Arizona Deaf Senior Citizens Coalition (ADSCC) in partnership with developer Cardinal Capital Management of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, announces the start of construction of the Apache ASL Trails apartments at 2430 E. Apache Blvd., in Tempe, Arizona.

The 75 unit apartment community provides housing designed for persons who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing.  Design features include flashing light signalers for phone and doorbell, videophone equipped lobby as well as videophone hookups in every apartment.  Also, light fixtures and window design to minimize glare, high contrast interior finishes, and a loop amplification system for hearing aids.  Management staff will use American Sign Language, and the ASL culture will be featured in programming and social events at the building.

Although development of the affordable apartments was begun in 2006, the credit crisis of 18 months ago prevented the completion of the financing needed to get construction underway.  With the recent arrival of Federal stimulus money, distributed by Arizona Department of Housing, funding for the $16,000,000 investment is nearly complete. The builder is A-P Residential Southwest, and design work is by architect Paul Mickelberg, at WSM Architects.

Construction is expected to begin by April 1, 2010, and apartment homes will be ready for occupancy approximately one year later, in spring of 2011.  Deaf advocacy and services will be provided by Valley Center of the Deaf, who will have offices there.

Although many applications for the housing have already been received, there are still a few apartments left.  Persons interested in applying for the housing will find a rental application at www.cardinalcapital.us.  Applicants must qualify under Federal income guidelines.  If you have questions, contact Katie Voss at VP (888) 532-4135, or Judy Leiterman at (414) 727-9902.