The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) has officially approved the financing package for Spring Creek Ridge, a new 40-unit affordable senior housing development in Salem designed for residents aged 55 and older. The Commission voted on December 9 to award the project a combination of federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and an MHDC HOME loan, securing the resources needed to proceed to closing and construction. Spring Creek Ridge is being developed through a partnership between the Salem Housing Authority, RCH Development, South Central Missouri Community Action Agency (SCMCAA), and a highly experienced group of project partners. The development team is led by Chad Hartle, a veteran affordable housing developer with over three decades of experience delivering LIHTC communities throughout Missouri.
The MHDC funding round was highly competitive, with 86 applications submitted from communities across Missouri and only 29 developments approved statewide. Securing an award required exceptional coordination, local commitment, and broad-based support. The approval of Spring Creek Ridge reflects years of preparation and a unified effort by the City of Salem, the Salem Housing Authority, state and local officials, service providers, and private partners working together toward a shared goal of expanding affordable senior housing.
“Spring Creek Ridge is exactly the kind of community I want to develop in a community such as Salem,” said Chad Hartle, President of RCH Development. “It combines high-quality, energy-efficient homes with deep affordability and on-site services for seniors, while also partnering with the City to solve infrastructure challenges that have been in place for years.”
Strong local and legislative support
The project has received broad and enthusiastic support from local and state leaders. Salem Mayor Greg Parker, City Administrator Sally Burbridge, the Salem City Council, State Representative John Hewkin, and State Senator Justin Brown have each expressed support for the project and its importance to the region’s seniors. Carrie Sutterfield, Salem’s Economic Development Director, and Melissa Shaw, Executive Director of the Salem Housing Authority, played key roles in advancing the proposal.
“This is a big win for Salem,” said Mayor Greg Parker. “For years we have known we needed more safe, modern, and affordable housing options for our seniors, and Spring Creek Ridge addresses those challenges while partnering with the City to improve critical infrastructure.”
Spring Creek Ridge is also located in the hometown of Congressman Jason Smith, Chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.
Significant state investment to support Salem’s seniors
According to MHDC’s reservation letter, Spring Creek Ridge has been awarded:
• $1,080,000 in Federal 9% Housing Tax Credits
• $756,000 in State 9% Housing Tax Credits
• $650,000 in MHDC HOME funding
These resources will finance a modern senior housing community featuring 32 affordable units and 8 market-rate units. Affordable two-bedroom units are projected at $690 per month, while market-rate units are set at $775.
A strong partnership with the City of Salem
The City of Salem has demonstrated exceptional support for the project, including donating the development site and passing resolutions committing to rezoning. Spring Creek Ridge will also fund $400,000 in critical sewer upgrades—improvements long needed by the City.
Modern, service-enriched housing for seniors
Spring Creek Ridge will consist of ten residential buildings and a community building, offering:
• 40 spacious two-bedroom apartments
• On-site social services and resident support
• Energy-efficient construction and modern amenities
• High-speed broadband infrastructure
• A community-focused design that fosters safety and independence
Catalyzing long-term community growth
The project is expected to stimulate local economic activity, support construction jobs, and attract further investment. MHDC will now proceed with the Conditional Reservation Agreement and environmental review processes, with closing anticipated late in 2026.
About the Salem Housing Authority
Established in the 1970s, the Salem Housing Authority owns and manages 150 affordable homes. Under the leadership of Melissa Shaw, the Authority is expanding its impact through this entry into the LIHTC program.
