Clarion Housing, Inc. celebrates 50 years of providing senior housing

            In 1969, several concerned Clarionites started mulling over an idea. They recognized that Clarion needed affordable housing for its senior citizens who were still independent enough to live on their own. Such housing was something that area towns were dabbling in, but Clarion still lacked. The idea for Clarion Housing, Inc. was soon born.

            Clarion Housing, Inc. is more recognizable as the organization behind the Southtown, Clarwood and Mayfair Apartments. The idea for the housing was conceived in 1969 but really started to take off in the early 70s. The first president of the group was Mel Robie, and a twelve-member board was elected. The Mayfair Apartments were the first to be constructed on 8^th Ave SW in 1971. Then came the Clarwood Apartments in 1973 and finally the big Southtown property with 14 building on South Main. In all, Clarion Housing offers 62 one and two bedroom units throughout Clarion

            The first site managers were Evelyn and Ray Fibaker. Through the years others included Chuck and Ruth Radechel, Earl and Ruth Davis, Karen Schluttenhofer and Lance LaRue, the current site manager. The current property manager is Murphy Management out of Algona.

            There are some requirements for living in the apartments. Board member Deb Prehm explains that residents must be 55 or older or have a disabled status. There is also rent assistance available for those that qualify. Paul Kirstein, another member, says routine maintenance, garbage and water are all included in the rent. There is building and grounds maintenance that take care of things like shoveling snow and mowing. The only utilities residents pay for is electricity and the on-site laundry.  Board member Larry Guth adds, “We strive to maintain a clean and save environment for renters.”

For the full, see this week's Monitor