FAIRHOPE, Ala. — An apartment complex for elderly and handicapped residents on fixed incomes is now in the hands of a Baldwin County nonprofit agency. The Mitchell Co. recently assisted in the transfer of Meadowview Apartments on Spring Run Road to Ecumenical Ministries Inc. (EMI), a United Way agency. The units are located next door to Mercy Medical’s Carroll Place facility.

Jennifer Crawford, EMI executive director, said, “We considered another complex, but that didn’t work out. We had another chance to work with them (Mitchell Co.) on Meadowview.”

The gift is valued at $1.2 million, she said. The change in ownership had to be approved by USDA and HUD officials because the complex houses some individuals who receive federal housing assistance. EMI is expected to receive around $347,000 in tax credits through the Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO Zone) program to help pay for needed renovations.

“The Mitchell Co. was representing the investors who built the property through tax credits 30 years ago,” Crawford said. “They need a lot of updating on the inside. We want them to be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant and up to date.”

Among the plans for each of the 40 units, according to Crawford, are new air conditioning units; steel entry doors; new carpet; insulated storm windows; impact resistant patio doors; new energy efficient kitchen appliances, including vent hoods; new kitchen cabinets and countertops; new bathroom cabinets, fixtures and accessories, including lavatories, toilets, tub enclosures, tile and grab bars; installation of emergency pull cords; ground fault interrupter plugs in kitchen and bath; Internet wiring; and a phone plug in the bedrooms.

Outdoor improvements will include replacing damaged sidewalks; adding handicapped-accessible ramps; a new fenced playground; shuffleboard court; picnic area; a gazebo for gatherings; new mail center; a new dumpster pad; new exterior lighting; vinyl trim on all buildings; sealing and re-striping the parking lot; new landscaping and additional drainage; .

EMI plans to renovate one four-unit building at a time in order to make the transition as easy as possible for residents. Crawford said, “We’re going to relocate the tenants at our cost and provide everything they need. We’re considering moving them to Arbor Gates or Audubon Park so we can keep them near Fairhope.”

The organization will also make sure the residents have Internet connections in their temporary homes, as well as accommodations for their pets as needed. Crawford pointed out most residents said they prefer their belongings be stored in PODS, or another type of portable storage unit, while their apartments are updated.

The renovation should begin in late January and take about 10 months to complete, according to Tommy Ward, development director of Gateway Co., which worked with EMI to secure funding for the project. Gateway also helped secure the architects and contractor so the project could move forward.

Ward said each building will take a month or less to refurbish. He added, “We’re really excited to be in Fairhope. A great bunch of people live at Meadowview.”

Hollyhand Co. will manage the apartment complex, with Meadowview LTD, EMI’s housing arm, registered as the property owner.

Dr. Gene Brabston, a Fairhope dentist, is the president of Meadowview LTD. He said, “We are grateful to the Mitchell Co. for bringing about the transfer of the complex to us. One of Ecumenical Ministries’ missions is affordable housing. It’s important to keep Meadowview ownership local.”

This marks EMI’s first venture into affordable housing, but Brabston said the group plans to expand that operation.

“Our motive is not to make money,” he noted. “We want to provide affordable housing. If that means owning some properties, we’re willing to step up to the plate.”

Brabston said Meadowview has a waiting list for the one-bedroom units — proof there is a need for more such housing.

Residents at the quiet complex wrapped around a short cul-de-sac are looking forward to the changes. Brabston said, “They’re tickled pink. A day after closing, they called Jennifer (Crawford) and told her how pleased they are.”