Virtual Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Completion of Switchyard Apartments

Bloomington, Indiana, – Mayor John Hamilton and other City officials, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, South Central Indiana Housing Opportunities and other partners are part of a virtual ribbon-cutting presentation released today to officially open the first phase of Switchyard Apartments. Plans for a live gathering to cut a real ribbon and celebrate the new affordable housing property gave way to a virtual ribbon-cutting in light of COVID-19 health and safety precautions.

The project, located at 1901 S Rogers St., brings eight new affordable apartments to Bloomington in a prime location. In addition to Switchyard Park just to the east, Switchyard Apartments is close to the city’s B-Line Trail, on a City bus line, and near community facilities, office, and retail.

The new building includes six 1-bedroom and two 2-bedroom apartments for households earning 50 to 80 percent of the area median income or below. Three of the units are reserved for clients of LifeDesigns, a local nonprofit serving people with disabilities. Rents start at $547 per month, which includes water, sewer and trash collection.

“These new homes are part of building a sustainable and inclusive community—and central to our mission as a nonprofit housing organization,” said Deborah Myerson, Executive Director of South Central Indiana Housing Opportunities, the developer of the project. “We are grateful for the strong partnerships that helped make this project a reality.”

Switchyard Apartments adds much needed new affordable housing in the City of Bloomington. The apartments include views of Switchyard Park from the backyard, individual unit climate control, and washer and dryer hookups. Energy Star appliances and other energy-efficient elements have been incorporated to make this a sustainable new construction project.

"From the start of the Switchyard Park design process, the City has been committed to developing this land in a way that would amplify the quality of life for as many residents as possible," said Mayor John Hamilton. "We are happy to partner with SCIHO in launching this new affordable housing development so convenient to our beautiful new City park, transit, and other amenities."

The City of Bloomington provided land for the project under a 99-year ground lease, as well as $300,000 in HOME Investment Partnership Funds, and a $35,421 grant from the city’s Housing Development Fund. Other vital sources for the $1.39 million project include a $500,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis’ Affordable Housing Program, a $490,000 mortgage loan from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s Affordable Housing and Community Development Fund, a $50,000 mortgage loan from MutualBank, and a $21,000 grant from Lowe’s Community and Educational Foundation.

Construction on the first phase of Switchyard Apartments began in April 2019. This is the first project completed by South Central Indiana Housing Opportunities. The Bloomington-based 501 (c) 3 nonprofit housing organization is dedicated to expanding housing options for low- and moderate-income households in Bloomington, Monroe County, and surrounding counties in the region. SCIHO’s other programs include the Housing4Hoosiers.org website, tenant/landlord education, and advocacy.