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Sparks selects Northern Nevada Community Housing to build affordable apartments at 306 10th Street
Summary
Council chose Northern Nevada Community Housing's 41-unit 'Railhouse' concept for 306 10th Street, preserving the existing historic building as a community room, prioritizing households at 60% AMI and a veterans preference. Council directed staff to complete a development agreement and transfer grant covenants.
The Sparks City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 28 to select Northern Nevada Community Housing to develop affordable housing on the city-owned parcel at 306 10th Street (APN 032-191-17).
Housing Specialist Amy Jones presented three active proposals (after one withdrawal) for the under-one-acre downtown site acquired with Home Means Nevada Initiative (HMNI) funds. Northern Nevada Community Housing proposed the "Railhouse" — a conceptual 41-unit project that would incorporate the existing historic building as a community room and leasing office, target households at 60% area median income (AMI) and include a veteran preference. The estimated project cost presented by Northern Nevada Community Housing was about $6.1 million with a projected completion in September 2027.
Councilmembers praised the veteran preference and the proposal's attempt to retain the existing historic structure. Christine Johnson of the Sparks Heritage Museum had urged preservation of the house during public comment earlier in the meeting. Northern Nevada Community Housing will provide 20 hours per week of supportive services on site and partner with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada for food-access support.
Member Abbott moved to approve selection of Northern Nevada Community Housing; the motion passed unanimously. Staff outlined next steps: staff will negotiate and return with a development agreement, assignment and assumption of the HMNI grant agreement and declaration of restricted covenants, and a quitclaim deed transferring the parcel to the developer for council approval at a later meeting.
