Blessing Brandon Heights II

By: 
Jill Meier, Journal Editor

Taking part in the ribbon cutting of Brandon Heights II Apartments are (from L) Tom Costello, Costello Companies; Mark Lauseng, South Dakota Housing Authority; the Most Reverend Paul J. Swain, Diocese of Sioux Falls; Roger Brooks, Brandon City Council; Kim Cerwick, Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce; Laura Arnett, Costello Property Management; Amange Anware, Wells Fargo; and Mark Bannwarth, St. Joseph Catholic Housing. Jill Meier/BV Journal

30-unit complex at capacity before ribbon cutting
 
A $4.4 million apartment complex was welcomed to Brandon at a combined blessing and ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday.
Brandon Heights II is the newest property of St. Joseph Catholic Housing, which has 24 properties (1,036 total units) in 11 South Dakota communities. The two-story complex is located at 1208 E. Keystone Place. St. Joseph’s also owns Split Rock Apartments and neighboring Brandon Heights Apartments. 
Mike Bannwarth, St. Joseph Catholic Housing’s treasurer, said the 30-unit complex is 100 percent occupied.
Brandon Heights II offers six, one-bedroom apartments, 16 two-bedroom units and eight three-bedrooms. Two units were designed for hearing- and visually-impaired tenants, and one for mobility-impaired. Rent, ranging from $315-800, is based on income.
Amenities include secure access, a community room with full kitchen, playground, benches, bike racks and a picnic area.
Bannwarth said Brandon Heights II wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of the city of Brandon, Wells Fargo, Wells Fargo Affordable Housing Development Corporation, Costello Companies, South Dakota Housing Development Authority, contractors and sub-contractors.
The Most Reverend Paul Swain, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls, said St. Joseph Catholic Housing serves a need in a very sensitive way. 
“This is a beautiful example of what can happen when the common good is the focus, that is government, business and non-profits and others coming together for a common good, and that is to provide safe, secure, effective, affordable housing for those in need. The fact is that growth is going on this area and the need is even greater than we even imagined a few years ago,” he said.
Bishop Swain said that over 20 years St. Joseph Catholic Housing has undertaken these projects in collaboration with so many that the focus has shifted to identifying what’s important to residents. 
“It’s not simply providing a bedroom and a kitchen. It’s providing an environment that is safe and encouraging to be not just a house, but a home for them and for those in their families, so it’s a beautiful thing to see,” he said.
Kim Cerwick, President/CEO of the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, said the community of Brandon is “blessed” to have this new housing addition. 
“As we continue to grow, it’s important for our businesses to grow, but where are they going to get their employees? Well, of course, we need people to live here, so it’s so great to have another avenue for folks to live here. Clearly there’s a need because it’s 100 percent filled,” Cerwick said.
“It’s been a great program for affordable housing,” said Mark Lauseng of the South Dakota Housing Authority, noting the near 11,000 units of affordable housing already in place across the state.
Laura Arnett with Costello Property Management accepted the plaque from Bishop Swain that will be displayed in the building. 

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The Brandon Valley Journal

 

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