Sawmill Lofts Application Information, Guidelines, & Eligibility

Information:
The Sawmill Lofts is a 60 unit affordable live/work space complex designed with the Artist in mind, located within the 27-acre master planned Arbolera de Vida (Orchard of Life) community in the Sawmill neighborhood. Developed by the Sawmill Community Land Trust and the JL Gray Co., the Sawmill Lofts are located at 1801 Bellamah Ave. NW, on the corner of Bellamah and 19th St NW. The Sawmill Community Land Trust is a community-based, non-profit organization committed to affordable housing, redevelopment, and neighborhood economic development. The Sawmill Lofts will serve low-to-moderate-income individuals and families while providing unique opportunities in space, community, and affordability.

The Sawmill Lofts live/work spaces are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis to qualified applicants. If you are interested in a live/work space, you should complete the application process as soon as possible. Please drop off your application in person to the Sawmill Lofts office.

Application Process:
  1. Complete a rental application.
  2. Attend an orientation about the Sawmill Lofts and living on the Sawmill Community Land Trust. Orientations are offered twice a month and are by appointment only. Call 842-6455 for more information.
  3. Meet with the J.L. Gray Property Manager to verify income and to determine eligibility and rent. A $25.00 fee is required for a background check at the time of this meeting.

Applicants will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis after all three steps of the application process have been completed.

Income Eligibility:
To qualify to live at the Sawmill Lofts, each household must be at or below income guidelines as shown in the table below. There are a specific number of units set aside for each income category. If you look at the first table, you use your yearly income to determine your income percentage of 40%, 50% or 60% of median income. Using your income percentage from the first table, you can then find your corresponding monthly rent and choice of bedrooms in the second table.

For example, if you are a 1 person household and your income is $16,000.00 a year, you would look in the 1 person column and find the income that you are at or below, which is $19,550.00 at 50% median income. Looking at the second table you would use the 50% maximum allowable percentage to determine your rent of $468 for a one bedroom, $563 for 2 bedrooms, or $649 for 3 bedrooms.

Income Category and Family Size 1 Person 2 Persons 3 Persons 4 Persons 5 Persons
Maximum Allowable Initial Income (40%) $15,640 $17,880 $20,120 $22,360 $24,160
Maximum Allowable Initial Income (50%) $19,550 $22,350 $25,150 $27,950 $30,220
Maximum Allowable Initial Income (60%) $23,460 $26,820 $30,180 $33,540 $36,240
 
Rent Category & Number of Bedrooms1 BR2 BR3 BR
Maximum Allowable Initial Rent (40%)$364$438$504
Maximum Allowable Initial Rent (50%)$468$563$649
Maximum Allowable Initial Rent (60%)$573$689$795

The Sawmill Lofts is being developed under the tax credit provisions of Section 42 of the IRS Code. Residents with section 8 vouchers may apply for residency although this housing development is not associated with section 8. Both earned and unearned incomes are considered towards eligibility. The 2007 income limits are issued by HUD and are subject to change. Tenants must re-apply each year. Your rent may increase or decrease if your income has changed, but even if your income goes above the maximum allowable income, you will not lose your space. Water, sewer, and refuse collection are paid for. Tenants will pay for gas and electric, but the rents are reduced to provide an allowance for such.

Questions: If you have any questions about the application process, please email debbie@jlgray.com, call 842-6455, or log onto www.sawmillLofts.org.