Today the echo of applause drifted up from the northern edge of Cedar City, Utah, signaling and celebrating the arrival of a new community here.
National, State and local partners gathered for the opening of Asteri—the most recent collaboration between social services organization Iron County Care & Share and national affordable and supportive housing developer Vecino Group. As their third supportive housing community here—with Libertad (family-focused) and Cairn Point (seniors-focused) before it—Asteri brings affordable homes to Iron County residents as well as delivers housing and supportive services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“It is truly incredible to deliver both homes and opportunities for a better life—and at this level—to the community of Cedar City,” said Vecino Group Director of Supportive Housing, Heather Bradley-Geary. “And it speaks volumes to the level of commitment that our partners like Iron County Care & Share and the City of Cedar City have in delivering for residents here.”
It’s name translating as “of the stars”, Asteri provides 45 one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as amenities that include an on-site fitness center, community room, and outdoor seating and walking areas. LB Hunt will oversee property management for Asteri, and Iron County Care & Share will provide a range of on-site services, including case management, classes, as well as assistance with accessing community resources.
“Affordability is one of the major issues in metropolitan areas across the country, including our communities here in Utah” said Claudia O’Grady, Vice President of Multifamily Finance & Development at Utah Housing Corporation. “It is encouraging to see the partnerships and resources that have come together to deliver against these needs within Cedar City and for Iron County.”
The development was designed with sustainability in mind and features energy-efficient appliances,
low-flow plumbing fixtures, and other green building practices. Asteri is also located in close proximity to both downtown Cedar City for shopping and activities as well as within a short walk of its sister properties, Libertad and Cairn Point, which also offer comfort and support through the social opportunity any neighborhood offers.
Asteri was made possible through numerous public/private partnerships, including Utah Housing Corporation, Rocky Mountain Community Reinvestment Corporation, Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund, M1 Bank and R4 Capital.
After the ribbon-cutting, Asteri residents gathered in the community area to socialize over a celebratory meal and to receive housewarming gift baskets.
“What has grown here in Cedar City—185 affordable homes among three unique developments—has been truly inspiring,” said Jordan Gibson, Mission Ambassador for the Vecino Group. “Our teams of collaborators here and across Utah over the past few years have achieved something really special. And this level of commitment by all involved on behalf of and for the people that live here—that’s the greater good.”
