Congresswoman Gwen Moore presents the Edson Award to (left to right) Murphy Antoine,
Torti Gallas; Paul Casey, Ballad Spahr; Bobbi Marsells, Housing Authority; Robert Courtney,
PNC Real Estate; Todd Crow, PNC Real Estate; and Common Council President and
Housing Authority Board Chairman Willie Hines, Jr.

May 22, 2013

WASHINGTON – The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee was awarded with the Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Award for Public Housing by The Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition for its redevelopment project at Westlawn Gardens during an awards ceremony today in Washington D.C. The national coalition recognized Westlawn Gardens as one of the seven best affordable housing developments in the country.

"I am very proud of the work the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee has done in the revitalization of the Westlawn Gardens neighborhood," said Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines, who also serves as Chairman of the Housing Authority’s Board of Directors. "Under Tony Pérez' leadership, we are implementing a brilliant strategy to ensure we build a strong neighborhood that supports families. It's gratifying to see the Housing Authority receive this major national award today, and I'm honored to be a part of the team." 

The Westlawn Gardens development has revitalized the neighborhood on the city’s northwest side. In partnership with PNC Bank, using tax credits delivered by the US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development and awarded through the Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority, the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee is managing the site as a mixed-income, mixed-use development with 250 new and affordable homes, plans for market rate homes and retail, and 30,000 square feet for community gardens.

"I'm so pleased to be presenting this award on behalf of the coalition to the innovative redevelopment project at Westlawn Gardens," said Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI4), who represents the community awarded. "The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee is creating a safe and healthy environment for Milwaukee’s residents. Congratulations to the Housing Authority, and especially Executive Director Tony Pérez and his staff, along with Chairman Willie Hines and Mayor Tom Barrett, for their work. Congratulations also to the Housing Authority’s partners in the Westlawn project, PNC Bank, WHEDA and USHUD, for your commitment to healthy, strong neighborhoods on Milwaukee's northwest side."

The Westlawn Gardens neighborhood, once the site of Wisconsin’s largest public housing development, makes available high-quality and affordable housing for low- and middle-income families, disabled adults, and elderly Milwaukee residents. The development includes market-rate rentals and home sites, community gardens, walking paths and multi-purpose rooms to promote community and healthy living.

“This award acknowledges the national significance of the Housing Authority’s redevelopment of Westlawn from public housing into a mixed-income, eco-friendly neighborhood,” said Mayor Tom Barrett.  “The new Westlawn Gardens is an important asset that is adding great value to Milwaukee’s northwest side.”

“Once again, we are pleased to see our cutting-edge work recognized by a national organization,” said Housing Authority Director Tony Pérez. “PNC Bank has been a tremendous partner, and we appreciate the support of USHUD and Wyman Winston and his team at WHEDA. The Housing Authority will continue to be part of the vanguard leading the way in finding innovative solutions to our city’s housing and economic challenges.”