Autumn House gets a face lift
Construction crews install new windows and siding at Autumn House Independent Living in Midwest City. Photo by Alyssa Dalley-Schofield
Midwest City uses COVID grant funds to replace windows and siding at senior housing
By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon
Autumn House Independent Living is getting a fresh look.
The Midwest City senior housing complex, 500 W. Adair Blvd., is undergoing a project to replace the siding and windows on the three-story apartment building.
Each of the apartment units in the building had large glass windows about the size of a door. The windows were difficult for residents to open and close. The large windows were replaced with a smaller window that’s easier to use.
“These new ones have blinds in the glass and screens for the windows,” said Shari Lopp with Autumn House.
The siding was worn out and in need of replacement, said Joyce George with Autumn House.
“The new siding looks wonderful, and you didn’t realize how bad it looked before,” she said. “The siding is the same original colors but ours had faded to white.”
Residents have been temporarily displaced during the installation of the new windows in each unit. Autumn House relocated each resident affected by the construction for about 5-6 days until the new windows were installed.
The project is being funded by a grant from the Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 program. The City of Midwest City applied for the grant funds and used them for the senior living facility.
Midwest City applied for funds under the public facility rehabilitation assistance category, said Terri Craft, Midwest City grants manager. The grant money was to be used in response to lasting social and physical effects of COVID in the community.
“This naturally addresses ventilation and makes it easier for tenants to open their windows,” Craft said.
Midwest City was awarded the funds in July 2021. Craft said it took a while to find an architect and bid out the project. Chata Architecture and Hill Construction Solutions are working on the project.
The project also includes installation of a new front door for the building as well as a gazebo.
The total contract is for $457,669.
Work started on the project in June and is expected to wrap up soon.
“Terri Craft is the go-to lady for getting this done,” said Lopp. “I don’t think people realize how much the city does for us but we appreciate it.”
