Kristine Rodine

Jun. 19, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- A new affordable-housing apartment complex for older adults opened this month along Indian Creek in Caldwell.

Vineyard Suites at Indian Creek was developed by Caldwell-based New Beginnings Housing with assistance from the Idaho Housing and Finance Association. It's the first project for New Beginnings, owned by Greg Urrutia and Cathy Venrick.

The longtime Caldwell residents had worked on affordable-housing projects with other businesses and recently decided to strike out on their own as developers, Urrutia said.

"We just saw there was a need for senior housing in this area," he said.

The $7.5 million complex opened June 1, and 12 of the 50 units are already occupied, he said.

To qualify for units at Vineyard Suites, applicants must be at least 55 years old with household incomes that fall between 30 percent and 50 percent of the local median income. That translates to a maximum annual income of $21,300 for an individual or $24,350 for a couple, Venrick said.

Rents, based on household income and the size of the unit, range from $294 to $589, Lisa Davis of IHFA said. Because of federal tax credits administered through IHFA, New Beginnings will be able to offer more than half of its apartments to people who qualify for the low end of that rent range, Urrutia said.

IHFA administered $699,058 in annual tax credits for this development, providing more than $6.5 million in equity, Davis said.

Caldwell East Urban Renewal Agency provided a $30,000 grant to help fund a 700-foot paved walking path and benches along Indian Creek.

Located on East Linder Road near Chicago Street and the Caldwell airport, Vineyard Suites features a community garden area, a hot tub and horseshoe pits. Inside, common areas include a community room with kitchen, an exercise room, computer and library study room, and a craft room.

The complex has 24-hour on-site management.

Each unit includes a patio or balcony, microwave, stove, refrigerator and washer/dryer hookups, as well as exterior storage and an assigned carport. Pets are allowed.

Kristin Rodine: 377-6447

Newstex ID: KRTB-0234-26099865