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After years of construction, mud and rain, Timber Ridge is now completed.
Located in Spindale, Timber Ridge is a 50-unit apartment development for individuals ages 55 and older with a maximum income at 60 percent or less of the median income of Rutherford County, adjusted for household size. Rents range from $364 to $475 per month.
The development provides affordable housing for an underserved population, said Roy Helm, president of Wesley Community Development Corp., who along with The Affordable Housing Group of North Carolina, Inc., developed the community.
"We did a market survey that showed a very large need for additional housing in Rutherford County. We started the process in the fall of 2011 looking for a site in Rutherford County for affordable housing because a lack of that type of housing existed in that market," Helm said. "We wanted a site that was visible from a high traffic road, and the site on Railroad Avenue was ideal because it was located next to another senior development."
The development is unique for a senior community, said Kathy Stilwell, executive director of The Affordable Housing Group of North Carolina.
"A lot of senior housing is in larger, congregate buildings with elevators," she explained. "We have found that in small towns and rural settings that seniors much prefer to have their own space, with their own front door and patio to enjoy their surroundings. It feels like their own home as opposed to living in a dorm-type setting."
The 25 duplexes that make up Timber Ridge are comprised of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Six units were designed to accommodate residents with disabilities.
"The entire property is designed to be accessible for those with mobility issues, which is extremely important as people age," Helm said. "It allows them to stay in an independent living setting and avoid a costly care facility, if they can live in their own home comfortably. From a societal standpoint, that will be extremely important for all of us - to figure out strategies to reduce the costs for housing and care for a huge number of Baby Boomers."
In addition to each unit, the development features a community building available for all residents to use. The community building has a sitting room, kitchen and laundry facility, and mail kiosks are located in front of the building.
"By locating the mail at the community building it really encourages residents to get out and venture into the clubhouse and speak to each other," Stilwell explained. "There's also a screen porch and a library and computer room for residents use as well."
Also located in the development is a picnic area and community garden space for residents to grow their own vegetables and meet and mingle with other residents. During a grand opening and ribbon cutting held April 27, the garden space was dedicated to the late Dr. Hobart Rogers of Rutherfordton, whose wife, Helen, serves on the Wesley Community Development Corporation board. Rogers attended meetings with his wife, and while not on the board, became a good friend to those who were.
Charles Yelton, who served on the Habitat for Humanity Board with Rogers, spoke during the dedication of the garden, saying "If you mention Dr. Rogers, you have to mention Helen because they were a pair. They never said no to any opportunity, and quietly went about doing God's work."
In unveiling the plaque dedicated to her husband's memory, Mrs. Rogers said it was a blessing to be needed.
Local support for the development was extraordinarily strong, Helm said.
"In terms of cooperation, the Town of Spindale was extremely helpful, from the first meeting with the town manager all the way through to council meetings and working with building inspectors."
The development is currently full, but a waiting list is maintained onsite, Stilwell explained. Those who are interested can go by and talk with the property manager. For more information, call 828-288-2787.
