The community of Wilson is in need of affordable
housing for seniors. Czech Cottages apartments will be built specifically for
persons age 55 and older who can meet income guidelines established by the
federal government for Ellsworth County, Kansas.
Czech Cottages’ location in the community, its
senior-friendly design and its emphasis on safety and energy efficiency will
offer an exceptionally high level of comfort and value. Deliberate efforts have
been made to maximize the potential for Czech Cottages to benefit both residents
and the community.
Features of Czech Cottages:
* Exceptional Location: Directly across
from the Wilson Senior Center and between the Lang Memorial Library and the
Wilson Post Office; one-half block from Main Street (Avenue E) including Kepka
Family Practice Center; short distance to Wilson Find Foods, Wilson State Bank
and other businesses.
* Senior-Friendly Design:
Design complies with ADA requirements and addresses special needs of seniors;
examples include walk-in showers (instead of tubs) and raised electrical
outlets; design assistance provided by AARP and other sources.
* Safety:
(a) Utility room in each apartment will double as a "safe room" designed to
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) specifications; (b) Stuccoed straw
bale exterior walls provide substantial structural strength and superior fire
resistance compared to conventional wood stud construction.
* Energy Efficiency:
(a) Super-insulation using straw bales will achieve R-50 compared to R-19 with
conventional wood stud walls; enhanced energy-efficiency will reduce energy
consumption and lower utility bills (especially helpful to persons with low
incomes); (b) Double pane low-e Pella windows; (c) Insulated exterior doors; (d)
Carport roofs will shelter exterior doors.
Characteristics of the population to be served
In December 2000, the Samuel Gill Marketing
Service completed a housing needs study of the Wilson area. The study found that
persons age 65 and older comprise 31% of the population and head 45% of the
households in Wilson. According to the Gill study, "169 senior households are
within the income range of $12,000 to 22,194 which would enable these
prospective tenants to quality for the proposed development."
"At the time of the field survey there was only
one apartment complex in Wilson that was specifically designed for seniors. . .
.After researching the vacancy rates of the existing units in the area, it is
firmly believed that the subject property will satisfy a portion of the
continued demand for units within the market area. It is estimated that 90+
percent occupancy level can be achieved in a 1 to 2 month time frame."
The Gill study further states: "Our interviews
with apartment managers substantiate the absorption rate. It is the opinion of
the analyst that the proposed property will absorb 3 to 4 units per month;
therefore, reaching full absorption within 2 months. Several local citizens were
interviewed including a representative of the Wilson City Hall. All of these
people expressed the opinion that additional rental housing is needed in Wilson.
Apartment managers or owners were also interviewed and these people all
indicated that additional rental housing is needed. Based on the above analysis,
it appears there is a need in Wilson for rental housing especially for the
elderly."
