USDA Rural Development staff in Tennessee earn national recognition

May 19, 2009 - WASHINGTON—The National Development Council (NDC) has recognized Arrington Estates in Henderson, Tenn., as one of the most innovative new multi-family housing developments in the country. The final round of the organization's annual competition and award ceremony were held in the nation's capitol May 13, 2009.

Arrington Estates placed second out of more than a hundred entries from all over the country. USDA Rural Development staff Don Harris (Nashville State office) and Kathy Brantley (Jackson area office) along with Arrington Estates Architect Kris Ainsworth developed an audio-visual presentation highlighting the unique features of the Arrington development that was presented to conferees at NDC's national economic development Academy.

"We're proud of the Area office and State Office staff who worked with the developer Arrington Estates, LLC, Lewiston State Bank, Bonneville Multifamily Mortgage Company and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency to make this remarkable development possible," said RD Acting State Director Robert Connelly, Jr. "Together their partnership has taken rural rental housing to a new level in Tennessee."

NDC's competition encourages government and nonprofit organizations to innovate by recognizing outstanding contributions to economic development in rural communities. Entries were judged on ten criteria including social impact, economic impact, financial leverage, and innovative design. NDC reported that Arrington Estates excelled in all areas.

Harris said this was the first development in Tennessee funded with a Rural Development loan-guarantee where each rental unit is a separate home with its own yard and garage. The design incorporates fifty, three-bedroom single family rental homes that compliment existing homes in the surrounding neighborhood.

"Renting a home like this also has the additional advantage of helping renters better prepare for the responsibilities of homeownership down the road," said Harris. "We hope this award encourages other developers to contact us with their good ideas for improving rural rental housing."

Funding for the five million dollar venture included a Rural Development loan-guarantee for Lewiston State Bank and their partner Bonneville Multifamily Mortgage of Salt Lake City, Utah., Tennessee Housing Development Agency helped make the project viable with low income housing tax credits.

NDC is the oldest national non-profit community and economic development organization in the U.S.  It was founded in 1969 with one purpose; increase the flow of capital for investment, jobs and community development to under served urban and rural areas across the country.  NDC has worked with thousands of communities in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, providing technical assistance, professional training and investment in affordable housing as well as small business financing and direct developer services. More information is available online at www.nationaldevelopmentcouncil.org.

Rural Development housing programs help build strong, stable neighborhoods by helping families in rural areas improve their economic security through affordable home loans, home loan-guarantees and homebuyer education opportunities. Financing is also available for quality, affordable rental housing and repairs to owner-occupied homes. Direct home loans help eligible households buy or build modest homes in rural areas with populations less than 20,000.

USDA Rural Development invests financial and technical services through housing, community and business development programs.  Last year Rural Development assisted more than 678,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $435 million in financial assistance through loans, loan guarantees and grants.

For more information on Rural Development programs available in Tennessee contact us toll free (800) 342-3149, or online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

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