The Kitchen opens affordable housing development

The Kitchen Inc. is completing the rollout process for its new affordable housing development designed for 55-plus residents.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony has been scheduled Aug. 29 for Maplewood Villas, 550 N. Duke Ave., according to a news release.

Ellen Herbig, community development coordinator for The Kitchen, said via email that the organization began leasing Maplewood Villas units in June and expects to wrap up that process this month. The project cost was undisclosed by nonprofit officials.

"Maplewood Villas is a service-enriched development to ensure residents are able to maintain their housing and will not return to homelessness," officials said in the release. "Service-enriched developments build a sense of community among residents and can improve quality of life for older adults living on their own."

The 44-unit development is for adults who are 55 and older. It’s designed for low-income and homeless individuals, and 11 units have been set aside for homeless veterans, officials say.

HP Construction LLC was general contractor for the project designed by Wallace Architects, Herbig said.