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RIHousing Partners to Preserve Senior Housing, Utilize Renewable Energy at Pierce Manor

Published on November 9, 2017 by Rhode Island Housing
RIHousing Partners to Preserve Senior Housing, Utilize Renewable Energy at Pierce Manor

PROVIDENCE, RI — Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, Senator Ana B. Quezada and Representative Scott A. Slater joined Barbara Fields, Executive Director of RIHousing, and representatives from Cornell Management to celebrate the completion of renovations at Pierce Manor, a housing development for seniors in the city’s West End.

”Pierce Manor is home to seniors whose contributions throughout their lifetimes have helped shape our great city,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. ”It is our duty to give back to them by providing safe and welcoming housing options. I congratulate Rhode Island Housing and the folks who call Pierce Manor home on the completion of these very important renovations.”

As part of the renovations, the owner worked closely with National Grid and RIHousing to implement a series of energy efficiency measures, including solar panels, new windows and doors, and improved insulation. About 90 percent of the energy needed for common areas of the building will be generated by the solar panels; in fact, Pierce Manor is a model for the property manager’s other properties for energy efficiency and using renewable energy.

”Pierce Manor is like a second home for me, and I am so pleased with these renovations,” said Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence). ”I know how much a good home can change a person’s life, and thanks to the work of Cornell Management and RIHousing, 84 good homes for seniors have been updated and improved.”

”The renovations at Pierce Manor make this a better home for the seniors who live here, and the energy efficiency measures implemented are better for the environment,” said Rep. Scott A. Slater (D-Dist. 10, Providence). ”Our seniors are the backbone of our community, and it is important we ensure that we are able to provide a safe and healthy place for them to live.”

Made up of 80 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom apartments, Pierce Manor is restricted to individuals or families over the age of 62. Renovations to the development included the energy efficiency measures outlined above, as well as roof replacement, a new fire safety system and unit upgrades.

”The renovations at Pierce Manor do more than just preserve these apartments for seniors — the energy efficiency of this development helps preserve our environment,” said Barbara Fields, Executive Director of RIHousing. ”A project like this demonstrates why the American Council for Energy Efficiency recently ranked Rhode Island third in the country for energy efficiency. As our state faces a severe housing shortage, we need to ensure that we are maximizing our resources. Renewable energy is a win-win because it helps cut costs and protect the environment.”

The renovations celebrated at today’s ribbon cutting were done in conjunction with a refinancing of the development. As part of the refinancing, the property owner will execute a new 40-year affordability agreement.

About RI Housing
Together with its partners, RIHousing works to ensure that all people who live and work in Rhode Island can afford a healthy, attractive home that meets their needs. RIHousing uses its resources to provide low-interest loans, grants, education and assistance to help Rhode Islanders find, rent, buy, build and keep a good home. Created by the General Assembly in 1973, RIHousing is a self-sustaining corporation and receives no state funding for operations.

Media Contacts:
Emily Martineau
emartineau@rihousing.com
(401) 450-1309

Kevin Tente
ktente@nharbor.com
(401) 831-1200