Building Housing and Community

On Aug. 15, Cook Inlet Housing Authority hosted a grand opening ceremony celebrating the second development phase of Ch’bala Corners, an affordable housing property in Anchorage's Spenard neighborhood. A multi-family housing property, Ch’bala Corners Phase II includes 24 two-bedroom apartment units, 12 three-bedroom townhouse units and two three-bedroom duplex units. The name Ch’bala comes from the Dena’ina word for spruce tree and recognizes the language and culture of the original inhabitants and stewards of the land.

“This is the culmination of about a decade and a half of work,” said Gabe Laymen, Cook Inlet Housing Authority president/CEO, addressing the crowd of business and building partners, community members, residents and visiting dignitaries.

Laymen thanked the project's architects, contractors, builders and funding partners and extended special thanks to Ch’bala Corners residents.

“While we can build housing, it’s the people who will live here who will build community,” Layman said.

The first development of Ch’bala Corners, an intergenerational living property comprising 48 senior and multi-family housing units and a communal greenspace, was celebrated in 2022.

A Ch’bala Corners resident since 2022, Gary Talley addressed the crowd, saying “My wife and I were really excited about the chance to move into new housing. Spenard has been my home for 20 years and I really enjoy this area. My wife and I are very happy here.”

A History of Partnership

Ch’bala Corners Phases I and II were funded in part by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s Greater Opportunities for Affordable Living (GOAL) program, which encourages the responsible development of housing for seniors and lower-income Alaskans through grants, federal tax credits and zero-interest federal loans.

“Put simply, we could not break ground on these projects without AHFC’s partnership,” Layman said.

Daniel Delfino, director of Planning and Program Development at Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, spoke about AHFC’s long standing partnership with CIHA.

“Cook Inlet Housing makes us better as an agency by making us responsive to the needs they see on the ground, in the community. It’s been wonderful to see what they’ve been able to do, not just in this community but across the state,” Delfino said. “What I’ve learned over the last 16 or so years is that they follow through…Often, they transform entire neighborhoods.”

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“We are incredibly proud that over time we have been able to bring 165 quality, affordable homes to this neighborhood in Spenard. In addition, we’ve been able to build and rehabilitate thousands of square feet of commercial property so that we can attract and retain small businesses in this community.”

- Gabe Layman, Cook Inlet Housing Authority president/CEO

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The central location of Ch’bala Corners in Spenard provides residents with convenient access to employment centers, medical care, public transportation, shops and public facilities. Built to a 5 Star Plus energy rating, the property features a solar photovoltaic alternative energy system.

Cook Inlet Housing Authority has pledged that 23 units at Ch’bala Corners II will be set aside for households making less than 50% of Anchorage’s area median income. Fifteen units will be set aside for households at 60% AMI, two units will be set aside for Alaskans experiencing homelessness, and 6 units will be set aside for residents with disabilities.