October 27, 2022, Cumberland, MD…New quality affordable housing was made possible by the opening of Allegany Junction at 119 Reynolds St. in Cumberland. Allegany Junction provides 40 new housing units including 36 affordable units for workforce families, singles, and seniors that earn 30 to 60% of area median income, in addition to four market rate units. The $9.6 million property was developed by Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. Nonprofit partner is Housing Services Alliance, Inc.
Allegany Junction is located on the site of a former Cumberland public school. The City of Cumberland supported the development and approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes which is critical for Allegany Junction to operate feasibly and be rented at affordable rates.
“The City of Cumberland was pleased to be able to partner with Woda Cooper and Housing Services Alliance in the development of the Allegany Junction apartment project. Allegany Junction brings much needed high quality affordable housing for the residents of Cumberland. The City hopes to be able to work with Woda Cooper on future housing projects in Cumberland,” said Mayor Raymond Morriss.
The development was awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits by Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development to support financing. Rents are $401 to $1059/month depending on size of unit and income restriction.
“Allegany Junction is a wonderful example of the modern, high-quality, rental communities supported by the State of Maryland,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “Working with dedicated development partners like Woda Cooper Companies, the department has achieved an historic level of rental housing production during Governor Hogan’s administration, financing the creation or preservation of more than 28,000 affordable units statewide.”
Apartments at Allegany Junction offer two- and three-bedroom units, with two units for residents with mobility challenges and one unit with features for those with sight/hearing disabilities. Apartments have open-concept living spaces and kitchens featuring ENERGY STAR appliances, including dishwashers. The apartments have washers and dryers in units, window blinds, and high-quality contemporary flooring and finishes. Residents pay low monthly utility bills due to the green building methods and materials, including energy-efficient kitchens; energy-efficient, individually controlled heating/cooling systems; energy-saving windows; and water-saving bathroom fixtures. The community is to be certified Enterprise Green Communities.
Allegany Junction also has many added community amenities such as a community room for resident social activities, a fitness center, outdoor playlot, off-street parking, as well as a management office with an onsite manager to assist residents.
Woda Cooper Companies’ Principal Jeffrey J. Woda said, “Without the support Allegany Junction received from the City of Cumberland and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, in addition to our financial partners, the development would not have been possible. It is an excellent new option for families, workforce members, retired seniors, and others seeking affordable housing.”
Syndicator Marble Cliff Capital secured primary equity financing for Allegany Junction. “The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of greater access to affordable housing in communities across the United States. Marble Cliff Capital is proud to be a part of the solution in Cumberland, Maryland, with the creation of 40 apartments offering a mix of affordable and market rate units, with our partners First United Bank & Trust and Woda Cooper Companies,” said Marble Cliff Capital President and Founder Jack Kukura.
First United Bank & Trust was the equity investor and provided a construction loan. “First United Bank & Trust was honored and thrilled to participate in the development and creation of housing in Allegany County,” said Blake Walker, Vice President and Director of Commercial Services, Central Market. “Allegany Junction represents an affordable housing option located in our market area and available to our customers. We are excited to see the facility open its doors and pleased to be part of continued economic development in our community.”
Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust was a lender for the permanent debt. “Supporting the development of new affordable housing options is critical in our mission as a lender supporting neighborhoods and communities. We are pleased to provide financial support to Woda Cooper Companies’ Allegany Junction. This is a great new addition to Cumberland providing 36 affordable and four market rate rental homes for families, retirees, and workforce residents,” said Michael J. Goerdt, Vice President, Specialty Finance Group, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
Architect for Allegany Junction was Moseley Architecture with general contracting by Woda Construction, Inc. Woda Cooper’s management division oversees day-to-day operations at Allegany Junction, including leasing, property maintenance, and ongoing management to assist residents. For more information about leasing, visit wodagroup.com or call 240-707-1237.
Photos from the Grand Opening October 27, 2022.
About Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.
Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. and its affiliates specialize in the development, design, construction, and management of high-quality affordable multi-family apartments, senior communities, and single-family homes. The company marked 30 years in business May 2, 2020, with operations in 16 states and a portfolio of approximately 400 communities and 16,000 units. Green building is standard with certifications including Passive House, Zero Energy Ready Homes, LEED, Enterprise Green, EarthCraft, and ENERGY STAR. Woda Cooper has offices in Savannah, GA; Indianapolis, IN; Shelbyville, KY; Queenstown, MD; Mackinaw City, MI; Columbus, OH; and Norfolk, VA. Affordable Housing Finance magazine ranked Woda Cooper Companies 10th in nation among Developers and 17th among Owners in 2022.
