The Marietta Housing Authority (MHA) and Columbia Residential October 6 celebrated the grand opening of The Retreat at Dorsey Manor, a 72-unit housing facility located at the corner of Haynes and Lemon streets for residents ages 62 and over.
The high-quality development includes a theater, library, and exercise facilities, all characteristic of other acclaimed developments MHA development partner Atlanta-based Columbia Residential has built around metro Atlanta.
"During the past few years, MHA has torn down 357 rental units," MHA executive director Ray Buday said. "We are continuing to end an era when seniors live in poverty."
Twenty-two units will be reserved for individuals with incomes less than $40,150 and couples less than $45,900. Rents for these units will be based on 30 percent of the resident's adjusted gross income. Twenty-eight units will be reserved for individuals with incomes less than $29,684 and couples less than $34,162. Rents for these units are expected to be $669 to $779 per month, depending on size, and income must be less than 60 percent of the metro Atlanta median income. Twenty-two units will be available at market rates regardless of income. Rents for these units are expected to be $710 to $849 per month, depending on size.
Applications are being accepted at The Retreat, 118 Haynes Street, adjacent to the Tower at Dorsey Manor, an 80-unit senior housing facility on Lemon Street. For more information or to submit an application, call 678-594-0909.
The Dorsey Manor complex, which honors the late Annie Dorsey, will keep its name. Dorsey was a community and housing leader during the 1940s and 1950s, and mother of the late Jasper Dorsey, former vice president of Southern Bell.
The Retreat was built for two reasons, MHA director of development Pete Waldrep said. "We wanted to provide a place where seniors can live comfortably," he said. "The Retreat is a place for those who served our country in Vietnam and Korea and for those who are raising soldiers fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq and all over the world."
In September 2007, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs awarded Low Income Housing Tax Credits worth about $6.7 million to MHA's development subsidiary and Columbia Residential, toward the cost of construction of the new units. MHA director of development Pete Waldrep leads MHA's non-profit development subsidiary, Lemon Street Development Corporation.
Tower renovation coming soon
Waldrep expects renovations on the Tower at Dorsey Manor to begin next month.
The Tower and the Retreat are two of three $10 million developments the Georgia Department of Community Affairs has awarded MHA during the past three years, Waldrep said. "With the Retreat and Tower, Marietta has the best senior housing facilities in metro Atlanta."
About MHA
The Marietta Housing Authority is dedicated to creating, providing and increasing high quality housing opportunities to residents and provides programs to assist families, including rental options and renter-to-owner assistance.
Providing safe, affordable housing is a goal City Council established as part of the city's vision statement.
For more information, call the Marietta Housing Authority at 770-419-3200.