Two affordable housing projects have been awarded money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act allocated to Polk County. The Polk County Housing Trust Fund is reviewing applications for the money and is awarding the funds.

The most recent recipients are:

• Star Lofts, which is being developed by Cutler Development Inc. The project, underway at 2701 Ingersoll Ave. in Des Moines, was awarded $500,000. The mixed-use project, which is being built with mass timber, will include 20 apartment units, all with affordability restrictions.
• Lyn Crossing, a Dream Catcher Inc. property at 2000 Meadow Chase Lane in Des Moines. Dream Catcher Inc. was awarded $393,750 to make improvements to the property’s eight residential buildings that include 50 apartment units, most with affordability restrictions.

Polk County announced a year ago that it would earmark over $15 million from the federal money for affordable housing. Specifically, the county designated $12 million for housing development; $3 million was used to create a housing revolving loan fund; and $150,000 was used for a homeless advocates pilot program.

To date, $6.2 million in federal money has been awarded to five developments with affordable housing components. To learn about money awarded in 2022’s fourth quarter, click here.