Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. announced as Certified Green Building Award Multifamily Mid-Rise Awardee

Ruth Park Apartments, located at 520 Wellington Street in Traverse City, Michigan, represents a milestone in the city's ongoing efforts to address its housing crisis. Situated near downtown, the development offers residents easy access to jobs, parks, healthcare clinics, trails, shops, restaurants, and recreational opportunities like Boardman Lake, River, and Grand Traverse Bay. This prime location positions Ruth Park as a central hub for local workers and families. 

Ruth Park was developed to provide affordable housing for families and individuals earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income, translating to annual incomes of $26,970 to $71,920 for a family of four. The development includes nine units subsidized by the Traverse City Housing Commission, prioritizing those who have experienced chronic homelessness. There is no age restriction and many of the residents who perform jobs that are vital in the local economy like agribusiness employees, hospitality workers, public servants, and caregivers, are often left struggling to find quality options near jobs.

After seven years of searching for the right site in Traverse City, securing a tax credit award was a major milestone. Completed in December 2023, the $18.5 million Ruth Park project was made possible through strategic partnerships and financial incentives, including a 6% PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) from Traverse City’s leadership. This essential step enabled the project to secure Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, making it financially viable. 

The chosen site presented several unique challenges, including a tight, contaminated area along the Boardman River, bordered by a railroad right-of-way to the south and a 64KV powerline to the north. Additionally, three existing industrial/commercial buildings had to be demolished. The most rewarding part of the project was finding a sustainable solution for the two largest buildings. A local fruit farmer disassembled and relocated them outside the city limits, ensuring they were reused rather than sent to a landfill.

Additional key collaborators on the project included the project architect PCI Design Group, civil engineers Mansfield Land Use Consultants, and sustainability consultants Sol Consulting + Design. Woda Cooper Companies oversaw development, construction, and management, while financial partners included, Marble Cliff Capital, Bellwether Enterprise, and Independent Bank. 

The Ruth Park apartments quickly leased to full occupancy within just 67 days, with a waiting list of 249 potential residents. Those on the wait list went through the application process for a second, new, affordable development called Annika Place. In April 2024, they completed development on Annika Place which is LEED Silver and gives preference for Coast Guard personnel at the nearby Coast Guard Air Station. In December 2024, Woda Cooper will start construction on Annika Place II in Traverse City which will create 52 additional affordable units for general occupancy. It will be LEED Silver and the design allows for the placement of roof solar panels in the future.

Traverse City Mayor Amy Shamroe told the Traverse City Eagle on January 4, 2024: 

“…it’s so wonderful that we have a place that allows for families and single people and others to find a place that’s more in an affordable range for what a lot of our people are looking at. Sometimes the struggle to find year-round housing for local workers can be painted as an “outsiders’ problem.” What not a lot of people realize is that many of the people who have fallen victim to the housing crisis are originally from this area. A lot of people who are born and raised here, a lot of people who have lived here their whole lives or a large part of our makeup, are struggling to afford to live here as well.”

This project has received attention from the Record Egle, Up North Live, and 9/10 News. 

Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. was awarded at our 2024 Annual Party & Leadership Awards Ceremony on December 5, 2024. Hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan, the evening event was held at the High Five in downtown Grand Rapids. The program included a keynote address by Sandra Lupien, Director, MassTimber@MSU, the Leadership Awards Ceremony, and the celebration of this year’s achievements. 

To learn more about the event and to read our 2024 Annual Report visit our Annual Party & Leadership Awards Ceremony Page.