Impact Housing News

“The Annex Group is looking forward to being a part of this growing area that is experiencing an influx of development including a brand new library, which is something we think residents will enjoy,” said David Wesner, Vice President of Development for The Annex Group. “We respect that this part of town has a lot of history. Union at Rose Park was specifically designed to meet local resident needs and enhance the community’s look and feel."

Union at Rose Park will feature rich amenities, including a community room, fitness center and business center. It will have rooftop solar panels and is designed to meet Enterprise Green Community Standards. The community will be adjacent to a park that has basketball courts, a baseball field, playground and ample green space. Shopping, groceries, the new library and public transportation are also a short distance from the complex.

"The Annex Group's vision is for a strategically located, sustainable and affordable community with well-designed amenities," said Charles Swanson, Practice Leader, Director, Multifamily for Ware Malcomb. "By meeting Enterprise Green Communities' standards and incorporating rooftop solar panels, the development is in line with Ware Malcomb's firm commitment to high-quality, futureproof design."

“We were fortunate to have many partners collaborate to make this closing happen,” said Rachel Kriech, Director of Development. “As The Annex Group enters Milwaukee for the first time, we are proud to work side by side with industry professionals and community advocates who understand the need for truly affordable housing in areas that are experiencing growth like Milwaukee is.”

The project partners include Ware Malcomb, raSmith, Integrity Structural Corp., Latimer Sommers & Associates, Terracon, Heartland Energy Consultants, Baker Tilly, ACC Management Group, and Impact Housing Indiana, an organization dedicated to supporting residents of affordable housing communities within the portfolio of The Annex Group. Impact Housing Indiana will have a dedicated on-site space within Union at Rose Park which will enable services to more quickly and efficiently be provided to residents.

“We’re proud to partner with The Annex Group and others to bring Union at Rose Park to life,” said Andy Crain, Senior Vice President, Advantage Capital. “This development reflects the impact we aim for—expanding affordable housing, supporting neighborhoods, and helping families, veterans and individuals across Milwaukee thrive. By investing in this community, we’re not just building housing—we’re strengthening the community for years to come.”

The Rose Park project's financing was a collaborative effort, drawing on the support of several key partners. Advantage Capital played a significant role by providing over $9 million in federal equity and just under $3 million in state credit equity. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), contributed by allocating four percent tax credits, approximately $13.5 million in tax-exempt bonds, and both a $1 million Vacancy-to-Vitality loan and a $125,000 Infrastructure Access Funding loan. Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust provided substantial financial backing, acting as the construction lender with over $18 million and later as the permanent financing lender with over $8 million. Additionally, the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee (RACM) offered $750,000 in Brownfield funding aid. Finally, the City of Milwaukee's vital support was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. 

Featured Event Details

The fundraiser highlighted on Fox 59 Morning Show will take place:

When: Thursday, July 24th
Time: Any time between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Where: Dig Dig, 12800 Ford Drive, Fishers, IN

Purchase tickets for this event

Fox 59 Spotlight: Bridging Youth and Trade Careers

As featured on the morning show, this partnership helps bridge the gap between youth engagement in trade careers and real-world development by fostering the next generation of construction professionals while also serving residents. The Fox 59 segment emphasized the importance of introducing young people to the possibilities within the industry, especially in affordable housing, which is in dire need of skilled professionals.

"We were thrilled to share our story on Fox 59 Morning Show," said Yeagley during the broadcast. "This partnership with Dig Dig represents exactly the kind of innovative thinking we need to address workforce development in construction while supporting our mission of the relentless pursuit of enriching lives."

About the Organizations Featured on Fox 59

Dig Dig introduces children to the power of hands-on play experiences that spark curiosity and interest in building and design. As highlighted in the Fox 59 segment, this program engages kids in trade-related activities, helping them envision careers in the industry from an early age through interactive, educational experiences.

Impact Housing Indiana Corp. is dedicated to supporting residents of affordable housing communities within the portfolio of The Annex Group. Through this initiative featured on Fox 59, residents gain access to vital resources and supportive services that foster stability and growth.

The Annex Group is a leader in developing, building, and managing apartment communities. They're mission is to create a positive impact with the people who live, work, and are involved in their communities.

