Renovations at Randolph House Begin

On January 3, 2022, construction of a year’s long rehabilitation project began at Randolph House located on 65 North Main St in Downtown Randolph. Owned and operated by the Randolph Area Community Development Corporation (RACDC) and its subsidiaries for nearly 30 years, Randolph House is one of the oldest and largest senior housing facilities in the region and receives subsidies through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure that all eligible low-income seniors can afford to live there. The building contains 48 HUD-subsidized apartments that serve low-income seniors, as well as a handful of younger disabled individuals, and provides ease of access to local businesses and services, such as the Support and Services at Home (SASH) wellness program that RACDC also administers for our region. In addition to providing much needed affordable housing to area seniors, and jobs for local tradespeople in the care and upkeep of the property, Randolph House pays approximately $55k per year in local property taxes to the Town of Randolph. Since RACDC’s management began, the 7-story steel frame, brick building underwent some modest renovations upon acquisition in 1992, and renovation funded through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act in 2012, which consisted primarily of weatherization and energy efficiency updates such as insulation and new heating and solar hot water systems. The current rehabilitation project is intended to bring the entire building’s life safety systems up to current codes, extend the building’s lifespan, increase energy efficiency, and create a comfortable, safe, and supportive environment for residents.

The project scope was developed in partnership with Steve Schenker of S2 Architecture, Naylor & Breen Construction Management, Pride Consulting, and Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), with the thoughtful feedback of residents, property managers and supportive services staff. The rehabilitation work involves the addition of a new elevator tower serving all 7 floors, complete renovations of the building’s five ADA units, new potable water piping and life safety updates, and a new 1-story addition with basement that will provide office space for management and services, expand common area spaces for residents, and add a kitchen and bathrooms. The building’s parking lots and service entrances are also planned to be updated to provide an at-grade entrance from Prince Street to improve access to transportation, safety and functionality of these areas. The new elevator tower, which will complement the existing elevator, will allow residents to access an elevator without interruption during upgrades to the old elevator and periods of regular maintenance. Consistent with the Uniform Relocation Act, residents of Randolph House will be briefly relocated into local, accommodations off-site when rehabilitation activities in resident units are taking place. RACDC’s staff and SASH Coordinator are overseeing the brief relocation of residents and will to continue to ensure all individuals have access to the services and amenities they need.

The project cost, which includes $6 million in construction costs, is made possible through a mixture of federal and state tax credits, loans, and energy incentives that were secured with the support of state agencies and local financial institutions. Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) is providing both federal Low Income Housing Credits and State Tax Credits for the project, with Bar Harbor Bank & Trust acting as the equity partner that purchases those credits. Northfield Savings Bank is RACDC’s lending partner in the Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program, and will be providing the long-term subsidized mortgage on the property upon project completion. Additional funding was provided by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) through its state trust funds and awards from federal Housing Trust Funds and HOME Program funds. The HOME Program is administered by HUD and seeks to provide grants to state agencies to implement affordable housing opportunities for low to very-low income Americans. Downtown Tax Credits and energy efficiency incentives were also secured for the project with the support of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and Efficiency Vermont, respectively.

RACDC is grateful to have partnered with an experienced and dedicated team of development professionals and financial lenders to pursue the Randolph House rehabilitations, which would not be possible without their support. We look forward to seeing the project through its completion and ensuring our residents have a safe, comfortable, and deeply enjoyable place to call “home” for many years to come.

Season of Giving Fundraiser

We're kicking off our Season of Giving fundraiser and need your support! We have an ambitious goal to raise $10,000 by the end of the year, but we know we can make it together.  When you make a tax-deductible donation to RACDC, you're supporting:

> Vital affordable housing services that create safety and stability for hundreds of individuals and families

> Wellness support services for seniors in our community 

> Economic development opportunities, including small business loans and tax credit support, for independently owned retailers and service providers

> Community connections and solidarity through partnerships like the Randolph Area Mutual Aid Network (RAMAN)

All donors of RACDC are welcomed as members to the organization, meaning you have a say in the direction of the organization and our ongoing programming. 

Make your donation to our Annual Campaign today, and please share widely! Donate: www.racdc.com/donate

2021 Downtown Randolph Holiday Gift Guide

Located just three miles from I-89, Downtown Randolph has so much to offer for the holiday and winter seasons. Shop for unique holiday gifts, enjoy delicious local food and drink, and so much more! We're proud to present the 2021 Downtown Randolph Holiday Gift Guide featuring Randolph's independently own retailers, restaurants, and experiences for the whole family. Explore the guide here: https://racdc.com/holidays-downtown-randolph

Our 2021 Annual Report

Our 2021 Annual Report is hot off the press! 

To view online visit: https://racdc.com/annualreport2021

Watch the 2021 Annual Meeting!

In case you missed our 2021 Annual Meeting and the highly engaging speakers, you can now view the entire program at your leisure! Watch now at: https://vimeopro.com/user6641730/racdc

To learn more about the event, including our speakers, please visit: www.racdc.com/annualmeeting

Safe & Seen Halloween 2021!

Safe & Seen Halloween Returns to Randolph!

In partnership with the White River Valley Chamber of Commerce and Town of Randolph Rec Department, RACDC is pleased to present the 2021 Safe & Seen Halloween event! Featuring a hybrid model, this year features the first annual trick-or-treating on Merchants Row, including a fire dance performance (!!), and the second annual "drive thru" trick-or-treating located at the OSSU Superintendent's Office parking lot.  With this hybrid model our organizers are hoping bring safe and fun options to all who choose to celebrate this Halloween in our Randolph community. Trick-or-treating at both locations are from 4-7pm, with the fire performance on Merchant's Row beginning at 5pm (weather permitting).  The drive thru event will have stuffed candy bags featuring donations from local organizations and businesses for attendees (first come, first served), plus tons of spooky decorations to enjoy! 

Families are invited to enjoy both locations of the event! Stay safe, and we'll see you on the 31st!

2020 Annual Report

RACDC is pleased to present the 2020 Annual Report! This year's report is featured as an interactive map that displays our ongoing and new programming in Downtown Randolph and the surrounding area. Explore everything from our affordable housing programs to the new Downtown WiFi project! Follow the link to learn more: https://racdc.com/2020annualreport

Randolph In Motion: Fall/Winter Tourism Guide 2020-2021

Explore everything that Randolph has to offer this winter!

Contents:

• Staying Active with RASTA
• Downtown Shopping and Services
• Community Recreation
• On the Farm
• Hometown Services

Created by the Town of Randolph and Randolph Economic Development Council