Carson housing project celebrated for collective effort

Chico Clark of Oikos Development Corp., believes the Sierra Flats affordable housing project recently completed off Butti Way in east Carson represents a shift in the industry.

“We’re not in the business of creating beige boxes and cramming folks into it and calling it housing,” Clark said. “We’re building homes, places with light, dignity, real amenities, places where seniors and families can feel safe, proud and well cared for, places you would actually brag about living in. And that’s the whole point. Affordable housing should never feel like a compromise.”

Clark joined other development partners, state and city officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 22 for the 160-unit apartment complex. The $55 million project includes 40 units for seniors on a fixed income and 120 units for families.

Sixteen of the family units are offered at market rate, while the rest of the units are designated for those earning between 30 and 60 percent of area median income. Amenities include a wellness center, fitness center, computer lab, EV charging stations, an outdoor playground and barbecues.

For fiscal year 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development put the median family income in Carson City at $92,700. According to Clark, Sierra Flats units rent for $500 a month to $1,150 a month depending on income. The market-rate apartments range from $1,200 a month to $1,350 a month depending on size.

The units in the first phase of the project are completely full, Clark said, while the recently completed second phase has 15 of 80 units full. Clark excepted full occupancy by the end of June. 

The leasing office for the site can be reached at 775-434-7016.

“Sierra Flats is a perfect example of what happens when we come together to address the housing needs in our community,” said the Nevada Housing Coalition’s Amanda Lakin, who also attended the ceremony. “We know housing is the foundation of everything: our health, our wellbeing, access to opportunities and just a connection to our community. So, the residents of this beautiful new project have a safe and affordable place to call home, and that is because of all of you here this morning.” 

Affordable housing has been a critical issue across Nevada. In 2021 and 2022, the Carson City Board of Supervisors approved development agreements to convey city-owned land to developers at no cost for the project. However, use of the land was restricted to affordable housing for at least 51 years.

Scott Neuffer/Nevada Appeal
Sierra Flats affordable housing complex off Butti Way in east Carson City on May 22.

“And yes, somebody was asking earlier, ‘You gave them the property?’ Yes, we did,” said Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell, pointing to the affordable housing restriction.

Bagwell gave a brief history of the project that was championed by late Supervisor Brad Bonkowski. 

“This project is really a special place in my heart because it represents a long journey that began eight years ago when Supervisor Brad Bonkowski and I first started discussions about the need for more attainable housing in our city,” Bagwell said.

The two served on a housing taskforce and commissioned a study that identified a need for permanent affordable housing, she said. The city then evaluated every city parcel not being used. The Butti property had been acquired by the city in 1960. In 2019, the city requested proposals for an affordable housing project.

“I think today, what you’re seeing, are real results,” Bagwell said.

Sierra Flats is more than a set of buildings, the mayor maintained.

“It’s a commitment to the people of Carson City,” she said. “It offers high-quality affordable housing that helps meet the needs of our residents and strengthens the fabric of our community. It’s a place where families will find stability, neighbors will build connections and where lives will continue to grow and flourish.”

While Bagwell thanked staff for their work on the development, former State Sen. Mike Schneider lauded Carson City for providing the land.

“Let me tell you, none of these projects work without the city or county stepping up and putting in the land,” he said.

Describing the challenges of public-private partnerships, Schneider argued the state needs more projects like Sierra Flats. 

“This is the job of government — to help the people,” he said. 

Jeff Carpenter of OCM Builders and CM Development talked of two residents he met: a grandmother with a young grandchild and a single mother with two kids. He described their excitement about moving into the facility. 

“That’s the reason we do this,” he said.