May 3, 2013

.MILWAUKEE – Two redevelopment projects by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Westlawn Gardens and Lapham Park, were recognized as Top Projects by The Daily Reporter and Wisconsin Builder at the publications’ annual awards dinner.

“The Housing Authority is honored to be recognized by the community for its work in redeveloping Westlawn Gardens and Lapham Park,” said Tony Pérez, Secretary-Executive Director of the Housing Authority. “These projects have a tremendous impact on the lives of our residents.”

The Daily Reporter and Wisconsin Builder honor 30 notable projects each year throughout the state at the annual Top Projects dinner.

“It is a testament to the quality of work at the Housing Authority that its two largest development projects have both been recognized as Top Projects of the year,” said Mayor Tom Barrett.  “These awards affirm that the Housing Authority brings great value to our city and its residents.” 

The Westlawn Gardens development project by the Housing Authority has revitalized the neighborhood on the city’s northwest side. Once the site of Wisconsin’s largest public housing development, the neighborhood has been redeveloped as mixed-income and mixed-use with 250 new and affordable homes, plans for market rate homes and retail, and 30,000 square feet for community gardens.

The Lapham Park renovation project has transformed an eight story high-rise that provides essential affordable and quality housing to the city’s elderly. The 201 renovated apartments now include special features to better serve the building’s elderly residents such as high-contrasting outlets and switches for the visually impaired, audible alarms for the hearing impaired and newly furnished lobby areas to promote community living. In addition, an elevator was added to improve access to all floors and to better accommodate scooters and emergency personnel.

“The revitalization projects at Westlawn and Lapham were essential to continue to provide quality affordable housing for our residents,” said Common Council President and Housing Authority board chair Willie Hines, Jr. “Both redevelopments will provide safe and healthy environments for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.”

The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee provides affordable housing options to more than 10,000 Milwaukee families. In addition to housing, the Housing Authority works with families to achieve self-sufficiency through economic, health and social programs.