Private, Public Resources Combined for Apartments

Ground has been broken for Northwoods Upland, a 324-unit apartment complex that the owner/developer, Wyn Holmes of Northwood Development, said was made possible only by a creative community redevelopment arrangement.

Richard Booth of Booth Good Architecture-Planning said the complex at Arrow Route and Benson Avenue required the combination of several land parcels and creative financing through the Upland Community Redevelopment Agency. The redevelopment agency generated more than $2 million through conventional tax increment financing to pay for storm drain, street and other improvements.

The project will include one-bedroom/one-bath and two-bedroom/two-bath apartments with individual air conditioning and vaulted ceilings, renting from $525 to $677 a month. The complex will also offer individual patios and storage, enclosed garages, swimming pools and spas, children’s playgrounds and laundry facilities.

Booth said, “This project is an excellent example of how a developer and a financial institution (Republic Federal Savings) can pool private resources with a public agency to completely revitalize an aging neighborhood with a project that meets a community need.”