Outline Of Need:

As any building ages it reaches a point where routine maintenance is no longer enough. For older apartments a little investment can also translate into a lot of savings on utility bills for residents.

How Rural Development Helped:

Affordable financing through RD’s multi-family housing program and tax credits from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) made it possible for the Tursky family to make needed renovations, significantly improve energy efficiency and install solar voltaic panels at rural apartment complexes in Henderson and Fayette Counties.

The Results:

Volunteer Management and Development Company Partner Chris Tursky said, "Each of the apartments now has Energy Star rated exterior doors along with new vinyl windows, roofing and siding. Kitchens were upgraded and every unit now has a more efficient water heater and heating and air conditioning system."

"At Gallaway Manor we also added a solar array that is expected to produce about 4,900 kilowatts of electricity a month," he said. The complexes also have new security systems that can be accessed by authorized officials from anywhere via the Internet.

The Turskys have a long history of working with RD and THDA to improve living conditions at apartment complexes in rural Tennessee. Since 1990 they have bought, renovated and constructed 16 apartment complexes of apartments in 10 communities across the state. Improvements were made possible by a combination of THDA tax credits and financing through RD.

"It's hard to find safe, affordable housing near work, school, healthcare and community activities," said RD State Director Bobby Goode.

"The Turskys have always done a great job of marshalling resources to make needed accessibility improvements and upgrades to rural apartments. Now they're even helping reduce energy consumption," he said. "That's good for renters and for the environment."

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