Alexander House rededicated; next section of Paradise Heights to hold grand opening

Joseph Deinlein, The Herald-Mail
·4 min read

NHP Foundation cuts ribbon on remodeled Alexander House

NHP Foundation rededicated the Alexander House, a low-income senior apartment community, in Hagerstown on Sept. 11. The ribbon-cutting featured Hagerstown Mayor Tekesha Martinez in celebration of the $30 million rehabilitation, according to a news release form NHPF.

NHPF renovated the entire building including replacing all windows and damaged doors, cabinets, appliances, and bathtubs, according to the release. NHPF historically renovated Alexander House’s exterior by cleaning all the masonry and repairing any damage. The organization improved the building’s access by converting six units into Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards compliant apartments; two units into hearing and visually impaired apartments; and reconfigured the laundry room, common areas, and entrances so they are ADA compliant.

Officials and dignitaries cut the ribbon to reopen Alexander House on Public Square in Hagerstown. From left, Brett Ruby, NHPF; Ken White, Operation Pathways; Scott Barkan, NHPF; Karrie Hawbaker, Alexander House community manager; Geanna Franqui, NHPF; Hagerstown Mayor Tekesha Martinez; Nan Mann, office of U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen; Annaston Cree, office of U.S. Rep. David Trone; Stephen Green, NHPF; Ethan Handelman, HUD; Brien O’Toole, chief of housing production, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

The organization also upgraded the retail space and welcomed two new tenants, according to the release. Menysa Events specializes in luxe balloon design and event design décor, and Create a Candle provides patrons a unique and relaxing experience creating custom candles. NHPF also signed a long-term lease with Authentic Community Theater Inc. for the former television space in the back of the Alexander House building. ACT provides performing arts education to students in grades 1-12 as well as a variety of entertainment options for the community.

NHPF improved Alexander House’s energy performance with new energy-efficient, split-system heating and cooling, ducted bathroom exhaust, and fresh air supplies, according to the release. NHPF replaced all lights with energy efficient lighting, appliances with Energy Star appliances, and plumbing fixtures with water sense faucets. The renovation was awarded the Enterprise Green Communities Certification for its sustainable upgrades.

The rehabilitation was made possible by $12.8 million of equity and $9.5 million of construction debt from Enterprise Community Capital; $7.5 million FHA insured loan from AGM Financial; $6 million loan from the State of Maryland Community Development Administration; $500,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta; and $500,000 of construction debt from the Enterprise Community Loan Fund Inc.

Operation Pathways, NHPF’s resident services subsidiary, will provide onsite programming for the residents of Alexander House.

“Restoring this beautiful historic community asset, providing vital onsite resident services, and providing affordable retail opportunities to small, local companies represents a great accomplishment for NHPF and our partners,” said Scott Barkan, NHPF senior vice president and Alexander House lead developer.

Alexander House was built in 1928 as a hotel in the Renaissance Revival style. It was renovated in 1978 to accommodate 95 units for low-income disabled residents and senior residents aged 62 and over. The 10-story building also includes over 20,000 square feet of commercial and community space.

Hagerstown-based bookkeeping firm offers services virtually

A new virtual bookkeeping service based in Hagerstown for individuals and businesses is now accepting clients, according to a news release.

Monarch Bookkeeping LLC provides comprehensive accounting services to businesses of all sizes, according to the release. In addition to bookkeeping, services include tax preparation, payroll processing, financial statement preparation and more.

Owner Brianne Tesla Bearese is a certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, and is Gusto Payroll certified, according to the release. She is also certified in medical billing and coding. Bearese is also the founder and executive director of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness (PAILA) of Washington County.

While Monarch Bookkeeping is a locally owned business, offering virtual accounting services allows accommodation of client needs no matter where they are. In addition, the firm provides clients unlimited email and text support.

For more details, go to www.monarch-bookkeepingllc.com.

Grand opening planned for new section of Paradise Heights neighborhood

Manor House Builders will host a grand opening of the next section of Paradise Heights on Saturday, Oct. 14 from noon to 2 p.m.

The community off Amesbury Rd and Pulaski Drive has 22 lots. Infrastructure was completed over the summer and new homes are for sale. The model home for the community is at 13802 Delight Drive.

For more information, go to www.manorhousebuilders.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Alexander House rededicated; next section of Paradise Heights to hold grand opening