Workforce Housing Project Recognized by BIA-Hawai‘i

The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency and Mark Development Inc. have received an award from the Building Industry Association-Hawai‘i (BIA-Hawai‘i) for the Koa‘e Makana Workforce Housing Project.

During BIA-Hawai‘i’s 2020 Building Industry Design & Construction Awards virtual presentation in October, the Housing Agency and Mark Development Inc. were awarded the Grand Award in the category of Affordable Multi-Family Development.

The BIA-Hawai‘i annual competition features remodeling and new construction projects statewide. The competition is considered one of the most prestigious building and design competitions in the state and entries are judged on creativity, use of materials, craftsmanship, functionality and design principles. The award-winning designs incorporate the latest technologies and products on the market today.

“We are honored to have been chosen to receive this prestigious award among the many other well-deserving entries,” said Adam Roversi, Kaua‘i County Housing Agency director. “This much needed and highly anticipated project for our South Shore residents has proven to be worth the years of planning, hard work, and leadership of our County and partners. The project is a great addition to the community and we are exceedingly happy with the finished homes.”

The Koa‘e Makana Workforce Housing Project completed in early 2020. It consists of 134, one- to three-bedroom affordable rental units. It includes abundant tenant and guest parking, a keiki play area, and a community center to support family activities. There are 23, two-story buildings thoughtfully planned on 11 acres, amidst lush landscaping and the flowing waters of Waikomo Stream.

Designed to serve the workforce housing needs of the Kōloa visitor industry and supporting local small businesses, the project is now fully leased and occupied with renters. Waitlist preferences are offered to applicants working within the immediate vicinity of Kōloa.

The County of Kaua‘i selected Mark Development Inc. in a competitive process to construct and manage the project on county-owned land under a long-term lease agreement. The approximately $43 million project was funded by the County of Kaua‘i, federal housing grants, and low-income tax credit financing.

“Mark Development Inc. would like to thank all those whose contributions helped create Kaua‘i’s newest and largest affordable housing project, including but not limited to the County of Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i County Housing Agency, Shioi Construction, Goodfellow Brothers, Mark Ventura Architects, Bow Engineering and Development, CREA, American Savings Bank, Kukuiula and many more,” the company released in a statement.

For more information on the County of Kaua‘i Koa‘e Makana Workforce Housing Project, visit www.mdihawaii.com/koaemakana.

For more information on the BIA-Hawai‘i Building Industry Design & Construction Awards, visit http://www.biahawaii.org/bidca-winners.