Spring completion expected for Antelope Court housing project

The Antelope Court $6 million family housing project near the southern edge of Havre is under construction and expected to be finished spring of 2017.

The project is a collaboration between District 4 Human Resources Development Council, Bear Paw Development Corp. and the city of Havre.

"It's really been a community effort," HRDC Executive Director Carilla French said of gathering the funds for the project.

Crews broke ground in the spring of this year and will continue throughout winter, mostly on the interior and, if weather permits, outside as well, French said.

Community Planner at Bear Paw Development Eryn Nissen said Bear Paw's role was helping write and put together the application for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program state grant. Nissen said developer Gene Leuwer from Helena also helped write the grant.

Financing for these projects can be difficult to put together, so his know-how played a pretty big role, Nissen said.

The Community Development Block Grant was another source of funding for the project, French said.

Havre Mayor Tim Solomon said the HOME grant passes through the city and that the city supports the project 100 percent. Solomon said no city tax payer money went to the project.

French said the apartments will be 100 percent compliant with the American Disabilities Act.

The ADA was created in 1990 to make it easier for disabled citizens to be able to access areas other people can get to routinely. For example, ADA compliant bathrooms include grab bars and shower seats the walkways have curb ramps.

Although Antelope Court is family housing with preference for those with disabilities, French said it is not necessary for a family member or head of household to be disabled to reside there.

The complex will include 30 apartments, 24 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom.

Another project spearheaded by HRDC was the neighboring senior-housing complex, Buffalo Court. Those apartments were completed in 2012.