LAYTON—In an effort to provide more affordable housing, Community Preservation Partners (CCP) has acquired the Skyline View Apartments in Layton with a plan to renovate the 112 units with an estimated per unit renovation cost of $70,000. CPP partnered with The Hampstead Companies who will be the co-owner and co-developer.
“CPP’s focus is on preservation of affordable housing,” said Karen Buckland, VP Development Community Preservation. “Hampstead’s and our path are both preservation developers. Now we’re finding a project and partnering up.”

The Skyline View Apartments are made up of eight two-story, garden-style buildings that cover three sites, 443, 448 and 430 North Fairfield Road, she said. They were built between 1973 and 1978 and haven’t had any significant renovations.

Residents in the apartments are at risk families, she said. “The apartments are losing their affordability. The property’s HUD subsidy was set to expire but with the CPP’s involvement the units will remain affordable and extend that so people can afford it for another 20 years.”

It’s an exciting subsidy for residents who currently receive it, said Buckland. “They can stay in place.”

It’s an $8.5 million renovation, she said. “This will modernize the community. We’ll make upgrades in the bathroom, with plumbing and paint throughout and do all of the roof, siding and put in new windows. Residents will remain in the unit and if needed we’ll put them up in a local motel or hotel at no out-of-pocket to residents.”

The renovation will also address accessibility, Buckland said. “We’ll make sure there are no structural problems and make sure we’re accommodating people with disabilities.” 

Other upgrades include new paths in the common outside area and tot lots for kids. 

“Layton has significant employment growth,” she said. “There’s less than a 2% unemployment rate.”

The average family makes about $140,000, said Buckland. “We’re targeting the low income families who earn less than $50,000. The key to growth is adding affordable housing. That’s what’s needed by preserving what is existing.”

The property is income restricted, she said. “There is a cap on the amount of income they’re able to earn based on family size in order to move into the apartments. That is checked annually. They can stay unless their income goes up.”

Right now it is 100% occupied, Buckland said. “We have a waiting list. They’re hard to get into. Affordability can be quite challenging. Many are rent over burdened.”

“The Skyline View Apartments are a perfect example of CPP’s preservation efforts in affordable housing where it’s most needed,” said Seth Gellis, President at CPP. “The location

next to a metro center makes these homes ideal for families of working-class renters who can’t afford to live in the downtown area.” 

The preservation sector is making an impact on residents, said Buckland. “We want to preserve a home for them. That’s one of our focuses. Housing is such a big focus for a lot of folks.”