Located within minutes of downtown Nashville and the Church Street “gay district”, an 80-unit low-income luxury apartment community is actively marketing to Middle Tennessee’s GLBT community, spreading the message that the development is welcoming.
The Preserve at MetroCenter will open sometime in mid-to-late April. The multi-million dollar complex is owned by First Cumberland Properties, Inc., and is 100 percent affordable housing – so to live there you must fall within the income guidelines.
Rachael Benson, property manager with First Cumberland Properties, Inc., will be overseeing the new development, including leasing. She said she wanted to get word out to the GLBT community about affordable housing because she felt they probably weren’t aware of such opportunities.
“The gay and lesbian community represents a demographic that isn’t typically exposed to this kind of affordable housing property,” Benson said. “First Cumberland embraces diversity and we welcome all.”
Shane Burkett, vice president of strategic marketing for SBResults, LLC, a Nashville based marketing firm that has been hired by First Cumberland, Inc., to help promote the property, said he was proud to see the company actively reaching out to the GLBT community.
“We know that housing discrimination exists with the GLBT community,” Burkett said. “This will be a place where members of the GLBT community can know that they are welcome, will be embraced, and can truly call it home.”
Income guidelines vary based on the number of “family” members that will occupy an apartment. For a family of two (which could be a set of partners or roommates), the most the family could make is $29,580. A family of one is limited to $25,860. That number goes up to $42,900 for a family of six.
Monthly rent for the apartments will vary from the mid $500s to $800s based on floor plan. There are eight different floor plans available, with square foot sizes going from 750 square feet up to 1,301 square feet. All apartments will have washer/dryer units and include the following:
- Black Appliances
- Maple Cabinets
- 9 ft Ceilings in Every Unit
- Brushed Nickel Lighting
- Ceramic Tile Bathrooms
- Ceiling Fans in Every Bedroom
- Central HVAC
- Balcony or Patio
- Central Trash System
- R-19 Insulation
- Microwaves/Exhaust Fans above Ranges
- Cultured Marble Vanities
- Walk-in Closets
- CCTV with Carded Entrance into Building
- Large Community Room
The building has two large elevators for residents, with the majority of the apartments two bedroom, two baths. The entire apartment building has been outfitted with sprinklers, which Benson said would help guard against catastrophic fire damage.
“We are opening our doors to the GLBT community,” Benson said. “We really want them to know that quality luxury living is available at a very affordable price.”
Applications for residents are currently being accepted (click here to apply online). While the apartments won’t be ready for occupancy until mid-to-late April, Benson said she expected high interest and encouraged anyone in the GLBT community who wanted to live there, to apply now.
There is a $25 application fee, and a credit check along with a criminal background check will be conducted. All applicants will be asked to complete forms designed for this program to verify income, assets, and family size. These factors determine your eligibility to lease an apartment under the affordable housing program. If these items all qualify under the guidelines set by the IRS and state agency, your application will be processed further, using standard screening policies and procedures.
“This is an incredible opportunity for members of the GLBT community to live in a brand new, luxury apartment complex,” Burkett said. “It’s beautiful, and for those who are just starting out on their own and are looking for affordable housing, its perfect.”
The Preserve at MetroCenter is located at 478 Ponder Place, just behind Crest Honda in MetroCenter. For more information visit www.thepreserveatmetrocenter.com or call 615-291-5606.
