Add another chapter to the storied history of the Pauline Downs apartment complex.
The complex, comprised of four classic apartment buildings on 300 East between 100 and 136 South, is being restored for affordable housing for low-income families under a partnership among the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City, the state of Utah and Key Bank of Utah.The $3 million project was launched in January with a massive lead abatement effort in each of the four buildings, the Pauline, Embassy, Embassy Arms and Downing.
The buildings were obtained by the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City in 1993 through a HUD repossession. Key Bank provided a large part of the financing, including the construction loan, a tax-credit partnership and permanent financing.
The Pauline has undergone a complete renovation. Gray paint has been removed from the buildings, revealing attractive blond brick. The brick was sandblasted and sealed to preserve the integrity of the structures as well as protect the original building materials.
Apartment interiors have new paint, carpet, bathroom fixtures, kitchen sinks and updated appliances. Heating systems have been updated, and its basement houses a laundry room for tenants. The Pauline has one- and two-bedroom units.
Decks on the Pauline have been substantially rebuilt. The Housing Authority has provided matching deck chairs to ensure a uniform look along the block, said Susan Manning, director of nonfederal programs for the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City.
Another improvement is the enclosed breezeway between the buildings that comprise the Pauline, which houses a fire escape and seals off space to help make the buildings more secure.
The apartments also will have hard-wired smoke alarms, key locks on the front entrances instead of punch-combination locks, which proved to be ineffective when renters would confide the lock codes to visitors.
The Downing, the Embassy and Embassy Arms have undergone lead abatement procedures and will receive new carpet and new plumbing fixtures, and shower installation in studio apartments where necessary. The restoration project also includes replacing radiators with forced hot water heat.
The work has also included correcting drainage problems at The Downing. Previously, basement tenants experienced flooding problems.
The Downing was once the home of world boxing champion Jack Dempsey. Dempsey, dubbed "The Manassa Mauler" for his birthplace Manassa, Colo., a Mormon colony, lived in a luxury apartment adjacent to the Salt Lake Athletic Club where he would train. His dwelling reportedly contained shelves on which his trophies were displayed.
Another of the restored building, the Embassy Arms, was once a brothel.
While she is amused by the lore that accompanies each of the buildings, Manning said she is primarily concerned with preserving historic buildings and providing safe, decent housing.
"I think, especially in downtown, they're worth restoring to keep downtown looking well and to provide decent housing," she said.
Ross Kendell, Key Bank of Utah president and chief executive officer, agrees: "There is a great need for financing for the rehabilitation of downtown buildings which have experienced years of decline. The Pauline Downs development will provide affordable housing to lower-income persons from all walks of life in our community."
Restoration of the complex has stirred considerable interest among the renting public, hard hit by a shortage of rental units in the community, let alone affordable housing.
"We ran an ad and I'll tell you, we were bombarded with calls," said Manning.
Although the apartments are intended for low-income renters, the units are not public housing. "The rent is stated. This is not federally subsidized set-aside housing," Manning said. "But we cannot rent to anyone whose incomes is above certain levels." Rent is $500 a month.
To be eligible to rent the apartments, household incomes (maximum gross) in a household of two people may not exceed $20,040. For a household of four, maximum gross income may not exceed $25,080.
"These units are very good for the young professional just starting out," she said.