(GREAT FALLS) A ground-breaking ceremony was held for the Rockcress Commons project in Great Falls on Friday.
Rockcress Commons will be a 124-unit affordable housing property; it’s located near 23rd Street South along the north side of 24th Avenue South.
Rockcress Commons will have 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units that will include modern amenities and renewable heating systems.
Among those participating in the event were Montana Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney and state Commerce Director Pam Haxby-Cote,
“We know that our communities thrive when their workers can afford to live and raise their families close to good-paying jobs,” said Lt. Gov. Cooney. “That is why it is so important we recognize and celebrate Rockcress Commons, a place that will provide a safe and affordable home for local hard-working Montanans for many years to come.”
According to a press release from the Montana Department of Commerce, Rockcress Commons will provide affordable rent for at least 46 years for families and individuals earning 60% or less of Area Median Income (AMI). In Great Falls, 60% of AMI is currently $32,040 for a two-person household.
(DECEMBER 5, 2018) The Great Falls City Commission approved the annexation of Rockcress Commons, a five-lot subdivision for a 124-unit multifamily housing project, during Tuesday’s meeting.
Developers include NeighborWorks Great Falls and GMD Development, which are using federal housing tax credits to construct the project targeted at families and individuals earning below 60 percent of area median income.
Rockcress Commons will be located at what is currently the Medical Tech Park Minor Subdivision at the dead-end of 23rd Street South and along the north side of 24th Avenue South.
The property is adjacent to city limits and the extension of city utilities and public streets must meet city standards.
The Commission also approved Beargrass Village, a NeighborWorks Great Falls plan to build a “pocket neighborhood,” to be rezoned to Planned Unit Development (PUD) and its preliminary plat approval.
Beargrass Village would include 10 single-family homes and two two-unit townhomes that will be located at the northwest corner of 3rd Avenue South and 14th Street South.
The project was initially zoned R-3 single-family high density and the change to PUD allows the single-family units to be connected by pedestrian walkways and a central courtyard.
Due to the zoning change, final engineering drawings and specifications must be submitted to the City Public Works Department for review and approval.
The commission also approved a proposed rezone for an addition to the Great Falls Clinic.
The Great Falls Clinic Foundation is working to develop a 12-room guest hotel for patients and families.
