Two affordable apartment projects planned for Swannanoa are moving forward, although on different timetables. The first, East Haven, is already under construction near the corner of U.S. 70 and Riverwood Road. Construction on the second project, Jasper Apartments, is expected to begin this spring near the corner of U.S. 70 and Warren Wilson Road. When completed, the two projects will bring a total of 179 affordable apartments to Swannanoa.
East Haven, a project of Mountain Housing Opportunities, is expected to be completed in summer or fall of 2020. The complex will feature 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units in a variety of floor plans, with rents in the range of $260 – $700 per month. Applications for apartments will not be accepted until next summer, but those interested in applying can call MHO at 828-254-4030 to have their names placed on the East Haven list. This list is not for the apartment units themselves, but for those waiting to apply. Getting your name on this list early is a definite advantage, as it will affect the order in which applications are reviewed once the process begins.
Jasper Apartments, an 84-unit complex, is a project of Workforce Homestead, Inc. The project recently was awarded federal housing tax credits by the NC Housing Finance Agency, which paves the way for the project to proceed. If construction starts next spring as planned, the units should be ready to rent approximately 14 months later. Jasper will also feature 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units. Rents are expected to range from approximately $285 to $1,180 per month. Information on how to apply for the apartments will be provided as it becomes available.
Both East Haven and Jasper will be open to residents whose annual household incomes are at, or below, 60 percent of the county’s median income.
The elevator shafts are up and framing has begun at East Haven apartments.