Enhancing communities with creative solutions |
Heartland Properties shares affordable housing ideas |
| Heartland Properties, Inc., has been successful in its mission to provide high-quality affordable housing for families and older adults in communities through-out
America's heartland. Recently, HPI expanded this quest by sharing its knowledge, experience and success stories with interested community leaders and housing professionals. |
| According to Dean Baumgardner, vice president of HPI, an adequate supply of affordable housing is critical to economic development. In order to retain existing
employers and attract new firms, communities must offer sufficient housing for their existing and potential workforce. |
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Workshops and tour provide forum |
| HPI, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Resources, presented four one-day workshops in various locations around Iowa to provide a forum where ideas and resources were shared to help communities pursue their own housing solutions. More than 200 community
leaders and housing professionals attended the workshops. The workshops were co-sponsored buy the Alliant Energy Economic Development Department. |
| In addition, on May 27, HPI sponsored a tour of several of its historic landmark properties in Wisconsin that have been converted for use as downtown housing.
The tour included Fox River Mills in Appleton; Jung, Leverenz and Balzer Wagon Works buildings in Sheboygan; and Brickner Woolen Mills in Sheboygan Falls.
Community leaders and Alliant Energy employees participated in the tour. |
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More than a utility provider |
| Baumgardner was pleased with the cross section of individuals who attended the presentations. "The fact that many Alliant Energy account managers took the time
to attend is very important," says Baumgardner. "The account managers are actively involved in community issues and have insight into local industry housing needs. Alliant
Energy is much more than a utility provider. By expanding their knowledge of HPI services, the account managers can better utilize HPI as a resource and demonstrate the
value-added services Alliant Energy brings to the table." |
| Since its founding in 1988, HPI has sponsored more than 100 developments, representing more than 5,000 high-quality, affordable apartment homes. Innovative approaches to financing, development and public/private partnerships help make the
work of HPI possible. |
| "The affordable housing created by HPI is a positive situation for Alliant Energy shareowners and communities," says Ruth Domack, president of HPI. "HPI's affordable housing investments, valued at more than $300 million, reinforce our commitment to
communities served by Alliant Energy." |
