options for Idaho families, is the developer of this project. THC is dedicated to preserving Idaho’s existing affordable housing stock, facilitating development of new housing in under-served areas throughout Idaho, and providing quality professional property management for developments in its portfolio. THC began gathering funding resources and conceptualizing The Whitman Housing Project in the summer of 2004. Construction on the Whitman began in September 2007.

“The renovation of the historic Whitman Hotel into affordable housing has been an exciting experience,” said Douglas Peterson, director of The Housing Company. “A part of the city’s history is being revitalized and the community will benefit from the additional housing opportunities and refurbished retail space.”

Extensive renovations have been completed on both the inside and outside of the building. In addition to the construction of modern apartment units, the historic diner, lobby and the building’s façade have been restored based on historic photos. Myers-Anderson Architects handled the development design, and DeWall Construction acted as the construction manager for this project.

Funding for the Whitman was provided by Wells Fargo Community Development, the equity investor and construction lender. Affordable housing resources utilized by the development include Low Income Housing Tax Credits. Other resources include Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, and funds from the Pocatello Development Authority and Idaho Heritage Trust. The development cost approximately $5.5 million to complete.

The Housing Company, an organization committed to providing rental housing options for Idaho families and senior citizens, has developed 586 housing units statewide, and owns and manages 1,008 units of rental housing throughout the state.

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The Housing Company is a non-profit corporation organized in 1990 by Idaho Housing and Finance Association to assist in achieving IHFA’s affordable housing objectives. THC is dedicated to preserving Idaho’s existing affordable housing stock, facilitating development of new housing in under-served areas throughout Idaho, and providing quality, professional property management for developers in its portfolio. Learn more at www.thehousingcompany.org.

Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a financial services and housing business organization, provides funding for affordable housing in Idaho communities where it is most needed and when it is economically feasible. For more information, visit our Web site at www.ihfa.org.