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from March 18, 2007

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Apartment Project to Help Families in Need

Columbia Square Apartments as it is scheduled to look after construction. 

By Ray Dyer
Sooner Catholic

LAWTON — After close to five years of planning, partnering and —most importantly — praying, a plan developed by Catholic Charities and Mercy Housing to build new housing for low-income families here will officially get off the ground. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new $9 million Columbia Square Apartments is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 22. The 64-unit complex is located at 305 NW 4th Street.

First built in 1971, Columbia Square’s original buildings will be razed to the foundation and rebuilt in four stages. The 18-month construction project is scheduled for completion by Dec. 31, 2008. When finished, Columbia Square will provide a modern, energy-efficient and family friendly apartment complex, complete with two playgrounds, a computer lab for residents, a community room and an assortment of services ranging from job training to financial counseling and support for those seeking escape from an abusive relationship. An office will provide room for service coordinators assisting apartment residents. Other services will be provided by the Great Plains Improvement Foundation and the Lawton Housing Authority. The property will continue to be managed by Gorman Management Company.

Tim O’Connor, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, said the Columbia Square project is an opportunity for the Church to address and respond to a critical community need. “The need for affordable housing in Lawton during the next five years is going to be great,” O’Connor said. He was referring to the expected influx of individuals and families to the Lawton area because of the expanded military role planned for Fort Sill. And according to Chris Nervig, senior project developer for Mercy Housing, Columbia Square paints a perfect portrait of the people most in need of affordable and quality housing. She said the average annual income of those now living at Columbia Square is less than $5,000. Families headed by single parents make up 85 percent of the residents living at the complex.

“We’re doing this for the children,” Nervig said. In fact, the children will be involved in helping to design both playgrounds. One playground will be for children up to 5 years old, while the other will be for ages 6 to 12.

O’Connor said a “resident board” as well as a “community advisory board” are to be developed creating a greater sense of ownership and community support for Columbia Square.

When complete, Columbia Square will offer 14 two-bedroom apartments and 50 three-bedroom apartments. Nervig said she is especially excited that all construction materials will be non-toxic and windows and appliances will be energy efficient. She said “low water” landscaping has also been planned for Columbia Square.