Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the work happening now and what’s ahead.

The Evart Housing Commission is investing in projects that strengthen our community through improved, high-quality housing options for families, seniors, and local workers. This FAQ answers common questions about local housing developments led by the Evart Housing Commission—including what’s happening now at Centennial Arms and what’s coming  next.

PROJECT OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

  • Centennial Arms is undergoing a major two-phase redevelopment project that includes fully renovating 109 existing public housing units and adding 36 two- and three-bedroom workforce housing apartments in six new buildings on the existing site.

  • Evart needs more safe, affordable housing—especially for families, seniors, and local workers. Centennial Arms is one of the community’s most important housing assets, but many of its homes are over 40 years old and in need of updates.

    This project preserves those homes, adds new ones, and helps ensure more people who live and work in Evart have access to stable, high-quality housing.

  • The Centennial Arms redevelopment is being made possible through a mix of public and private investment. The project received competitive Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), which help generate the equity needed to fund construction. The 109 existing units are also converting to the federal RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) program, which secures long-term rental assistance while unlocking new funding opportunities.

    The Evart Housing Commission is leading the project in partnership with Edison Community Partners, with support from Cinnaire.

  • The Centennial Arms redevelopment is one of just a handful of projects across the entire state to receive 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from MSHDA in 2025. Of the roughly 60 applicants for these credits, only 15 projects spread across 10 communities were awarded, with Evart receiving two awards worth a total of $2.1 million.

    These credits are one of the most competitive funding tools in affordable housing, attract private investment to help pay for construction and renovation while keeping rents affordable for local families and seniors. Without them, a project of this scale and quality simply wouldn’t be possible.

  • RAD stands for Rental Assistance Demonstration — a federal HUD program that allows public housing to convert to long-term Section 8 contracts. The goal is to preserve aging public housing while unlocking new funding options for rehabilitation and improvement.

    Through RAD, tenants continue to pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent, and the property secures long-term rental assistance that makes it financially viable to maintain and upgrade the homes.

  • Yes. For residents, RAD keeps rents affordable, protects tenant rights, and ensures units are maintained to a higher standard over time. For the community, RAD allows housing commissions to bring in outside investment and take better care of their properties — without asking local taxpayers to foot the bill. It’s one of the best tools available to preserve affordable housing long-term.

  • No. This redevelopment is primarily funded through state-awarded housing tax credits, federal rental assistance programs, and private investment. No new local tax dollars are being used for construction or operations.

HOMES, FEATURES AND AMENITIES

  • All 109 current apartments at Centennial Arms are being fully renovated. Each unit will receive major updates including new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, appliances, and fixtures — all designed to improve comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. These upgrades will bring aging homes up to modern standards while preserving affordability for current residents.

  • Six new walk-up apartment buildings will be added on currently open space within the Centennial Arms property. These 36 new workforce housing units will include a mix of two- and three-bedroom homes, designed with working families in mind. New apartments will feature modern layouts, in-unit laundry, energy-efficient appliances, central air conditioning, added storage, and private patios, and rooftop solar panels for energy efficiency.

  • Once complete, all residents — both in renovated and new units — will enjoy upgraded shared amenities. These include a clubhouse with community and craft rooms, an exercise room, playground, picnic area, outdoor gathering space, exterior storage, enhanced lighting and security, and laundry facilities. Most parking will remain free and on-site, with optional carports available for a small monthly fee.

CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE AND PROCESS

  • All new buildings will be located on currently open space within the existing Centennial Arms property.

  • No. All new construction is happening on open space within the current Centennial Arms property. While EHC previously explored the idea of purchasing nearby school-owned land, that is no longer part of the plan and will not be pursued. This redevelopment is fully contained within the existing property boundaries.

  • Some early site work is already underway, and renovations on the first group of units are expected to begin soon. Construction will take place in phases, but the exact start date is still being finalized.

  • No one will be permanently displaced. Renovations will happen in carefully planned phases, allowing residents to move into other available units on-site during construction. Residents will receive plenty of notice and support during any temporary moves.

  • No. All current residents will have the opportunity to return to updated homes. The goal is to preserve existing affordable housing and ensure continuity for current tenants.

  • Because this is a multi-phase project involving both renovations and new construction, the full buildout will take time. The work is expected to span at least 12-18  months, with some phases wrapping up sooner than others. Project partners will keep the community informed as timelines become clearer.

RESIDENCY AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

  • The new apartments will be designated as workforce housing, targeted to middle-income earners who don't qualify for low-income housing subsidies but need support to afford market-rate housing.

    This is geared for local working families, seniors, and individuals who qualify based on income.

    Many already work or have ties to Evart — in schools, health care, retail, or manufacturing. These homes give them a chance to live closer to work, stay connected to the community, and build long-term stability.

  • The redeveloped and new units will serve a mix of income levels. Most apartments are reserved for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income (AMI), which includes many seniors on fixed incomes and working families with jobs in industries like health care, education, retail, and manufacturing.

  • Each unit has specific eligibility requirements based on income and household size. Most homes will be available to residents earning 30%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of Osceola County’s Area Median Income (AMI). Rent is generally capped at 30% of a household’s income. Applications will be processed fairly and in accordance with all housing guidelines, and a local property manager will oversee leasing when the time comes.

  • Centennial Arms is home to more than 100 families, including 75 children and many longtime senior residents. Nearly half of residents are working-age adults, and families collectively earn nearly $1 million in local wages each year.

  • No. Thanks to the RAD conversion, residents will continue paying 30% of their income toward rent. The redevelopment will not displace current tenants or burden them with unaffordable rent increases.

  • Evart’s rental housing market is tight, with 97% occupancy and a shortage of affordable options. This redevelopment helps preserve existing homes and adds new ones—helping seniors and  working families stay local, stay stable, and stay connected to the community.

  • Possibly. The new units create opportunities for people who already work in Evart — or have family or other ties here — to live closer to where they work and belong. This project supports thoughtful, gradual growth that meets real community needs.

LOOKING AHEAD AND STAYING CONNECTED

  • Yes. In addition to the Centennial Arms redevelopment, the Evart Housing Commission and its partners are planning a new development on Main Street. This mixed-use project will bring additional housing and retail space to downtown, helping to support local businesses in the heart of the community. While that project is still in early planning phases, it reflects Evart’s growing commitment to strengthening the local economy through quality housing.

  • Visit housingforevart.com or like and follow our Facebook page for the latest updates, public notices, and construction progress. Community members can also join our email list to receive project news and updates. Sign up below.