For more information about the event or Impact Housing Indiana, please contact jenni@impacthousingindiana.org

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About Impact Housing Indiana Corp.
Impact Housing Indiana Corp. is dedicated to supporting residents of affordable housing communities within the portfolio of The Annex Group. Through this initiative, residents gain access to vital resources and supportive services that foster stability and growth.

About Dig Dig
Dig Dig introduces children to the power of hands-on play experiences that spark curiosity and interest in building and design. This program is all about engaging kids in trade-related activities, helping them envision careers in the industry from an early age.

About The Annex Group
The Annex Group is a leader in developing, building, and managing apartment communities. They're actively creating the places where people live, and they play a key role in shaping the built environment.https://fox59.com/morning-news/building-the-future-of-construction-professionals/

"By introducing children to construction and design at an early age, we're not just providing them with fun activities—we're opening doors to future career possibilities," said Billy Lomax, Owner of Dig Dig.”

"The construction industry needs talented professionals, and affordable housing development, especially benefits from passionate builders who understand the importance of quality homes for all”, said Kyle Bach, Founder of Impact Housing Indiana. “This partnership with Dig Dig represents our commitment to addressing the industry's workforce needs while also creating pathways to meaningful careers for young people. We believe that early exposure to these trades can spark lifelong interests that benefit both individuals and communities facing housing challenges.”

The Dig Dig program provides hands-on play experiences that spark curiosity and develop interest in building and design concepts. During this special fundraising event, children will have the opportunity to build alongside actual construction team members in the Dino Zone, creating memorable experiences while learning about real-world applications.

All proceeds from the event will support Impact Housing Indiana Corp.'s mission to provide vital resources and supportive services to residents of affordable housing communities within The Annex Group's portfolio, fostering stability and growth for households.

Event Highlights:

• Kona Ice and Tapestry Coffee truck on-site

• Build with Construction Team Members in the Dino Zone

• Information and swag available at the Impact Housing Indiana table

• Photo opportunities with The Annex Group construction backdrop

Ticket Information:

• Family Package: $75 (admits up to 5 household members, includes gift bags for children)

• Individual Passes: $25 per person

The Annex Group, a leader in developing, building, and managing apartment communities, is a key supporter of this initiative as part of their commitment to not only creating places where people live but also investing in the future workforce that will help address housing needs.

This collaboration represents an innovative approach to addressing two critical needs: increasing interest in construction trades and supporting affordable housing initiatives in Indiana communities.

For more information or to purchase tickets: Click Here For Fundraiser Link

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About Impact Housing Indiana Corp.
Impact Housing Indiana Corp. is dedicated to supporting residents of affordable housing communities within the portfolio of The Annex Group. Through this initiative, residents gain access to vital resources and supportive services that foster stability and growth.

About Dig Dig
Dig Dig introduces children to the power of hands-on play experiences that spark curiosity and interest in building and design. This program is all about engaging kids in trade-related activities, helping them envision careers in the industry from an early age.

About The Annex Group
The Annex Group is a leader in developing, building, and managing apartment communities. They're actively creating the places where people live, and they play a key role in shaping the built environment.

In addition to its Executive Director, Impact Housing is operated with the help of its Board of Directors who provide non-profit, leadership and housing program experience. Board members include CJ Lukaart, Secretary and Treasurer for Impact Housing.

“Housing is essential to living a full, healthy life, but unfortunately simply having those four walls does not guarantee someone meets their potential and experiences success,” said Lukaart. “Impact Housing will work to fill the gaps, serving people in ways most housing communities simply cannot, to make a greater difference in peoples’ lives.”

Impact Housing will offer services such as nutritional wellness education, financial coaching, housing stability services, exercise and fitness programs and more. The organization will serve people living in select affordable and student housing communities around the country. To make the greatest impact, the organization is actively seeking collaborators and partners to help it fulfill its mission of enriching lives.

To learn more or discuss partnership opportunities with Impact Housing, visit https://www.impacthousingindiana.org/.

ABOUT IMPACT HOUSING
Impact Housing is a registered 501(3)(c) organization that works relentlessly to enrich lives by providing resources, support and hope to residents within affordable, student and market-rate housing communities across the United States. For more information, visit https://www.impacthousingindiana.org/