Photo: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Read a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article about Becher Terrace here.

If you are interested in living at Becher Terrace, call (414) 383-3244.

December 6, 2011

Milwaukee, WI – A public-private partnership forged on paper became reality in bricks and mortar today with the grand opening of Becher Terrace, an affordable assisted living facility on Milwaukee’s south side.

SunStarr Real Estate Ventures, LLC built the state-of-the art $13 million facility next to Becher Court, an independent senior living facility owned by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM).  SunStarr signed a long-term lease with HACM for the site, which was formerly the location of an 11-story public housing tower. 

“Becher Terrace will help meet the need for affordable housing and expanded services for low-income seniors who want to continue living in their community,” said SunStarr Chief Operating Officer Scott Stevlingson.  SunStarr has developed other residential care apartment housing for seniors in Milwaukee, including Garden Place and Clarke Square Terrace.

The new six-story building consists of 68 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom units.  Becher Terrace will operate a Certified Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC) through a Management Services Agreement with ANEW Management, LLC.  ANEW will provide 24-hour nursing and residential services by Spanish-speaking staff to residents in need of those services.  The Milwaukee County Family Care Program will be utilized to provide the RCAC services to qualifying residents.

“This partnership is a great example of public and private resources working together to meet the needs of the community.  The project has put people to work while revitalizing affordable housing for low-income seniors,” said Mayor Tom Barrett.

Becher Terrace connects directly to HACM’s Becher Court via a new two-story common area that includes a spacious lobby, country store, library, exercise room, dining area and more.  Becher Court has offered 120 units of independent affordable housing to seniors since 1981.

“We are pleased to work with SunStarr to provide Milwaukee’s elderly population with expanded housing choices and access to cost-effective services that can help them age in their community,” said Common Council President and HACM Board Chair Willie L. Hines, Jr. 

Financing for construction of Becher Terrace was supported by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).

“WHEDA is delighted to play a major role in the development of Becher Terrace by providing $12 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $1.5 million in exchange stimulus funding to help address the housing needs of our valued senior citizens,” said WHEDA Executive Director Wyman Winston.  “Becher Terrace is a wonderful facility that will offer quality, affordable assisted living opportunities, and WHEDA is proud to be one of its partners."

The redevelopment was approved by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and includes the provision of project-based Section 8 rent vouchers to make units affordable for low-income seniors.  

“The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee continues to develop and create affordable housing that is beautiful, bringing new services and value to the Milwaukee community.  The revitalization of the Becher campus is the latest example.  HUD is a willing partner and supporter of HACM’s efforts to ensure the long-term availability of affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization,” said John Finger, HUD Milwaukee Program Center Coordinator.

Universal design features were implemented throughout Becher Terrace to further meet the needs of the frail senior population.  In addition, significant design consideration in conjunction with Focus on Energy was given to ensure energy conservation.