Ground is broken for a new housing complex in Evansville’s Jacobsville neighborhood.
Officials turned dirt to launch construction of Garfield Commons at the corner of Garfield and Virginia streets.
Evansville Metro Development Director Kelley Coures told the gathering the planned 44-unit complex and three stand-alone homes would address an important need.
He said the city faces a 3,000 unit shortage in affordable housing, and Garfield Commons and two other projects that have received tax credits would help fill the gap.
ECHO Housing Executive Director Stephanie Tenbarge said many people work in Jacobsville, but only about 5% live in the neighborhood.
She said the complex will provide easier transportation to jobs, as well as safe and energy efficient homes.
The complex will be built on a federal superfund site and Tenbarge says it will be “as green as can you can get.” It will include a rain garden and a “living wall” with vegetation.
Construction is expected to take about a year.
ECHO is also looking to purchase the nearby Fred’s Tavern, which Tenbarge says could become a coffee shop or other business.
