Construction is now underway to rebuild the Low Housing Development in Cottonwood Falls after the original development was destroyed by fire nearly two years ago.
A formal groundbreaking was held at the facility at 101 East Eighth in Cottonwood Falls Tuesday and complex manager Deanna Wessel could not overstate her excitement for the occasion. She tells KVOE News the facility is desperately needed as it is one of the few senior citizen living developments in the area.
She says when the original complex was destroyed, it left a big hole in the community.
Wessel says the fire did more than just wipe out the complex’s B building and four living units, it also led to a lot of pain for many as the body of 74-year-old resident Sharon Tatman was found amongst the debris. Wessel says Tuesday’s groundbreaking was more than just the start of a construction project, it was also the beginning of much-needed healing.
The now ongoing project will see the replacement of the apartment units and the community recreation room as well as the addition of a storm shelter to the facility. Wessel says work is tentatively set to wrap up next year, however, she is hopeful it could be completed sooner.
The Cottonwood Falls Housing Authority is using a combination of insurance money, a $1 million matching grant, loan funding from Citizens State Bank and raised rents to pay for the new building.
