MEDIA ADVISORY, June 6, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) --
When: Friday, June 9, 2006 2 p.m.-3 p.m. What: One of the first mixed-income co-housing communities in the nation for people aged 55 and older will celebrate its grand opening in Abingdon, Va., Friday, June 9, 2006. Trailview Development Corporation and event sponsor Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta will join community residents and local officials in a dedication ceremony and housing tour to mark the official opening of the $3.5 million development. ElderSpirit Community is the culmination of six years of planning from former nun and Trailview Executive Director Dene Peterson, who worked with several community groups and lenders to create the self-planned community. Located on 3.7 acres near the Virginia Creeper Trail, the ElderSpirit community includes a mix of 29 rental and single-family homes, a common house, and a spirit center for those aged 55 and older. Funding for the two-phase project includes the Virginia Housing Development Authority, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises, Retirement Research Foundation, and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta through member Highlands Union Bank. Who: Susan Dewey, Executive Director, Virginia Housing Development Authority Scott Harvard, Vice Chair, FHLBank Atlanta Board of Directors Joe Johnson, Virginia Delegate, Fourth District C. Wayne Perry, Senior Vice President, Highlands Union Bank Dene Peterson, Executive Director, Trailview Development Corporation William Shelton, Executive Director, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Where: ElderSpirit Community 224 Lowland Street Abingdon, VA 276-628-8908
Editor's Note: Program participants will be available after the opening event.