MAY 26, 2011

The Daily Reporter honored Olga Village as one of Wisconsin’s top construction projects of 2010 at its annual awards event May 25th at the Country Springs Hotel and Conference Center in Pewaukee.  Olga Village, the newest addition to the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee’s portfolio of high-quality, affordable and environmentally sustainable housing, was selected as one of 30 projects honored out of 130 entries. 

Built on the campus of the United Community Center (UCC) on Milwaukee’s south side and opened in November 2010, the three-story apartment building provides 37 affordable rental units for the elderly in an active, bilingual, and culturally-enriched environment.   Residents enjoy access to the many programs of the UCC, including: a senior meal program; social, recreational, and educational activities; arts/crafts, music, and cultural arts; transportation; and social services.

In contemplating design goals for the building, the Housing Authority sought to refine and expand upon its previous efforts to build environmentally-sustainable buildings at its Cherry Court, Highland Gardens, and other developments.  Standard practices include the use of sustainable construction materials, extensive storm water management tools such as green roofs, and the inclusion of high-efficiency heating, cooling, and lighting equipment.  With Olga Village, the Housing Authority innovated further through the use of ground source heating/cooling and solar power. 

The completion of Olga Village has resulted in a building that is uniquely suited to serve the needs of its neighborhood.  Completed on schedule through the united efforts of a dedicated planning, design, engineering, and construction team, Olga Village presents a model for adding environmentally-sustainable, affordable housing to the campus of an established, highly-respected social service agency.  The building is named in honor of the pioneering spirit of Olga Valcourt-Schwartz, a passionate educator, advocate and former UCC board member who has strengthened the lives of countless individuals in Milwaukee and beyond.  Like Olga Valcourt-Schwartz, Olga Village strengthens its neighborhood through a combination of innovative ideas and commitment to excellence.

Read more from The Daily Reporter about Olga Village.