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New Vision
Engineering firm tackles affordable housing
By Holly Fisher
Supplements Editor
Lindbergh & Associates LLC is an old business with a new vision. And part of that vision involves helping create and refurbish affordable housing for Charleston.
Founded in 1982, Lindbergh & Associates is an engineering and consulting firm working on a number of projects with the Housing Authority of the city of Charleston. The Housing Authority first selected Lindbergh & Associates to work on the construction of units on Daniel Island, but the relationship has grown, and the engineering firm is providing additional consulting services for more Housing Authority projects.
Housing Authority’s mission
Founded in 1935, the Housing Authority is one of the oldest such agencies in the country. Although it works within the city of Charleston, it is not affiliated with the city and does not receive city tax revenue, explained Housing Authority CEO Donald Cameron. Revenue is generated through rent, grants and contracts with the federal government.
The Housing Authority has about 850 units that operate as low-rent apartments, providing modest housing for people with modest incomes. Low-rent apartments are usually $50 to $75 per month less than market cost. Tenants must be within a certain income threshold to qualify for the low-rent apartments.
The Housing Authority also provides Section 8 housing, which dictates a person can’t spend more than 30% of his or her income on shelter, which is classified as housing and utilities combined.
The Housing Authority casts a wide net through the area, from Johns Island to West Ashley and from downtown Charleston to Daniel Island, Cameron said. The agency also has 28 apartments in Mount Pleasant that it has owned for a number of years.
One of the Housing Authority’s challenges is having enough housing units to meet the demand. While there are plenty of one-bedroom efficiency apartments in North Charleston, the waiting list for family housing is 12 to 18 months, Cameron said.
Cameron’s goal is not only for the Housing Authority to provide affordable housing, but to add value to the community.
“Asset management and preservation of assets is critical to continued service and to be an asset to the neighborhood,” he said. “We don’t want to cause pockets of poverty.”
Generating partnerships
That’s where Lindbergh & Associates comes in by helping upgrade or construct housing. The firm works to keep costs down while ensuring the homes are aesthetically pleasing and not easily distinguishable as low-rent or Section 8 housing.
Lindbergh & Associates, as well as any contractors working on the projects, has the challenge of working around the residents. Tenants can’t move out during renovations because they have nowhere else to go.
“There’s unique pressure on the contractor and, in (Lindbergh & Associate’s) case, as the engineer, to work with the tenants,” Cameron said. “A relationship with residents is critical so everyone gets over those glitches, because they are going to happen.”
“We want to be an arm of the Housing Authority, an extension of their services,” said Richard Garcia, vice president of operations for Lindbergh & Associates.
The company is a multidiscipline firm, covering everything from architectural to structural engineering services. It has grown rapidly over the last few years and now has 17 employees, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental-accredited staff members.
Projects under way
Lindbergh & Associates was first selected by the Housing Authority to work on Blakeway Apartments, a new construction project on Daniel Island. The Housing Authority is building 28 units that will be low-rent facilities. Lindbergh & Associates is providing third-party construction support on the project, monitoring the contractor and the project’s progress.
There is little rental property on Daniel Island, so Blakeway Apartments is being developed with input from the Daniel Island Co. Another 82 condominiums are being built alongside the apartments. Both units will have a similar look and design. Those two- and three-bedroom apartments should be open in January. Rents are $1,050 for two-bedroom apartments and $1,200 for three-bedroom apartments.
Lindbergh & Associates also is working on Gadsden Green, near President and Hagood streets in downtown Charleston. The facilities were built in 1942, and improvements are being made to the exteriors and some balconies are being added to approve the appearance.
The first phase of work has just been completed on 11 of the 30 duplex homes in the Kiawah Homes complex on Rutledge Avenue. Exterior renovations have upgraded and improved the homes’ appearances, and modifications have been made to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
“We’re converting a neighborhood to something people are proud to live in,” Garcia said.
As part of the Kiawah Homes project, the community building will be refurbished as well.
Spending money to save it
By upgrading its facilities, the Housing Authority saves money in the long run on maintenance and new construction costs.
“This property is going to be around a long time,” Cameron said. “It should not be a detriment to the community. Richard and his people have come up with a way (for the homes) to blend in and look nice.”
By simply adding Hardi Plank siding, modifying the rooflines and adding porches and columns, the homes have a completely new look.
Having nicer facilities also improves resident turnover and stability, Cameron said.
Lindbergh & Associates works on a variety of projects around the Charleston region, but Garcia said working with the Housing Authority gives the firm the opportunity to give back to the community.
“We try to put ourselves in the shoes of the client,” Garcia said. “How can we help with the unique needs of the client?”
The Housing Authority looks for a company willing to work with it on projects, Cameron said.
“The Housing Authority, because we’ve been in business so long and because we own so much, we’re a very participatory owner. We’re looking for a professional willing to work with us,” Cameron said.
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