Site works begin for Main Village, 69 units of affordable rental housing
Anhart Community Housing Society is happy to announce that site preparation has begun at 162 Main Street in Vancouver. The project has been in the works since the spring of 2018, when Anhart purchased the property and began applying for financing and a development permit from the City of Vancouver.
Main Village
Main Village is scheduled for completion in fall 2022. It is a six-storey building with 69 microsuites and ground-floor commercial space. Sixty per cent of the units will be social housing and rented at affordable rates, including 33% having the deepest affordability for people at risk to homelessness. The rent levels are based on the tenants’ household income, and the highest level is 10% below market rates.
The tenants will include people with disabilities, people working entry to mid-level jobs, new Canadians, and seniors. All of the tenants will meet income guidelines, have positive housing history references, and express a desire to contribute to the community.
Community building
The building is designed to promote a communal environment, with a large amenity space and a roof-top garden open to all tenants. Rather than employ a resident caretaker, Anhart’s housing model includes a tenant leadership team that fosters a sense of ownership, peer support and community watch.
Main Village was designed by architect Sandra Moore, partner at award-winning firm Birmingham & Wood Architects and Planners. Vancouver-based Etro Construction is the general contractor.
Partners
Anhart develops affordable housing through private/public collaboratives with involvement of impact investors, municipalities and senior levels of government. Anhart is grateful for the support of financing partners including Vancity Community Foundation and Vancity Savings and Credit Union.
Anhart Community Housing Society is a Vancouver-based charity that builds communities through developing, owning and operating affordable housing. Throughout its history, Anhart’s work has been generously supported by a small group of philanthropists. With their support, Anhart has invested $2.5 million in the $19.2 million project. Anhart has incorporated a Limited Partnership Agreement that will give a modest return to investors who are committed to social impact.
Affordable housing development
Anhart Community Housing Society began an ambitious plan in the fall of 2017 to buy properties for new affordable housing, including a vacant lot at 162 Main St. The charity created subsidiaries, including Anhart Homes, Anhart Construction and Anhart Tenant Services to develop, build and operate new housing while it continued to focus on operating The Dodson at 25 E Hastings St. and supporting people and communities of greatest need.
The first project completed was The Ryder, 40 units of affordable housing in Hope BC, in March 2020. This project was the first modular build to receive financing from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Rental Construction Financing Initiative. Anhart owns additional properties in Hope and Merritt that are currently under development.
Members of the media: for more information contact marcie.good@anhart.ca