Senior townhouses under construction in Heritage Greens

• Heritage Cottages under construction

The first of the Heritage Cottages are scheduled to be ready for occupancy in March 2009. They are located just south of the existing Heritage Greens townhouses along Hwy. 35. Photo by Randy Hanson

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Construction is under way on a 24-unit senior housing complex in the Heritage Greens subdivision.

Gerrard Corp., based in La Crosse, is building the single-level, one- and two-bedroom Heritage Cottage townhouses for people 55 and older.

When completed, the complex will consist of six four-unit buildings. Work has begun on two of the buildings, located just south of the existing three-level Heritage Greens townhouses along the west side of Hwy. 35.

The first rental townhouses are expected to be ready for occupancy in March 2009.

“These comfortable townhomes are perfect for those with an active lifestyle who want comfort and convenience in a quality home — without the inconveniences of home ownership,” Paul Gerrard is quoted as saying in a news release announcing the start of construction.

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Agency (WHEDA) awarded Gerrard Corp. tax credits to finance construction of the townhouses. In exchange, the building development and management company agreed to reserve a portion of the units for seniors with low or moderate incomes.

According to the Gerrard Corp. news release, the townhouses will have a “garden/cottage” design.

Each townhouse will have its own old-fashioned, screened-in front porch and a rear step-out sun patio for plants.

Other amenities are to include an attached garage, sound-proofing, kitchen appliances, a walk-in laundry with washer and dryer, pantry and storage space, walk-in closets, and cable, Internet and telephone access in each room.

The bathrooms will have a walk-in shower with an optional bathtub. Each townhouse will be handicapped accessible or adaptable to it.

The news release says the townhouses will have in-floor, radiant heat designed to increase energy efficiency.

The system will use the building’s foundation and the ground below as a heat storage reservoir during electric off-peak, low-cost hours, according to Gerrard Corp. The heat will radiate from the storage reservoir through the slab into the floor, the company says.

Electric baseboard heat will be provided as an alternate or supplemental heating source.

The electricity for the heating system and major appliances will be set up for on-peak and off-peak metering. Residents will be able to achieve additional energy savings by using them during off-peak hours, according to Gerrad Corp.

The company says Heritage Cottages will have a large community center with a fully equipped kitchen for private functions.

The complex’s other amenities will include a sports court/fitness area, a beauty/barber shop, a business center for residents and an on-site rental management office, according to the company.

An on-call maintenance person will be available to handle problems.

Heritage Greens is a 94-acre planned neighborhood on the southeast side of Hudson. It is located between Stageline and Hanley roads on the west side of Hwy. 35.

Call (715) 386-3510 to request a brochure about Heritage Cottages or to reserve one of the townhouses. You can learn more about Gerrard Corp. and its buildings at www.gerrardcompanies.com.

Tags: business, hudson, heritage_cottages, senior, housing