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Anaconda Deer Lodge County advances plan to convert Dwyer School into 55+ affordable apartments
Summary
County commissioners heard a developer presentation and community comment on a proposal to turn the old Dwyer School into 24 market‑rate but income‑restricted apartments for residents 55 and older; the project seeks tax credits and was placed on a future agenda for formal consideration.
At a county commission meeting, staff and a housing nonprofit presented a plan to redevelop the old Dwyer School at 1601 Tamney/Tammany Street into a 24‑unit housing complex aimed at residents 55 and older.
Carl Hamlin and Tiffany Apnea of the Idaho‑based housing company described a one‑ and two‑bedroom development that staff said would seek federal and state low‑income housing tax credits. Tiffany Apnea told the commission, “This project that we're targeting would be ... 24 units for seniors 55 and older, a combination of 1 and 2 bedrooms.” The presenters said the development team sought roughly $8.5 million in tax credits and estimated the total project cost at about $8 million.
Tiffany and county staff said the target affordability band would be roughly 40–60 percent of area median income, with individual income qualifications discussed in the meeting as about $19,000 to $41,000. Commissioners and staff described monthly rents in the range of roughly under $600 to about $1,000 depending on unit size; presenters emphasized the proposal is not a Section 8 voucher project but rather an affordable rental model for retired or working older adults.
The planning board had approved the project 6–0 at a public hearing, and presenters highlighted nearby services including a grocery, pharmacy and a trail connection. The developer noted the property has significant blight and ongoing vandalism; staff said prior RFPs and rehabilitation estimates showed much higher costs to preserve the existing building than to redevelop the site.
Members of the public raised questions about density, parking, whether grandchildren or children could live in the complex, and fire safety. A resident asked that organizers hold additional neighborhood meetings; Tiffany Apnea said the building will be sprinklered and that the company will pursue on‑site property management. Presenters said the plan calls for 99 parking spaces and a single‑story design to reduce neighborhood impact.
After discussion, a commissioner asked that the Dwyer School bid and redevelopment proposal be placed on a future agenda for formal action and further review.
Next steps: The commission will schedule the Dwyer School redevelopment item for a subsequent meeting so the board can consider the proposal, financing details and any required land or development actions.
