HOULTON — Providing affordable housing for low-income families since 1983, Kelleran Court Associates is currently overseeing extensive renovations to their Kelleran Court property in Houlton.
Managed by Clark Young Associates, the affordable housing units are in five separate buildings on School and Kelleran Streets and will soon be equipped with energy efficiency upgrades that will provide a better living experience for tenants.
“We hired general contractor Hogan Property Management, LLC in Limerick to do the renovations and all involved are pleased with the planned improvements,” said Jeffrey Thibodeau, manager for the building’s owners. “This is a big makeover for the property. It’s encouraging to see that Kelleran Court is committed to providing an attractive solution for affordable housing in Houlton.”
Site manager Charlene Henderson of Clark Young Associates said, “The affordable two- and three-bedroom units will soon enjoy an upgrade to a more energy efficient site. This will provide for a more comfortable living environment for our residents, which is very exciting for us all. We’re always accepting applications for Kelleran Court so potential tenants can contact us at any time.”
Renovations to the housing units include additional rigid insulation, which will lower heating costs considering the property’s use of electric heat. Maintenance Director for Kelleran Court, Mike Tidd said of the ongoing work, “To further reduce energy costs and increase efficiency our renovations will include new state-of-the-art Energy Star rated double-hung windows with low-E glass. That’s a big upgrade from the casement style windows that are in place now. Currently they’re very hard to operate and difficult to maintain. So suffice it to say, that’s a huge improvement in itself.”
Renovations also include all new insulated fiberglass exterior doors that feature a crescent window to add light to the apartment’s vestibule area.
Through a welcomed collaboration with Efficiency Maine, the project will also include a high-efficiency heat pump heater in each apartment. Heat pumps deliver the same BTU’s of heat at less than half the cost of electric baseboard.
“What we find as an added benefit is that the heat pumps are reversible so they can provide cooling in the summer months.” added Tidd. Kelleran Court Associates have opted to include new cedar-shake style vinyl siding to the renovation plans, which will add to the aesthetics of the property and reduce maintenance.
Discussing rental costs for the newly renovated Kelleran Court Henderson added, “We’re able to provide rent to qualifying residents for about one-third of their adjusted gross monthly income. We’re encouraged to be able to provide low income housing in Houlton at affordable housing costs.” Rent at Kelleran Court includes an allowance that covers all utilities including heat, hot water, electricity, water and sewer, rubbish removal, snow plowing and maintenance among other necessities.
To receive a housing application for Kelleran Court call Charlene Henderson at Clark Young Associates at 207-532-3037.
